Everyone knew Josh had only ever danced during their wedding reception. “If you can get him moving with the club music, I would be amazed.” I couldn’t picture her mostly-serious husband shaking his hips to the music.
Haylee laughed. “Me, too, however that’s what Vegas is for.”
We all toasted to that.
While returning to our rooms, I walked a few steps back from the other ladies, next to Sasha, allowing me to say a few words to her in private. “I’m excited to have a sister-in-law I actually like.”
She smiled sincerely. “Thanks. Me, too, although I’m sure the rest of your family doesn’t feel quite the same way about me that you do.”
I scoffed. “Believe me when I say Brian and I are the only normal ones, so you should take any rejection by the others as a compliment. You two are perfect for each other. I realize we haven’t really known one another very long, but I already kind of think of you as family.”
“I feel the same. So what’s new with you? Last I saw you, Colby was beside himself taking care of you any way he could after the accident.”
Oh, boy. I didn’t wish to lie, but I couldn’t go and spill the truth, taking a chance that my brother would find out before Colby could speak with him. “How about I take a raincheck on answering your question for a few more weeks?” By then, we’d surely be ready to tell people.
She looked at me curiously. “What’s happening, then?”
I tried to play it cool. “Hopefully something worth telling you about.”
***
After arriving back in my room, it was tempting to text Colby to ask how his night was going or innocently say I was in my bed thinking of him. Ha. Who was I kidding? There’d be nothing innocent about it. How funny that the last time we’d been in Vegas nothing had happened between us, either.
Needing a distraction, I took a long bath before settling down into my king-sized bed. Damn. I had it bad when I couldn’t go one night without wanting to feel or, at the very least, talk to him. Tomorrow when we moved into the same hotel as the men, it would be torture having a room down the hall from him as Haylee had arranged everyone on the same floor.
On the brink of finally falling asleep, I heard my phone buzz. Reaching for it, I was disappointed to see it was only a text from Haylee with a time and place to meet tomorrow. Deciding I’d send a quick message to Colby, after all, I typed:
“One night down with one to go. Miss you. Now delete this message or it will self-destruct in 3-2-1.”
I was too sleepy to wait for his response but noticed in the morning I’d yet to receive one.
***
Because Vegas in August was brutally hot, we girls were checked in and poolside at the boys’ hotel by ten o’clock the next morning. It was hilarious watching Haylee and Sasha stroll by Brian and Josh as the men were ordering drinks at the bar. The looks on the guys’ faces were priceless, and they both practically tripped over themselves when they realized the gorgeous women in bikinis were, in fact, their significant others.
The surprise was sweet and it was obvious that both men were genuinely thrilled to have had their weekends crashed. It momentarily distracted me from searching for Colby. So when I heard his voice, I practically jumped.
“Hi, ladies.” His eyes twinkled when he saw my reaction, but he quickly turned towards Catherine. “Since we’re in Vegas where drinking in the morning is not only accepted, it’s expected, can I get you anything from the bar?”
“Nice to see you again, Colby.” She got up from her lounge chair and kissed him on the cheek. She’d known him for a number of years, having been a friend of Josh’s. “I’d love a Bloody Mary.”
He turned towards me, flashing the PDG. “And for you, Kenz?”
“A beer would be great, thanks.”
He was wearing nothing but board shorts, and as he walked away, it was clear women were taking notice. Who could blame them with his fine body on display? It would sure be nice to be able to show everyone he was my man. Deciding this was torture, I smiled at Catherine and excused myself to go in search of a snack.
After walking to the other side of the pool, I ordered a hot pretzel, pleasantly surprised when Colby came over to deliver my beer.
“Hi,” I greeted, hearing my voice go husky.
The look on his face made me realize it hadn’t gone unnoticed. “Hi.”
“You didn’t answer my text,” I whispered, accepting my pretzel and walking with him along the pool towards the other side where everyone else was.
He sighed. “I wanted to, but I we were at a bar and I didn’t want anyone asking who I was texting.”
I swallowed hard, not liking the reminder of our secret, yet knowing it was ridiculous that I couldn’t have gone one night without hearing from him. “Right. Guess that makes sense.”
He gave me a sideways glance. “Don’t be mad.”
“I’m more annoyed with myself that I sent it at all. The dumb thing is we’d normally be playing around right now instead of acting weird.”
I should’ve known when his devilish smile flashed my way, he was up to something.
“You’re right, so in the spirit of getting back there and showing everyone we’re acting like we typically would, let me take your beer and pretzel. And in you go.”
And just like that, he hip checked me into the pool.
I came up for air, glaring at him despite my grin. Yeah, that would be something he’d do to me before we’d become a couple. At least he’d saved my beer and snack.
Everyone else shared the amusement. As they laughed, I caught Mark and Will’s nods from behind Colby.
When I reached my hand up for help, Colby was smart enough to grab onto the rail, knowing I’d try to pull him in. But he was unprepared for the assistance of two strong guys pushing him from behind.
He laughed, making a show out of dunking me, except this time when I went under, I felt an undeniable butt grab. I caught his wink when I broke the surface.
My brother jumped in to give me a hug while the rest of the group joined soon after. We hung out there until noon and then retired to our rooms with the plan to meet up for dinner by five o’clock.
I was jealous of the couples getting some alone time and tried to figure out what I would do with my afternoon. Hearing the knock on my door sent my heart into overdrive, so when I saw Will standing there, I tried not to look disappointed.
“You interested in shooting some guns and hanging out with the boys this afternoon?”
I smiled, thinking it did sound like a lot of fun. “I’d love to. Who else is coming?”
“Both Colby and Mark. Catherine booked a spa appointment as she wasn’t really into it. Meanwhile, we have reservations at an indoor range and, I believe, go-cart racing afterwards.”
Sounded like a good time to me.
***
After a great day of hanging with the guys, one of which was my secret boyfriend, I returned to my room with a lasting smile. We’d all four bet on everything from shooting to who’d win the best out of five races. Mark, who was the quieter guy of the group, was no match for the outgoing personalities of the other three of us but admitted he hadn’t had such a good time in ages. Even if I didn’t get to touch Colby all day, at least we’d been able to spend time together, having fun like we’d always been able to do.
Donning a black romper that belted at the waist, I hoped Catherine was right about the garment showing off my legs, a claim she’d made when I’d tried it on yesterday. I wore my hair down with large chunky curls, quickly put on some makeup, and met the others at the appointed time downstairs in the lobby.
Everyone was in a good mood, especially Josh, who’d found out that in addition to his wife coming to crash the weekend, she’d brought the baby with their nanny. As she’d said last evening, it was the best of both worlds to be able to enjoy the adult celebrations and then come back to their daughter afterward.
A limo whisked us all to a wonderful Italian place where both the a
lcohol and conversation flowed. I noticed Colby was careful to keep his distance from me. Despite knowing I’d agreed to this for the weekend, it still sucked. Big time. I needed another drink, but not so many I got to the point of accidentally trying to dry hump him in a corner of the club later.
At the conclusion of a great dinner, we walked the Strip a couple of blocks to our next destination which was a happening night club. As soon as we made our way in, Sasha and I excused ourselves to the ladies room, where she turned in front of the vanity, complimenting me.
“You look really great tonight. I swear you have the best legs, and Catherine was right about that outfit showing them off.”
“Thank you. Sometimes it’s nice to dress up my inner tomboy.”
She scoffed. “Uh, nothing tomboyish about you tonight. And I can’t help but notice that Colby is being very careful not to pay too much attention to you.”
I smiled, appreciating her solidarity and wishing I could confide in her. But it wouldn’t be fair to put her into a position where she’d be keeping secrets from my brother.
After walking back out, we made our way towards the VIP section where we had tables a floor above the action on the dance floor. The place was starting to fill up, so our exclusive area was nice in that we didn’t have to fight the growing masses.
I watched as two beautiful women approached Brian and Colby, who were both standing by the balcony. The women looked as though they were familiar with them.
Sasha’s brow arched. “Do you know who they are?”
“No, I sure don’t. Is it me, or are they kind of touchy?” Both women had hugged the guys. Now they were unsubtly brushing their arms with their hands in a way that said this wasn’t the first time they’d met each other.
“Definitely touchy and flirty.”
Much to my brother’s credit, he appeared instantly uncomfortable. My man, on the other hand, was harder to figure since he laughed at something the brunette said to him and didn’t seem to mind she was only inches from him.
“Come on, we’re going in,” Sasha said, taking me by the arm and then leading me over to them. Clearly, she intended to have the blonde standing way too close to Brian know that his fiancée was here.
“Hey, Bri,” Sasha said with a smile.
My brother looked relieved, putting his arm around her immediately. “Uh, Simone, Rachel, this is my fiancée, Sasha, and my sister, Kenzie.”
Both women smiled, and we murmured our pleasantries, but it was obvious that Rachel, the blonde, was a bit disappointed to learn Brian had a fiancée. She was quickly consoled, however, with Will and Mark joining the group.
Now that I was closer to Colby, I realized his smile was a bit strained.
“Are you from here?” Sasha asked the girls, to which they replied they’d both lived here a few years and worked in the city.
As I tried to figure out why the name Simone sounded familiar, it suddenly dawned on me. Crazy, aggressive Simone from the strip club, Lucky Ladies. She was the woman Colby had been involved with albeit only for her pleasure if I remembered correctly. As if confirming my thoughts, he looked away quickly, while turning pink around his ears when I met his eyes.
Simone put her hands around his arm possessively. “Buy us a drink?”
Colby turned, escorting both ladies towards the bar.
I still maintained that his history didn’t matter and meant it, but when the past was currently being bought a drink unaware of his present, it made being invisible hard to take. Deciding I didn’t want to appear obvious in my displeasure, I abruptly excused myself.
“Sorry, I, um, just realized I have to make a phone call.” It was the best I could do for an excuse given the circumstances. Bringing out my phone as exhibit A to complete my lameness, I stepped outside, wishing the night wasn’t still scorching hot.
“You okay?” Will’s voice startled me.
“Yeah. Good, thanks.”
His lips curved up. “How was your phone call?”
Of course he’d seen through my excuse. “About as real as those women’s boobs in there.”
He laughed out loud. “Your boy didn’t seem all that thrilled to see them here if you want my opinion.”
Haylee peeked her head out the door, smiling at us. “Hey, guys, last chance to put your bets in whether or not I can get Josh on the dance floor.”
Her smile was contagious, and I forced myself to relax. Will helped with the effort by leading me out to the dance floor.
***
My personality was way too upbeat to indulge in negative thoughts about Colby or crazy, aggressive Simone. And maybe I’d received a bit of a charge from Colby’s eyes tracking me the entire time I was dancing with Will. After a number of drinks and celebrating that Haylee had actually managed to get Josh onto the dance floor, we all headed next to a bar a couple hotels over. The best part about this stop was we were now back to the initial group of friends and, thankfully, without Simone and Rachel.
The bar was much quieter than the club had been and, luckily, not very crowded at midnight. As one half of our party played pool, I sat at a table with Sasha, Brian, and Colby. I wondered if he and I would ever get to the point where his arm would be around me, sitting here comfortably like an actual couple in front of our friends.
Brian looked over towards Will talking with Mark by the pool table. “So, Haylee told me Will was out in LA recently.”
“Yeah. I recruited him to come to the hospital with me and dress up as Prince Charming for the kids.”
“And?” Brian prodded, earning him a kick under the table from Sasha.
“And what?” What in the hell was he doing?
“Damn, if you don’t think Will is attractive enough for you, then you may be pickier than I thought.”
My face heated, especially since Colby was at the table. “I didn’t say he was unattractive, but we’re only friends. Since when are you trying to set me up?” My brother had never done this type of thing before.
“You two went out that night in New York. Then I heard he came to see you, and tonight I didn’t miss the way you two were dancing with one another earlier. I thought maybe you were into him, and he’d be good boyfriend material.”
I was shocked. Everything I’d done was to get Colby’s attention, not Will’s.
“What exactly does good boyfriend material entail these days?” Colby interjected. He tried to act casual, yet I knew there was an ulterior motive in him asking that question of my brother.
Brian seemed to think this was hilarious coming from Colby, but Sasha wouldn’t let him answer.
“Believe me when I say that information should come from the girls, not the boys.” She looked at my brother, putting her hand lovingly on his face. “And the thing that makes great boyfriend material is open communication and a learning curve. We women aren’t always easy to figure out.”
Brian kissed her palm before turning back to us. “I’d love to refute that statement, but alas, it’s very true. We boys need a guide.”
“We girls need one, too, because no one goes into a relationship as a previous success story in one,” Sasha added.
We all laughed, and I saw Colby relax somewhat after their answers, even if he did seem quieter than normal.
Haylee and Josh came over a short time later with Haylee yawning. “Sorry, guys. I’m afraid this is as late as I go.”
Josh hugged her tight. “Time to get this party animal home. The limo is leaving, but I can send it back here if anyone wants to stay longer.”
Deciding to return with them to the hotel, I finished up my drink and then took a detour via the ladies’ room before heading outside to step into the waiting car. When the door closed, however, I realized Colby and Mark were missing. “Hey, we’re down two.”
Josh spoke up. “Nope, they’re staying out.”
“Oh.” I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from asking any further questions, such as what they were doing. I worked to quiet any doubts about C
olby leaving by reminding myself that, when it came down to it, I trusted him.
Unfortunately, sitting next to my brother in the limo, I overheard him whisper too loudly to Josh. “If anyone can get Mark laid tonight by going to find Simone and Rachel at the strip club, it’ll be your little brother. But if not, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind the two girls for himself. Heaven knows, he’s the only man who can pull that off routinely.”
Josh shook his head. “Obviously, some things never change with him.”
And that was the problem in a nutshell. In letting them believe he was intending to meet those women at the strip club, he had the very two men he hoped to someday convince our relationship was valid thinking he was still the same guy he’d always been. After tonight, how the hell did he think he’d ever be able to prove to my brother he’d changed his notorious ways and was monogamous with me?
CHAPTER TWENTY
Once we arrived back at the hotel, the couples went up to their rooms, but Will, Catherine, and I decided to have another few drinks in the lobby bar. Regrettably, I was finding the whiskey now in my belly was doing the opposite of quelling my unease. It was feeding the fire. It also didn’t help that my eyes were glued to the hotel entrance, hoping to spot Colby come in any minute.
I could’ve sent him a text message, but as luck would have it, my phone had gone dead. Besides, I wasn’t certain I wanted to know if Colby and Mark were at Lucky Ladies tonight. Throwing in the towel after the two drinks and an hour of waiting pathetically for him to return, I went up to my room. I was furious. Partially with myself, but mostly with him.
Sliding my key in the door, I had already started to remove my shoe and was muttering a string of curses when his voice scared the shit out of me.
“Hey, where have you been? You didn’t answer my texts.”
My head whipped toward the bed to see him lying there in the same clothes as earlier tonight, sipping on a drink.
Bet Me Something (Something Series Book 3) Page 26