“Rough flight?” Mackenzie asked. Her gaze traveled down the length of Tiffany’s body.
“I know. I look like shit. You would too if you’d just gotten fired.”
“Well, I bet you didn’t set off the machines when you went through them. Last time, you and those damn jeans… It drove me crazy.”
“Yeah, but at least I was cute. Today, I look like this. Please tell me you didn’t bring Jason with you.” Tiffany panicked.
“I thought about it but decided we need to just chill and leave your Seattle troubles behind us for a bit.” Mackenzie grabbed Tiffany’s rolling luggage from her. “I’m thinking poolside and cocktails?”
It wasn’t anywhere near noon. Hell, it wasn’t anywhere near nine in the morning yet, but cocktails and being in the pool sounded wonderful.
* * * *
Okay, Vegas is hot. Yes, it’s in the middle of the desert, but damn. Tiffany thought Seattle got hot. That was nothing compared to being sizzled in Vegas. It felt as though they were in the center of the earth—a sick oven of heat, but everyone assured her it was a dry heat. What the hell does that even mean, anyway? How is a dry heat good? Heat was heat and right now it was yucky.
“How have you been dealing with this, Mac?”
So much for hanging outside by the pool. They’d tried, but now they were in Mackenzie’s room sipping cocktails and staring longingly at the swimmers and sun-worshippers below.
“Barely.”
“Look at those brave people down there,” Tiffany commented as she looked outside their large window. It gave a great view of the vast pool area. Tons of families were in the water, splashing and slowly being boiled.
“Brave? Um, no. Insane? Yes.”
“So, what’s the game plan here? Am I meeting this Jason fella again?”
Mackenzie frowned. “I don’t know. Maybe? I mean, you were pretty darn intoxicated the last time you did.”
“That I was. So, no hot dogs tonight?” Tiffany joked.
“Tiff, I don’t think any of us can ever eat another one, thanks to you.”
Tiffany laughed. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Hey, they aren’t good for us anyway. What would you like to do while we’re here?”
Tiffany looked at her half-empty glass and raised it. “This.”
“Solid plan. But you want to maybe get some food? Or catch a show?”
“Didn’t we just talk about me and food don’t mix when I’m getting my drink on?” Tiffany winked.
“Well then, slow down on the drinks and let’s grab some food. Unlike you, I don’t puke, but I need food.”
“Okay, but once you eat, more of this is happening.” Tiffany shook her glass at Mackenzie and already had a bit of trouble forming her words.
“Maybe you should take a little nap. The heat and all this may not end well,” Mackenzie suggested as she finished her own drink.
“That sounds like a good game plan.” Tiffany downed the last of her cocktail of vodka and soda water. She threw herself on the enormous bed and melted into the mattress. And just like that, she drifted off but was plagued by alcohol-induced dreams, most of which included Colin. She wasn’t really sure she’d even really slept when she began to stir.
“You want to wake up?”
Tiffany opened her eyes, expecting to feel a massive headache and was surprised she felt amazing.
She yawned and stretched. Tiffany was still in her clothes. “I’m up.”
“How do you feel?”
The room was darker than she remembered, so she must have slept. Mackenzie was sitting by the table with only one lamp turned on.
“Great. But gosh, how long was I out?”
“A while, but you needed the rest. Now you can party like a rock star,” Mackenzie joked.
“Oh yeah, that’s me.” Tiffany giggled. “Did you eat yet?” Tiffany asked as she got off the bed and took the empty seat across from Mackenzie.
“I went down to the lobby. They have a small café there and I got a sandwich. I’m still hungry and I thought we could go out if you are up to it.” Mackenzie smiled.
“How about we check out things out and go have a little fun. But tomorrow, let’s take in a show. Sound good?”
“Oh yeah, they have this Beatles one I’m dying to see.”
Just like that, Tiffany’s heart broke. She didn’t even really know who the Beatles were—wasn’t sure she’d even recognize one of their hits—but it made her think of her beloved Sir McCartney. Her thoughts went to a dark place—a forbidden area—and she thought of Colin.
“Oh shit, I’m sorry, Tiff. I wasn’t thinking,” Mackenzie apologized.
“It’s fine. You know, on second thought, maybe we can just hang out here tonight.” Tiffany got up and crawled back onto the bed.
When am I going to get over the man who ruined my world—not once, but several times now?
* * * *
Breakfast consisted of delicious pancakes and scrambled eggs. Those alone were almost worth the trip. Tiffany stabbed into a sausage link and gazed out of the window. It was early and already Vegas was coming alive with tourists.
“Now that we are properly fueled and rested, let’s make the most of our day,” Mackenzie said, lifting a small glass of orange juice to her lips.
Tiffany bit into a sausage and agreed. “Yeah, I’d like to attempt to go for a swim today.”
“Let’s do that early.”
“I know. It’s already kind of hot. I don’t know how people can live here,” Tiffany said in amazement.
“It’s awful. That’s for sure. Hey, I spoke to Jason. He’d love to grab dinner with both us tonight. You cool with that?”
“Fun. I’m totally down. I can finally see what’s up with this guy.” Tiffany winked at Mackenzie.
“Like I said, he’s nice, super down-to-earth and the only thing wrong with him is—” she started to say.
“Is that he won’t help end the drought. That’s a bit of a red flag for me, Mac,” Tiffany said.
“Nah, maybe he’s worried it’ll ruin everything. Or maybe he’s more traditional…or religious?”
“Come on. He’s a bouncer at a nightclub. I don’t think this a moral thing. Maybe his equipment doesn’t work. You know, we’re middle-age now. You may want to look for a young buck.”
“Shut up. That’s terrible.” Mackenzie was laughing hard.
“Just sayin’.”
* * * *
They were seated around an enormous rustic table at an Indian restaurant, dining on some of the best curry Tiffany had ever eaten. Mackenzie was right. Jason was nice, down-to-earth and, more importantly, very sweet to Mackenzie. He was incredibly funny. That was always a good thing. Tiffany enjoyed looking at him, too. His arms were huge and covered in skillfully applied ink. Yeah, Mackenzie could do a whole lot worse.
After Jason paid for their meal, Mackenzie realized that she’d forgotten her purse back at the hotel that contained the tickets for the show they’d all decided to see together. Jason drove them back in his Jeep to pick it up. It had no top and it was great to have the warm night air touch them as they headed down the busy streets of Vegas. The lights, sounds and energy surged around them. Tiffany absorbed it all.
Tonight was going to be great. Tiffany felt fantastic. That was code for a little drunk. She was even okay with going to that Beatles show. Tiffany had made an internal promise to herself to not even think about Colin—or her precious Pauly. Tiffany also figured if she downed enough cocktails, she wouldn’t even know it was a Beatles show. Mackenzie had Jason for her date and Tiffany was with the Captain. Captain Morgan, that was, and he was treating her very good tonight.
Mackenzie and Jason held hands as they entered their hotel only minutes later. Mackenzie stopped suddenly in her tracks, Jason looked confused and Tiffany bumped into Mackenzie’s back. Ouch. Her reflexes weren’t nearly as sharp as they should be.
“Hey, why’d you stop?” Tiffany asked. She wobbled a little and leaned
on Mackenzie for support.
Nothing sobered her up quicker than seeing the man she hated—and loved.
Colin stood there with his hands in his pockets, not in a suit but wearing jeans and a cotton T-shirt. An olive green that was definitely his color, she decided. Damn you, sexy Irishman.
What Tiffany couldn’t understand was why he was there. How in God’s name did he even know she was in Vegas?
Tiffany looked down and noticed a furry lump that she loved sprawled out on the marble floor. His tongue was out and his jowls were fanned on the cool stone.
“Pauly…there’s my precious buddy.” Tiffany squatted down, which was not an easy feat for someone that had eaten her weight in curry and had drank more rum than she probably should have. But it was worth the risk to get some love from the adorable Sir McCartney.
The bulldog dragged his body along the floor to reach her. He was too lazy or too hot to fully lift himself. Tiffany petted him and felt eyes on her. Mackenzie stared at her in complete shock. Jason had no clue who Colin was or why Tiffany was on the ground with a bulldog. Colin was just looking at her with a quiet expression.
Tiffany tried to get off the floor with some grace. She met Colin’s gaze and shook her head. “So, who told you? Molly?”
Colin looked away briefly. “Owen.”
She hadn’t even considered that option, but it made perfect sense. Molly had probably talked to Owen and, unbeknownst to her, they’d both gotten sold out. Now, here was Colin.
Yeah, thanks, Owen. This isn’t the least bit uncomfortable.
“Tiffany, can we please talk?” Colin tried reaching for her hand.
She pulled away. “The last time we talked, you fired me.”
Jason puffed up his chest and balled up his fist. “This is the guy?”
Mackenzie placed her hand on his chest, holding Jason back.
“Tiffany, it’s because I can’t work with you. You know my rule.”
“Oh, that stupid shit about mixing business with pleasure. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Who cares?” Tiffany teetered and Colin caught her.
“We tend to do this a lot, don’t we?” he whispered as she remained in his arms. Tiffany could smell his expensive aftershave and she closed her eyes. His hands felt good on her. There was no denying that. Tiffany couldn’t open them. If she looked into his, it would be too much. It took everything she had to not kiss him.
“Tiffany, I’m so sorry, but I need to explain everything.” Colin got Tiffany upright, but didn’t remove his hold.
Tiffany looked over to Mackenzie and Jason as they stood watch. Jason looked like he was ready to pounce.
Mackenzie smiled encouragingly at her. “Maybe you two should talk. But I do have tickets for a Beatles show, Colin, if you’d like to join us. You guys need to make this quick.”
Seriously? Do I have a say in anything anymore?
Tiffany turned back to Colin, who wore a cheesy grin.
“Thanks, Mackenzie. Just give us a moment then we’ll join you two.”
He led them away, his hand on the small of her back. Sir McCartney trailed after them as Colin steered them to a quiet seating area. It was intimate and perfect for talking. Tiffany’s head cleared. Rationality was invading the numbness she’d put her mind under.
Colin helped her into one of the plush seats then sat down. “I know it’s shocking that I’m here.”
Tiffany rolled her eyes. “Ya think? I’d say so.”
“Oh, Tiffany, I don’t even know where to begin. I had to let you go…professionally.”
“Colin, you could have talked to me instead of blindsiding me like that.” Tiffany glared at him. It was hard to be angry at him when he gave her those sad eyes, but she’d sure as hell try.
“You’re right. But I needed to end that relationship before we could start another,” he explained.
“Um, yeah, firing someone does not make them want to date you. Just an FYI,” Tiffany said with sarcasm.
“I deserve that. Again, you’re right. I went about it the wrong way. I should have just told you how I felt.”
“Which is?” Tiffany waited for him to answer. She was tempted to forgive him, but then she remembered she had no job. That instantly fired her up and made her mad again. “You know, I’m not sure why I’m even having this conversation with you. You fired me, I have no job and I’m bound to lose everything. Thanks for that.” Tiffany rose from her seat and he pulled her arm so she’d sit back down.
“I was an utter jerk, but, Tiffany, you didn’t stay long enough for me to explain what I meant by letting you go. You simply bolted out of the office.”
“Oh, is there a better ending to, ‘You’re fired’? I wasn’t aware.”
“Stop. If you’d stayed, you would have learned that I was giving you back to Patty,” Colin huffed.
“Giving me back? You make me sound like I’m a thing,” Tiffany shot back.
“I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I just knew that the only way for me to explore whatever this is between us would be if you weren’t my assistant,” Colin explained softly. “Tiffany, I really like you.”
“So, you flew down to Vegas to profess your undying love for me? Just making sure I got all the facts straight here.”
“I brought Pauly along. He misses you terribly, and besides, I figured you couldn’t stay mad at me if he was here,” Colin teased, then right on cue the chubby bulldog placed a paw on Tiffany’s leg. “I know you’re livid with me, but let’s join your friends and have a good time.”
“Colin, I don’t think you get why I’m upset,” Tiffany complained, but then Pauly looked up her and the coldness melted from her heart. Damn, Pauly and all his cuteness.
“Trust me, love. I do.”
Hearing him call her ‘love’ made the butterflies come alive inside her. Damn Colin and all his sexiness.
He stood then reached for her hand, acting every bit the perfect gentleman and knight in shining armor. Tiffany sighed.
She accepted it and he pulled her up and close to him. Tiffany almost felt like her feet weren’t even on the floor.
Colin looked down at her, his focus trained on her lips, and she ran her tongue across them nervously. It must have proved to be too much for him and the next thing she knew, he’d fused his mouth to hers.
She loved the way this man tasted. The softness and power behind his kiss was propelling her to want more. She had wanted—no, needed—this since their last lip-lock. And from the way Colin was holding on to her, he must have needed it just as badly.
Tiffany nearly forgot they were standing in a crowded hotel lobby in Vegas. The distant sounds echoed around them—mainly chatter from visitors, tiny wheels from luggage carts as they rolled against the smooth floor and the jingle of slot machines in the background—but Tiffany didn’t care. Hell, she would have been willing to strip down and make love to Colin right there if he had asked. Tiffany would give everyone an eyeful and a much better show than that Beatles one they were supposed to watch.
Chapter Twelve
Tiffany knew who the Beatles were. Gosh, I feel like a moron. Of course, she’d heard their music. The show had been fantastic and she’d had a good time. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the holding hands or the sneaky kisses that Colin kept leaving on her neck. Mackenzie and Jason seemed thoroughly in love, as well.
Like the song lyric said, love was all you needed and tonight was proving that.
Not wanting the magic of the night to end, Jason suggested they hit up some casinos, do a little drinking and a whole lot of dancing. Tiffany liked the way this guy thought. If nothing else, Jason was fun. But he was so much more and Tiffany hoped that Mackenzie and he could find a way to make this work. Long-distance relationships usually never did, but there was always the hope that perhaps Jason would move to Seattle. He’d mentioned it several times and seemed eager to explore his options to relocate there.
This was the best double date ever—lots of laughter, dancing and plenty of dri
nks. Jason and Colin had gotten along really well after the whole mess of Colin’s firing her had been cleared up. Even Mackenzie—who was as protective as a pit bull—was now dazzled by his charms and the magic of the night. This all just feels right—like this is how it’s supposed to be. It was funny how things could change so quickly.
It was one thing to win at a sparkly nickel machine, which was the only level of gambling experience that Tiffany had, but to watch Colin engage in the real thing, like blackjack, was a rush, watching him bet and win serious money. She could never drop that kind of cash, but then again, she wasn’t a multimillionaire either. The flurry of activity was wild beyond compare. Cheers erupted as people started to gather and watch her man win. Her man. The luck o’ the Irish was with Colin as he raked in chips, game after game. It didn’t matter if it was roulette or some other dice game. He avoided the slots and stayed close to the tables.
Tiffany was tucked next to him. “For luck?” Colin held up the dice he cupped in his hand for her to blow.
Another win.
He pulled her to him and kissed her hard. Tiffany’s world spun. She forgot people were hovering all around them, but the hooting and whistles brought her back to reality. Colin refused to let her go. He’d traveled all these miles, endured the last three days of her not taking his calls and now he was making sure that she wasn’t going anywhere. Tiffany was perfectly okay with that. Maybe that was the rum talking. Shouldn’t I still be upset with him for ruining my life? Then she remembered he’d said he was giving her back to Patty and that made her a little sad. No more Sir McCartney snoozing and farting next to her. Tiffany was convinced she was more bummed out about not being around that chunky bulldog than Colin, and that made her laugh out loud. She had fallen in love with that dog—smells, slobber and all. Tiffany smiled at the thought of him probably snoozing on the plush bed in Colin’s suite.
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