by Addison Fox
Still, she’d gone on dates and pretended to enjoy them. Most of these were with other celebrities. Several men had made it clear they were interested in more, but none of them had the patience for a woman with old-fashioned values who wanted to take things slow.
She’d tried—oh, how she’d tried—but there hadn’t been a single man with whom she’d felt even the tiniest spark. Until she’d met Gabe Stavros. That spark had been more like a blazing inferno. Interesting how quickly she’d managed to initiate things with him. Because she’d wanted to. Her people would be amused, if they knew.
She knew they talked behind her back, though they took care to make sure she never heard. Still, the occasional gossip managed to drift its way toward her—was she gay, asexual or secretly married to a much older man? The truth, that her awkward social graces and bone-crushing shyness nixed relationships before they began, would be completely unpalatable to these people. So she let them think what they wanted.
Her job as a performer was all that saved her. Music brought her reprieve, allowing her to push away the shyness. When she lost herself in the melody and the words, the songs carried her outside of herself and transported her to a place where she became one with the music and her awkwardness no longer mattered.
Mostly, she knew she had a good life, that she was lucky to be able to live out the fantasy, what so many musicians could only dream of. Despite the loneliness of her estrangement from her family and her lack of close friends, as long as she focused on the music, she was okay.
Except when she wasn’t. She’d been at a low point when she came to Vegas. Christmas usually was a miserable time for her, spent wishing for what she couldn’t have. And then Gabe Stavros had come along, and the days before the actual holiday suddenly didn’t seem as bleak.
Her stomach clenched. She actually liked Gabe Stavros. Hopefully, whatever wrong impression she’d made could be smoothed over. In addition to being attracted to him, she realized she actually wanted to get to know him better. In addition to continuing to have mind-blowing sex with him. The thought made her grin.
And it wasn’t just because she couldn’t bear to be alone.
Most of the time, she could handle her loneliness. But from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, she’d learned it was better to keep herself as busy as possible. This was partly why she’d come out to Vegas early. She should have known she’d never be able to escape herself. Even worse, everywhere she looked, all she saw was happy couples. Feeding each other fruit, strolling hand in hand. Shopping, like she and Gabe had done.
Gabe. Even thinking of him brought a fresh jolt of pain. He didn’t know her well enough to realize she’d been teasing. He truly believed she was being a diva.
Except she hadn’t made a single demand. Not really.
Wandering to the balcony, she opened the sliding glass door and walked outside. Below, the sun rose, dulling the glittering lights of the Strip, humanizing the place.
Usually, there were people as far as the eye could see. Tourists mostly, strolling the sidewalks. This early, the streets were deserted. Even the notorious traffic had died out, leaving the place looking like a bit of a ghost town. The sight, as captivating as it might be, only intensified her feelings of solitude.
Turning, she went back inside, figuring she’d hurry and get her workout out of the way earlier today. She shivered with a chill she couldn’t seem to shake, which meant it was more in her mind than an actual physical thing. She thought of Gabe’s touch, how being close to him set her on fire, and hoped later today they could talk things out and get back to the good stuff.
Hurriedly pulling on her workout clothes, she did ten minutes on the treadmill and then thirty minutes of weights and body exercises, before finishing up with twenty minutes of flat-out running.
Though jumpy, she kept an eye on the door the entire time, both relieved and disappointed when she saw no sign of Gabe. Of course she didn’t. It was well before his usual time to hit the hotel gym.
Finished, she hurried up to her suite to take a shower. The exercise had calmed her and she felt centered and once again in control.
After she’d showered and dressed, she made a protein smoothie for breakfast and drank it on the patio while watching the town begin to come alive. Since she had to keep busy today, she decided she’d go back and see the amphitheater—her amphitheater. Even though her set designer and her team had already visited so everything could be mapped out and built to spec, Meghan wanted to envision where everything would be.
Plus, she needed to sing. By herself, with no other ears to listen but her own. She felt she needed to get a feel for her stage so that when the time came for her to actually perform, the amphitheater would feel like a beloved friend.
Cheered, she checked her watch. Still early. If Gabe followed a schedule, and she imagined he did, he’d be done working out now. No doubt he’d soon have to go to work, though she had no idea what hours casino owners kept. Maybe later, they could run into each other and...
She shut the thought down.
The room phone rang, startling her. Instantly, her heart started pounding. Instead of Gabe, a friendly female voice informed Meghan that her manager had booked her a much-needed spa day as an early Christmas gift. If her schedule permitted, she was due for a massage at 8:00 a.m. After, she’d have a facial, get her hair done, followed by a mani-pedi, a body wrap and more. Meghan stopped listening after the seventh or eighth item. The entire thing would take six hours.
Hanging up the phone, she smiled. This was even better. After all, she was supposed to be on vacation. A little pampering would be good for her soul. She’d sing later.
Still smiling, she left her room and headed for the spa.
The Archangel’s spa, appropriately named Heaven, had rapidly become known for taking beauty treatments to the upper stratosphere. During her time touring when in concert, Meghan had visited numerous spas, but by the end of the day, she could honestly say Heaven took top prize.
She’d never felt more relaxed. They’d taken an hour break in the middle of her treatment and served her a gourmet lunch, complete with fresh fruit and a tuna tartare she thought would melt in her mouth.
By the time the spa day had ended, she truly felt like she’d died and gone to Heaven. After leaving a more than generous tip, she sailed out energized and revitalized.
On the way back to her room, she even stopped to play a slot machine. This time, she didn’t win and her twenty disappeared fast.
Absurdly, this capped off the perfect day, increasing her happiness. The only thing that would make it better would be to run into Gabe. But at this time in the day, he would still be at work. So she headed up to her room.
Once in her retreat, she opened her laptop and checked her email. She also anonymously posted a five-star review for Heaven. Still feeling ridiculously relaxed, she debated changing into her pajamas, but decided it was much too early at three in the afternoon.
Who knew, she might gather up her courage and call Gabe. She spent a pleasurable few minutes imagining all the things she’d like to do with him, if only she could. A soft knock on her door startled her out of her reverie. “Who is it?” she asked as she moved toward the door.
“Room service.” Gabe’s voice.
Chapter 11
Joy and anticipation flooded through her. Proof positive now that this was a perfect day. “I didn’t order anything,” Meghan said, playing along. “It’s too late for lunch and too early for dinner. Though I’d love a bottle of red wine.”
His laughter warmed her. “You got it.”
Smiling, she opened the door, stunned to see he actually had brought a bottle of wine, along with two long-stemmed glasses. “Wow. Are you a mind reader?”
“Not at all. It’s my peace offering. It’s white, though,” he said, lifting it up. He looked devilish and
handsome, like a dark angel who’d fallen from heaven. She’d never seen a man who looked so good in a suit. “If you’d rather have red, I can go and switch it out.”
It took her a moment to realize he’d spoken. Was this a peace offering? Did he want to talk about that moment of awkwardness from yesterday? Deciding to let that statement go, she stepped aside and motioned him in. “White is fine. Thanks for bringing wine at all.”
“No problem.” His intense gaze banished her earlier chill. The perfectly proportioned outlines of his shoulders strained against the well-cut fabric. “How about we go out on the patio? The Strip is always fascinating, even in daylight. I can’t think of a better place to sit and sip wine.”
Pleased, she nodded. The restless energy in his movements aroused her. “I don’t know if I have a corkscrew here or not.”
“I’m sure you do. I asked them to make this a very well-equipped suite. Do you mind if I look?”
Touched that he’d even asked, she swept her hand toward the kitchen. “Go right ahead.”
She watched as he rummaged, opening and closing drawers. Despite his suit and tie, he appeared perfectly at home in her kitchen. “Aha,” he said, holding up a corkscrew, his brown eyes sparkling. “Victory!”
Once the bottle had been opened, he poured two glasses and handed one to her. “After you.”
Conscious of his gaze on her, she led the way outside and took a seat in one of the chairs. Aching to touch him, she took a sip instead, pleasantly surprised at the taste of the wine. “Perfect. Not too dry and not too sweet. I’ll have to get the name and make note of this one.”
Every time she looked up, she found his gaze on her, his caramel eyes dark and unreadable. She fought the urge to fidget, to wonder if she had something on her face or her clothes. This man had hired her and was paying her an astronomical amount of money to perform in his hotel. He definitely wouldn’t be examining her critically.
“You look relaxed,” he said, reaching out to lightly finger a strand of her short, spiky hair.
She hid her shiver. “Oh, I am. Compliments of your wonderful spa.” She proceeded to tell him about her day, taking care to mention the attendants by name, hoping this would give them additional recognition.
When he actually made notes in his phone, she knew it would. “They all deserve a raise,” she told him, meaning it. “I’ve been to spas all over the world. Heaven beats them all, bar none.”
Grinning, he looked even sexier. “I’ll check into that. To be honest, I already make sure all hotel employees are very well compensated for their efforts.”
Even his voice, silky and sensual, sent a ripple of desire through her. How this man affected her so strongly, she didn’t know. But she liked it.
Taking a deep breath, she tilted her head, drinking him in with her gaze. “I should have known you would. Your entire operation here is first-class. Thank you for bringing me on board.”
“You’re a very confident woman, aren’t you?” he asked, admiration and amusement flickering in his eyes.
This patently wrong statement made her laugh. “Only when I sing,” she told him. “The rest of the time, I’m bumbling and unsure, just like everyone else.”
He looked so incredulous she laughed again, shaking her head.
“Sorry, but I don’t buy it.” Leaning back in his chair, his gaze raked over her, making her skin heat. “I’ve never met a woman as comfortable with herself as you. Not only are you beautiful, but you’re talented. Seems to me like that would give you all the confidence in the world.”
Those were all superficial things. Okay, not her talent, but still... Maybe they would be enough for some people, but not for her.
“Would it?” She kept her tone light, sipping on the wine and gazing out at what seemed to be a constant traffic jam out on the Strip. No one knew about her childhood, or what it was like living with a family obsessed with their hunt. And for good reason. People—regular people—had no idea there were even a race of beings called Hunters. And the mythical beings the Hunters chased? The so-called Helios were even more elusive. If they truly even existed. She wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the Hunters’ constant stalking had led to them being eradicated centuries ago or something.
“Any more news on the guy in the gray hoodie?” she asked, needing to change the subject to something not so personal.
“No.” He made a slight face. Even frowning, his chiseled features attracted her. “I wish you could remember where you might have seen him,” he added.
“Me, too. But it could have been anywhere. All I know is a quick feeling of familiarity. Not why or when or even how.” She sighed. “I wish I could be of more help.”
“If you remember, please let me know.”
She nodded. “I will.” Every time his gaze met hers, her heart turned over. She wasn’t sure what to make of the handsome Gabe Stavros. She’d seen the fiery look of desire in other men’s eyes, but none with as much intensity. Everything about the darkly handsome casino owner was intense, as if he burned like too-hot embers, from the inside out.
This drew her to him like a moth to a flame.
The clichéd analogy made her grimace. Everyone knew it hadn’t ended well for the poor moth. What did that say about her damaged psyche that she still wanted to be with him?
“Yesterday, I—” They both starting speaking at once, with almost identical words.
Stopping, she grinned. He grinned back. Now, she thought. Now he would kiss her.
Instead, he chuckled, dragging his hand across his chin. “How about we just agree to forget what happened before?” he suggested. “I was way too serious and took what you said the wrong way.”
Heart in her throat, she nodded. “That sounds great. I promise you, I’m not a diva.”
“Not even the tiniest bit?”
It took her half a second to realize he was kidding. Though she smiled, her response was serious. “Not even the tiniest bit. If you ever see me acting even remotely diva-like, call me on it.”
Again he boldly raked his gaze over her, as if he could see through her clothing. Her entire body tingled in response. “Agreed.” He cleared his throat. “So, what do you say to hanging out with me the rest of the afternoon and into the evening? We can’t catch a show, though I have reserved tickets for us next week. Tonight we can grab a bite to eat and then go listen to some music, like you’d mentioned yesterday.”
Stunned, she gazed up at him, struggling to formulate a response. He’d reserved tickets for next week, like a real date... In the future. She knew she shouldn’t be so surprised, but she was.
Then again, why did it matter? He wanted to spend time with her and she—well, she definitely wanted to get to know him better. A lot better.
Talk about a distraction. She glanced at him. His gaze smoldered when he looked at her. Even the thought of his hands on her skin made her knees weak.
Maybe the time had finally come for her to break out of her shell. Just once, perhaps she could actually become the bad girl everyone already believed her to be.
“Sounds great,” she said, curling her toes inside her sneakers. She wished desperately she could summon the nerve to kiss him. Or that he’d correctly interpret the longing in her gaze and kiss her.
“You know what,” she heard herself say, moving closer. “I have a better idea, if you want to hang out.” When she reached him, she grabbed hold of his jacket and pulled him close. His quick intake of breath and the darkening of his eyes told her he wasn’t any more immune than he’d been before.
Confident, huh? Actually, in this moment, with him, she was. Taking a deep breath, she reached up and pulled his face down to hers. The instant their lips connected, that familiar heat blazed between them. She wanted more. The rapid-fire thunder of his heartbeat told her he did, too.
Suit and t
ie. Darkly handsome and sexy, but she wanted it off him immediately. While she pondered how to accomplish this, he pulled back, his expression hooded.
“I think your idea is an excellent one,” he rasped. “Your place or mine?”
As she was about to answer, his phone rang. Of course he glanced at it.
“My brother,” he said, holding up a finger. “Hold that thought.” He didn’t do much talking—after the initial hello he simply listened, his expression growing blacker the more Rafe talked. “On my way,” he finally said, and ended the call.
“I’ve—”
“Got to go.” She nodded. “I heard.”
Clearly distracted, still his gaze smoldered, as if a banked, internal fire burned inside him. “Another work crisis. Let’s continue this conversation later, all right?”
Though she nodded again, she secretly doubted that. She wondered for the first time if they were jinxed. Something always seemed to happen when they got together physically.
She kept smiling as he hurried away and let himself out. Once the door had swung closed behind him, she poured herself another glass of wine and carried it out onto the patio. She’d barely taken a sip before she set it down. This wasn’t what she needed. Sitting alone and drinking wine wouldn’t make her feel any better. Only one thing—besides music—could do that.
Gabe.
* * *
“You’ve got to take a look at this.” Rafe couldn’t contain his excitement. Laptop open in front of him, he’d paused a video on YouTube.