“Cici, quit being stubborn. You can go with me or stay and dance—the choice is yours,” Eli states firmly and starts walking again, dragging my brother along, which causes me to follow since I’m holding on to Jackson.
“Argh. You’re so infuriating,” I say as I trudge along, trying to be helpful and realizing that Eli was right—no way could I have handled Jackson alone.
“Surrry, sis. Didn’t mean t’ruin yer night. I haven’t drunk in a while.” Jackson laughs. “Get it? Drunk in a while, and I’m drunk.”
“How are you such a lightweight with all this muscle on you?” I ask as we make our way through the casino toward the elevators.
“He had a lot at dinner and then pounded a couple more here. I think it’s been some time since he’s let his guard down,” Eli answers for him.
“Can’t let my guard down. Too important,” Jackson mumbles.
“Jackson, I’m sorry. This must suck for you,” I say sympathetically. He’s really upset. He doesn’t typically overindulge.
The minute we enter the elevator, Jackson slumps against the wall and hangs his head. With his eyes closed, he looks like he’s passed out standing up.
“You still think you could’ve handled him yourself?” Eli asks smugly.
“No. You win. Happy now?”
“Not yet, but the night’s still young.” The sexual tension just engulfed the small space.
“Well, you can go back out and find someone to make you happy after he’s settled. We are in Vegas, so I’m sure there’re plenty to choose from.”
“The only woman I want is right here.” His look is smoldering, causing my panties to go up in flames.
Oh God.I really hope Jackson’s not listening. “Oh,” I whisper right as the elevator opens.
“All right, big guy, time to move,” Eli says as he hoists Jackson’s arm up and over his shoulder, helping him out of the elevator while Jackson lumbers along. Eli hands me the key he’s holding. “Room 3817.”
We trudge toward his room, where I swipe the card and hold the door open for them. Eli supports Jackson, going straight to the bed and pulling the covers back before Jackson flops down, mumbling what I think is a thank-you. Seconds later, he’s passed out. I go to work on one shoe while Eli gets the other.
“Thanks, and thanks for helping him. Why didn’t Braden do it?” I ask without thinking, and I instantly regret it.
Eli quirks a brow. “Would you rather have Braden up here with you?”
“No,” I protest adamantly. “It’s just that he’s Jackson’s best friend, and you’re here for your brother. He’s the more logical choice.”
“Well, out of the two of us, I’m the logical one since it was my idea for Jackson to call it a night. Thus, I’m the one who wrangled him out. Plus, Braden’s busy trolling, and I figured I’d let him have some fun. You’ve been away from San Diego a long time, Cici. Our circle has tightened in the last year.”
Jackson snores loud enough to wake the neighbors, and we both laugh.
“Come on. Let’s let him be,” Eli says as he puts his hand on my back and ushers me toward the door.
“Do you think he’ll be okay? He won’t puke and not wake up or anything, will he?”
“No. He’s not that bad. If he pukes, it’ll be in the morning when the hangover sets in. He’ll be fine.”
We step into the hallway and stare at each other in silence. I’m debating what my next move should be. I’m still on the fence aboutkeeping my distance, so I’m not sure whether to walk away and call it a night or seductively ask what his plans are for the rest of the evening. The silence is killing me, so I need to decide.
But when I open my mouth to speak, I don’t get the chance.
“Fuck this.” Eli’s hand appears like lightning, gripping my head to hold me in place while his mouth crashes into mine. It’s not sweet, it’s not subtle, and it’s certainly not slow. He palms my ass and pulls me into his groin, causing both of us to groan in unison from the sensation while devouring each other.
Screw the consequences; this is what I want. “Your room or mine?” I ask between kisses.
Eli jerks his head back in shock, making me smile in response.
“If we go to a room, I’m not letting you leave until I’m done with you. Once the door closes, there’s no going back, Cici. You’ve made me wait too damn long not to have my way with you, and I’ll go all night if that’s what it takes. Are you ready for that?”
