“You look nervous.”
“I am nervous,” she replied.
“Why?”
“You’re sort of an intimidating person.”
He didn’t dispute it. “You weren’t intimidated the first time we met.”
“Yeah, well, things change.”
“I don’t want you to be intimidated.”
“It’s hard not to be.” She glanced around the VIP suite. Everywhere she looked, she saw wealth and ease and perfection. Everyone was smiling, showing off straight, white teeth, the kind you buy. There wasn’t a single blemish in this crowd. They all seemed to be enjoying life to the fullest, because they could. Not a single thing could stop them.
She wanted to be one of those carefree, perfect people, if only for a while.
“What are you thinking?”
“Just that everything here is so luxurious. I keep worrying I’ve got spinach between my teeth. You have some fancy friends, Alex.”
“They’re not fancy. Some of them just work in the public eye.”
“So does my pharmacist, but it’s not the same thing, is it?”
“I want you to be comfortable with me.”
“I’m trying, but it’s sort of hard here.”
“It’s just a club.”
“Right.” She rolled her eyes. “And you’re just the boy-next-door.”
“In fairness,” he said, moving an inch closer, “I’m probably not that guy.”
Warning, warning.
Last year’s headlines flashed before her eyes. The family of his dead girlfriend had tried to implicate him in her death. Although there had never been any charges or indication that Alex was guilty of anything, it was hard not to wonder.
There was clearly more to him than she realized.
Unfortunately, the air of mystery surrounding him lured her far too easily. She couldn’t shake the sensation she was a mouse, distracted by a savory hunk of cheese, and that Alex was the skulking cat in the shadows.
His continued appraisal set her even more on edge. He didn’t say anything else and just waited. The cat in her mind put forth its claws.
Lord, you’re having fantasies now. What was the alcohol level in that Golden Oblivion anyway?
“Is that who you’re looking for? The boy-next-door?”
His direct question shocked her even more than the display outside. “I’m not looking for anyone.”Don’t sound so defensive.
“Something then. Everyone comes to the Vegas Strip looking for something.”
“Not me. This getaway was just something my sister needed.”
“And what do you need?”
“What makes you think I need anything?”
