Marissa cocked her head. “Don’t go there. I knew Shannon, and I know what she put you through, and it started a lot longer than a year ago.”
Harsh memories made his eyes sting.
“I don’t like to speak ill of the dead,” Marissa continued, “but that woman had some major trust issues.”
“I know.”
Alex had tried to allay Shannon’s fears. Anytime she accused him of sleeping around with a staff member or flirting with a woman in one of his clubs, he’d assured her it wasn’t the case. He’d been devoted to her, and even after he’d recognized the relationship had failed, he’d still remained faithful.
She’d just never believed him.
Could he have done more? Probably, but he’d grown tired of defending himself, had become weary of the endless scenes and arguments.
She’d demanded his trust but had rarely demonstrated her trust in him.
Maybe that was why he craved it so much with Dana.
“Are you going to stick around tonight?” Alex asked Marissa.
“You know me. I may design nightclubs, but they’re not really my scene.” She finished her drink. “Besides, I connected with an old friend here in Vegas. I’m off to his place.”
“Ah. A man. Interesting.”
Marissa gave him a look. “I deserve to have some fun too.” She stood on tip-toes and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Have a good night, Alex.”
When the bouncer opened the door for Marissa, Dana was on the other side, standing with Viola. She exchanged a few words with Marissa. Dana then sucked in a breath and her eyes darted around the room, looking for him.
A rumble sounded from somewhere deep in Alex’s gut. She’d worn the gown, although most of it was currently hidden underneath a beige trench coat.
She was nervous.
He strode toward her. “Dana, you look beautiful.”
“Hi.” Her gaze traveled from his grey trousers up to his pinstriped shirt. “You’re not so bad, yourself.”
Her face was flushed and her lips were parted. Gloss made them shine. Her perfume, that cloying mix of powder and fruitiness, teased him.
She looked absolutely edible.
He’d intended to bide his time, to drive her crazy with want, but he needed to taste her. Curling his fingers at the back of her neck, he took possession of her mouth. Needing to steal her every gasp, he nibbled at her lips. She yielded immediately, her hot tongue gliding against his in sweet urgency. Their kiss deepened as she placed her hand on his chest, trailing it down to his belt.
When they finally fell apart, he fingered her coat lapel. “Cold?”
“Not really. I’ve just never worn a dress like this.”
“May I see it?”
She hesitated, but then allowed him to ease the coat over her shoulders and down her arms.
She was a vision in red. The gown hugged her body, a perfect fit. Tight nipples strained against the fabric. And that slit. It showed off her long legs to great advantage, drawing his eye toward the tantalizing crease at her hip.
Alex kissed the line of her jaw and whispered, “You are so fucking sexy.”
A soft breath tickled his ear. Fighting his lust, he escorted her inside.
She nodded toward their nook, where one panel of the curtain was tied back in invitation. “I see no one has claimed our booth yet.”
“That’s because I reserved it.”
