“Okay,” I say, handing the phone back. “Thanks. Have a good night.”
I motion to the next fan and become Sully’s unofficial photographer/bodyguard, making sure no one stays longer than they need to. Just a quick photo and a signature on one or two things then on to the next fan.
A gentleman wearing black jeans and a pressed red shirt comes out of the venue and motions toward the two black town cars that pulled up. “Alright, everyone. Time for the band to say goodnight. Thanks for coming out.”
The man comes over to Sully and nods toward the second car. “Charlotte told me about your guest. Thought you’d want to take her somewhere nice for dinner.”
Sully pats the man on the shoulder. “Thanks, Mark. This is Veronica.” He smiles at me and turns my insides to goo. “Veronica, this is Mark, the band’s tour manager.”
“Nice to meet you.” He shakes my hand. “With the tour over, I’m going to enjoy myself tonight as well. But don’t have too much fun or Amy will give us all hell.”
Sully winks. “Just enough trouble.”
The car drops us off at the Paris hotel and we ride the elevator up to the top floor where the Eiffel Tower restaurant oversees the Strip. We have an amazing view of all the sparkling lights and the Bellagio fountain.
The food is a little too fancy for my taste, but at least it’s edible. I love watching the fountains dance below and seeing the tiny ant people wandering around the streets. When I glance at Sully, he’s staring at me, taking a sip of his wine.
“What are you looking at?” I ask, wiping my mouth with a fancy white cloth napkin.
“Just you. You’re all I want to look at.”
There’s a flutter in my stomach as my cheeks warm. “You’re being silly.” I take the last bite of my lavishly weird salad. “What do you want to do now?”
He taps his finger on his glass. “Whatever you want.”
Thirty minutes later, we’re on the casino floor. We passed by the slots and went right for the blackjack table. At first, Sully sat beside me, but after one round, he discovered he doesn’t know how to play very well.
On my fifth hand, I’m doing good. I’ve made at least five hundred dollars off my hundred-dollar chips.
Sully stands behind me with his hands resting on my shoulders. “Why are you so great at this?” His lips brush my ear, sending goosebumps all over my body.
“My dad likes playing cards on the weekend. He taught me everything I know.”
“Here I thought you were just lucky,Engel.” His fingers trail over my shoulder blades and press into my lower back. Suddenly this game is the last thing on my mind.
I win the next round and cash out. As we walk to the cashier, Sully’s arm wraps around my hips. “Do you want dessert?”
“You read my mind.”
We stop by an ice cream shop before walking out onto the Strip. We lick our treat and cross the street to watch the fountains up close.
The water dances to the music perfectly. I sigh dreamily, watching the show. “Last time I was in Vegas I got a fountain view room just so I could sit by the window all night.”
He chuckles and kisses the tender spot below my ear. “That’s all you did in your room?” His voice is hot, scorching my blood.
I turn around in his arms and brush my nose against his. “It was a work trip. Alice was there too, but she was at the club. I checked in early. But sadly, they do turn the fountains off.”
“Bummer.” He cups my chin and kisses me deeply. Our tongues tangle, fighting for dominance. The back of my legs hit the little wall as the mist from the water sprays across my skin.
He pauses, watching people wander by. “Do you want a picture?” He nods to the fountain.
“Only if you’re in it too.” I grab my phone and smush my face into his chest. He smiles, and it makes my knees weak.
“Do you want me to take a photo of you two?” An older gentleman asks.
“Please.” I hand over my phone.
He takes a few shots and hands the phone back. “Thanks,” I say as the stranger strolls away toward the Bellagio’s entrance.
