I shook my head. “Don’t mind her.”
Nicholas just shrugged. “She’s fine. It’s good to let go sometimes.”
“I agree.” I nodded.
“Well, I won’t hold you. You ladies, enjoy your night. See you later, Jameela,” he said, placing something in my hand and casually strolling away.
What did he mean he would see me later? Did he mean later tonight or later when we checked on my car? We definitelyneeded to discuss my car. I felt crazy for trusting the fate of my only means of transportation to a man I’d just met. What was the alternative though? Either way, it was too late to think about using common sense. What was done was done.
“Girl, was that him?” Sade’s nosy ass asked, leaning over my shoulder.
I turned my body to face her before responding. “What do you think, nosy?”
“You didn’t say he was that fine. That’s what I think.”
“He left these,” I said, finally opening my hand and showing her the chips he gave me.
Crystal’s mouth hung open when she saw them. “Girl, these are five-hundred-dollar chips. Give me mine. I’m about to cash out and go the hell home.”
I could agree with that logic. “Who you telling? I need some more to go with these.”
There were four, five-hundred-dollar chips. My girls and I agreed to go to a cashier and exchange them for a lower denomination in chips. They insisted that I keep the majority of the money, so after giving me a thousand dollars and taking five hundred for themselves, we each got a hundred dollars in chips and headed back to the floor.
I wasn’t a gambling woman by any means, but suddenly, I was feeling lucky. Crystal insisted we try our luck at the roulette, so with our chips burning a hole in our hands, we made a beeline for the roulette tables.
“Always bet on black,” she advised as she placed a twenty-dollar chip on her number of choice.
I followed suit, putting a twenty-dollar chip on number thirteen. Many people considered the number thirteen unlucky, but I didn’t believe in luck. Both Crystal and Sade crossed their fingers when the wheel began to spin. I didn’t see the use in allthat. It was just a game of probability, so I wasn’t surprised that none of us won.
Still, it was exciting enough that I placed another bet on the same number. Just as the dealer spun the wheel again, I felt a presence beside me. I couldn’t lie. I half expected it to be Nicholas. Part of me was even hoping that it was him. I wasn’t ready to unpack that feeling.
It wasn’t him. Instead, it was someone from the staff with a platter of champagne. That would work too.
“Pardon me, but these drinks are compliments of the house,” the server announced.
I grabbed one of the glasses of champagne and found a thousand-dollar chip beneath it. My brows snapped together as I looked up at him.
“Is this also compliments of the house?” I quizzed.
“Absolutely. There’s one for each of you,” he confirmed.
“One of what?” Sade asked as she moved closer to see what was on the platter.
I didn’t have the chance to answer before she saw the other chips and started losing her mind. That made Crystal curious enough to leave her position and retrieve her gifts as well. While they went on about not having to win any more money, the man holding the tray continued to talk to me.
“I have been instructed to give you this as well,” he told me, giving me two key cards and a note.
I had to think of a way to steal more of your attention. I’m very private, but I would love to spend more time with you tonight.
You and your friends have free rein of the place. Feel free to eat, drink, and gamble as much as you like. Once you have had your fill, I would love for you to join me in the penthouse suite. All I want is your undivided attention.
N
“What’s this?” Crystal asked, snatching the note before I could make the decision to hide it.
“Y’all are so nosy!” I protested.
“Your boyfriend sent these too?” Sade asked, ignoring my comment.
