“Yes. It makes sense since we want an early start for the getaway.”
Frowning, Max slid his hands into his pants’ pocket. “So, where’s this thing happening?”
I rolled my eyes, taking comfort in Jack’s hand stroking my back. But he was too quiet. “It’s a surprise.”
“Yes.” Max leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb. “Logan’s still a little frustrated you won’t say where.”
“That’s what surprises are all about,” I countered.
“I have to go,” Jack told me, then he glanced at Max. “I have unfinished business that needs my attention, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Surfing?”
“Yeah, sure.”
Jack pressed his mouth to mine in another tender kiss. I flung my arms around him and held on tight. I didn’t want to leave him. After all that had happened, I still felt a little shaky.
“It’ll be all right,” he whispered, easing back, taking his warmth and leaving me bereft. “Stay safe for me, Ray…” He swept my over-long bangs away from my face. “Have fun in Vegas.”
“Vegas?” Max repeated.
“Yes, Vegas,” I reiterated.
“They’re having the bachelorette bash there,” Jack told Max, then he glanced at me. “He won’t tell Ila.”
Max opened his mouth, shut it, then he dragged his fingers through his blond hair, tousling it even more.
“You know, not only guys get to go there and have fun, right?” I arched a brow. “And you have your bachelor party tomorrow anyway.”
He narrowed his green eyes at me, then sighed. For some reason, Max could never get mad with me. Or it could be seeing my eyes swollen from tears that stopped him from saying more. I hoped Ila was in her studio so I could shower and fix the damages before I saw her.
“How are you going to Vegas?” Max asked then.
“We have an early morning flight—”
“No. I’ll make arrangements for you to use the company jet.”
He would? Wow.
“Right, then, I should get going.” Jack cut me another long look, edged with heat, tenderness, and something darker. Then he pivoted and vanished down the stairs, his footsteps echoing in the silence. Even though we’d talked things through, I hated this distance, hated that I couldn’t be with him. The one week until the wedding seemed endless.
Inhaling deeply, I pivoted for the loft. Max had already disappeared inside. I shut the door and stopped. Jack had said he wanted an answer when he next saw me. But we wouldn’t see each other until rehearsals started on Wednesday, and there would be people about…
Frowning, I pulled out my cell from my pocket and messaged him.What did you mean ‘when you next see me?’ When is that?
His response was instant.So impatient.
JACK!
Yelling at me in caps doesn’t change anything. When I see you next, I want your answer.
His wavy dots appeared again.I miss you.
I sent him an unhappy emoji followed by a string of hearts, and could almost sense his smile.
* * *
Las Vegas.I was in the Sin City of the world, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Oooh, the fun.
I slipped off my sandals, taking in the spacious room. It was gorgeous, with over-the-top splendor. Deep metallic-hued gray drapes framed the massive wall of windows, deeper gray carpets ran the length of the room. A giant-sized king bed with a rich cream cover accented with gray-blue bolsters and a throw took up space against the opposite wall. And cream armchairs made up the living area near the window where Ila stood.
