Page 6

Monterey

Just staring at Danger from across this table makes me want to squeeze my legs together to ease the constant want and longing for him.

He hasn’t even done anything, but there’s this hint of something in the way he stares at me. Like he knows what I’m thinking.

Like he knows every single dirty thought that’s racing through my mind right now.

And racing is the operative word. Because I want to race him to the moon and back.

It’s exhausting trying to hide my innermost fantasies from him. How can I survive this whole trip with him? How can I survive this whole pretend engagement with him?

When the cameras flashed it became way too real for my heart’s safety. And it frightened me just a bit. The last time I was in the spotlight it didn’t end too well. I’ve never done anything this crazy in my whole life before. It’s insane.

The fact it was my father’s idea makes the whole thing that much more insane.

The waitress, who has been making googly eyes at Danger since we entered, sets our food down in front of us, and I thank her.

Danger hasn’t even looked in her direction, nope, he’s kept his eyes right on me the whole time.

It’s a bit unnerving how he keeps his attention on me. It’s the intensity behind his eyes that ruffles my feathers most. And now I’ve suggested Las Vegas. A charity gala. With champagne and a dance floor. Sure, we’ll have many more events we’ll have to pretend to be a couple at, but for some reason tonight in Vegas has my nerves bouncing off the walls of my insides.

I grab my phone, texting my father to let him know of the change of plans. He immediately types back that he planned on stopping by as well.

Great. More reason to play the part as best I can to win the company.

* * *

We make it to Caesar’s Palace on the Vegas strip with a few minutes to spare. We get our rooms, separate of course, and I have enough time to get ready and make it down to the ballroom by the time the event starts. If I hurry.

All I really want to do is soak in a giant-sized whirlpool tub and read instead, but there’s something magical in the air tonight. Maybe it’s just Vegas.

I glance at myself in the mirror and try to work my fingers through my hair, smoothing down the stray ends. I spin my long brown hair into an updo, and put a little gloss on my lips.

This will have to do.

When I exit my room my breath is taken away by the sight of Danger in his tuxedo. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a tux, and I have to say it looks good on him. There’s just something about a man in a tux, and Danger amplifies that ten fold.

“Wow,” he breathes out. “I’m the luckiest guy in Vegas tonight.”

“Maybe you should go and place a bet.”

Danger smiles his normally cocky grin. “Not tonight.”

I hook my arm in his. “Ready to do this?”

“Playing your boyfriend will probably be the easiest thing I’ll ever do.”

We take one step toward the ballroom and then another. “Why’s that?”

He winks. “Because if I were your man I’d spoil you rotten on the regular.”

I smile at his words, wondering what it would be like to be spoiled by a man like Danger. We step into the ballroom, and I scan the room for a familiar face.

The banner reads, Carter Loves in purple and gold. The ballroom goes on for miles, or what appears like miles. There’s purple flowers on round tables with gold-linen tablecloths. The lights are dim, giving the ambience of a successful elegant gala. The lights of the strip shine in through the high windows, casting a soft glow, making the whole party feel romantic. There’s so many people sitting at tables and clustered in groups, chatting, laughing, and talking to one another.

“What kind of charity is this?” Danger asks me as we move into the party.

“Something to do with children.”

Danger stops. “Like orphaned children?”

“I’m not really sure.” I shrug, trying to find Cole Danforth in the crowd. “Cole’s wife works for the charity.”

We both stop walking when we spot Thad speaking with my father.

Danger growls beside me. “What’s that asshole doing with him?”

“I’m not really sure.”

We cross the floor, stepping up to join my father as a waiter passes by with a tray of champagne-filled flute glasses. Danger picks up two and hands one over to me.

I take a much-needed sip as Thad’s eyes blaze into mine.

I straighten my shoulders, ignoring his heated gaze.

“I was just telling your father how much I missed having you by my side at these things,” Thad says, leaning over to kiss my cheek.

I push him away.

“Well, lucky for me I guess that you cheated on her and I’m able to have her on my arm instead,” Danger says, tugging me closer to him.

My father and Thad are both appalled by Danger’s words.

No decorum, and it’s actually refreshing. It’s something I kind of wanted to say too.

“Danger, this isn’t the time or place,” my father says.

Danger’s hand clenches tighter around my hip. “Right, sir.”

“Daddy, why don’t we find a table.”

My father nods, but Danger doesn’t move.

“Come on, Danger.” I tug him a bit.

He turns to face me, his eyes softening. “Why don’t you go ahead and find a seat. I need to talk to Thad for a minute.”

Thad laughs. “I’ve got nothing to say to you.”

Danger steps closer to Thad, dropping his hand from my waist. “I’ve got something to say to you.” He points his finger at Thad. “You stare at my girl one more time tonight I’ll bash your face in.”

Thad laughs, but there’s a little bit of fear behind that laugh. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Enough,” my father’s voice booms. “Let’s find a table.” He wheels away, and Danger and Thad just glare at each other.

Danger smirks at Thad, but follows me to the center of the ballroom to take a seat at an empty table.

“This charity is a good one. Her husband used to race. Do you know him?” my father asks, staring at Danger, pretending the whole incident between Thad and Danger didn’t just happen.

“Yeah, Cole Danforth.” He smiles. “I’ve been a fan of his for a while.”

Thad interrupts, standing right behind me. “Care to dance?” Thad places his hand in front of me as I sit at the table with my father and Danger.

“I… uh.”

My father smiles. “Don’t cause a scene now, Monterey. Dance with the man.”

“Of course.” I smile and squeeze Danger’s bicep as I stand and follow Thad to the dance floor.

“Why are you doing this?” I ask him as soon as we start dancing.

“Why are you with that asshole?” He pulls me closer. “Is it to get back at me?”

I laugh. “You wish.”

“You shouldn’t be with a guy like that.”

“What, should I be with you instead?” I shiver at the thought. As if I’d ever go back to Thad.

“We were good together once.” His blue eyes sparkle in the soft glow, and I try to remember what I ever saw in this man.

The song continues playing on as Thad spins me around the dancefloor in silence. The only reason Thad has any interest in me right now is because of Danger. And he must think I’m an idiot for not knowing it.

I glance over my shoulder back at Danger and watch as he can’t take his eyes off us. This must be killing him, too. Not because he’s into me or anything, but because I’m dancing with his enemy when I’m supposed to be dating him.

We spin around for a few more minutes before Danger appears by my side. “Ok, I think it’s my turn.” He wraps his arm around my waist, practically prying me from Thad’s arms.

“We haven’t finished out the song.” Thad grips onto me harder.

“The dance is over,” Danger says, pushing his hands away from my body.

“Look, there’s some cheap whores over there. Why not run along and get your piece of ass early tonight.” Thad doesn’t budge.

I cringe at Thad’s words, because I know that if we weren’t doing this whole charade, Danger would most likely be over there dancing with the, well, whores.

Danger doesn’t take the bait. He doesn’t even glance over there. “That’s more your style, Thad. And if you’ll excuse me I’d like to dance with my date.”

I step out of Thad’s embrace, pulling on Danger’s arm. “Ok, that’s enough. Let’s dance, Danger.”

Danger nor Thad give an inch, and I try again to diffuse the situation.

“Go away, Thad. I’m here with Danger.”

Thad tugs on my arm, trying to pull me away from Danger. “But, you don’t really know the kind of man he is, Monterey.”

“Monty, knows me just fine.” Danger smiles wide, and then out of nowhere just punches Thad square in the jaw.

It all happened so fast.

“Danger, oh my god,” I exclaim. “What are you doing?”

Many people surround us, and I spot Cole Danforth stepping closer to figure out what’s going on.

His dark eyes assess both men, and he steps between the two of them.

“Hey, let’s take this outside, buddy,” Cole says to Danger.

Danger swings on Cole, not fully connecting, and then Cole stares at him for a second, not sure if that really just happened, and then he brings Danger down with some wrestling move. Danger’s on the ground, and Cole stands over him.

Three men from security, wearing black suits, step closer to access the situation.

“Get him out of here,” Cole says to security.

I follow them out of the ballroom, mouthing an apology to my father.

I can’t believe this.