Page 6 of Falling for Raine

“You never know what to expect in April. It was colder than a witch’s tit last week, and of course, it rained.”

I waited for the hard-to-pass-up quip about my name.Raine should always be ready for rain. Ha, ha, ha.Gee, I’d never heard that one before. But no…his lips curled in a lopsided half smile as he fished his credit card from his wallet and signaled to the bartender.

Oh.This was over.

I mean, okay, that was fine. Graham was too old for me, too sophisticated, too worldly, too…hot. Then again, I had one night left in the States and this was fucking Vegas. I had the ultimate one-night hall pass to do practically anything I wanted.

I thanked him when he paid the tab and followed him outside, shivering at the drop in temperature. I rubbed my arms and wracked my brain for a witty remark, but all I could come up with was the world’s worst pick-up line.

“So…really. What was a guy like you doing in a shit hole like that for real?” I gestured to the nondescript building and the flashing sign bathing us in ugly rainbow neon. “We’ve established that I’m an idiot who should have done a bit more research, but you—there’s gotta be more to your story. There’s no way you come here regularly for a drink.”

Graham read a message on his cell and glanced up. “I was there for the same reason you were, even if you’d hoped for more auspicious surroundings.”

“I—huh?”

“A quick fuck off the beaten path. No muss, no fuss,” he clarified with a laugh.

“Oh.”

“Don’t look so scandalized,” he chided, slipping his phone into his pocket.

“I’m not. I just didn’t…think you’d be so honest?” My voice cracked and broke my reply into a question mark.

He shrugged. “Bull Rider is notoriously reliable for scratching a certain itch.”

“Got it. Well, you’re going to miss your chance if you leave now. There’re willing creepers at the bar still.”

“I’m going to pass tonight.”

“Ouch. Now I feel bad. I had no idea I was being a cockblock.”

“Don’t be silly. I have no regrets, and I quite enjoyed our conversation.” Graham smiled warmly. “Best of luck to you in London.”

“Thanks. I—wait.”

“Yes?”

“Does that mean you’re not interested in—” I snapped my mouth shut as heat instantly flooded my cheeks.Oh. My. God. “Never mind. I…it was nice to meet you.”

Who the fuck had taken control over my mouth? This was not me. At all. I didn’t proposition men for sex. I didn’t have to. I was charming, remember?

Or not.

I stepped away from the exceedingly sexy bear of a man and dug my phone from my pocket. My jeans were as snug as a wet suit on a sweaty summer day, so…that was a look. I slunk into the shadows under the eaves and scrolled through my Uber app, acutely aware of Graham speaking to someone on his cell. A lover, a spouse? No, he didn’t give off married vibes, but what the fuck did I know?

I furrowed my brow at my screen, dismayed at the rates for a freaking ride to my hotel. These numbers couldn’t be right. I could see the Palazzo sign from here…well, sort of. I switched to a different app, same results. I couldn’t spend forty bucks for a ten-minute drive. No way.

Maybe a taxi would be cheaper. I scanned the mostly empty lot just as a black Escalade pulled in front of me. A tinted window in the rear rolled down a moment later.

“Hop in. I’ll give you a lift to your hotel,” Graham offered.

“No, that’s okay.”

“I insist, Raine.”

I studied his cool blue eyes and weighed his invitation, realizing how ridiculous I was. I wouldn’t have hesitated to get into his car if he’d been interested in me, but now that I knew this was a G-rated taxi service, I was nervous. And embarrassed. But my bank account begged me to set pride aside and reconsider.

“Thank you.” I bit my bottom lip and inclined my head. “I’m staying at The Palazzo.”