Page 18 of Hitting the Jackpot (Las Vegas Littles #4)

Jesse

“I don’t like it,” Jesse said to William the general manager of the casino. “They haven’t done anything.”

“It’s almost like they’re on vacation or something,” William replied. “Crazy as that might seem.”

“These aren’t vacation people,” Jesse argued. “I know they’re up to no good.”

“If they are, then they’re great actors. Playing tourists and not causing any trouble.”

Jesse sighed. It didn’t make sense. Jesse knew that Ezra’s parents weren’t good people. They wanted to take Annabelle from Ezra and Eric. Ezra who loved his daughter more than anything in the world. Eric who was just as dedicated to the little girl.

They were all making a family for Annabelle.

With parents that loved and supported her and a whole bunch of uncles that would be right there by her side.

Annabelle had charmed her way into Jesse’s heart the first time she smiled at him while climbing onto his knee.

She’d wanted ice cream and Jesse had been the weak link.

It wasn’t Jesse fault that he was a pushover. He just wanted to make everyone happy. Lake, their friends, and the little girl—all of them deserved to be happy.

“Jesse?” William asked.

“I don’t know what to do.” Jesse admitted.

“What if there isn’t anything to do?”

Jesse shook his head, dropping down into the chair behind his desk. “Thanks, William. Keep watching them, please.”

“I will.” William continued to stand there.

“Is there something else?” Jesse really didn’t need any more bad news.

“The rumor mill is working overtime today.”

Jesse snorted. “Is it?”

William nodded.

“Don’t keep me in suspense,” Jesse ordered. He had a pretty damn good idea what was going on.

“Lake. The bouncer for the club,” William said.

“What about him?”

William glared. “Are you together?”

“Does it matter?”

“Not to me,” William replied.

“To everyone else?”

“No.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Jesse asked.

“Is this the reason that you sold some of the companies? Hired more staff? Started to cut back your hours?”

Jesse stared at his general manager. No, William was more than that.

He was a friend. They’d worked together for years.

William had started as a blackjack dealer before working his way up.

The two of them had spent many nights drinking and imagining how to make the casino the best one in the city. “Yes.”

“Good.”

Jesse lifted a brow. “Good?”

“About damn time,” William offered.

“Yeah.” Jesse laughed.

“I hope everything works out for the two of you,” William said.

“Thanks.” Jesse meant it.

William smiled. “I better get back to work.”

“I’ll see you later,” Jesse promised. He waited until he was alone in the office to flop back in his chair. He was not happy with the report but what could he do?

His phone chimed.

Jesse grabbed his cell and grinned. He loved seeing Lake’s name across the screen.

Lake: I’m stopping by the coffee shop before my shift

Lake: Meet me?

He hurried to type a message. Yes, how long?

Lake: Pulling into the parking garage

I’ll see you in ten

Lake: K

Jesse chuckled. He had a surprise for his boy. Opening his bottom drawer, Jesse pulled out the new pair of sparkling shoes for Zeb. Al was currently resting on Jesse’s bed, but Zeb was never out of Lake’s reach. The boy took his favorite stuffie everywhere.

“Mason?” Jesse called through the open door.

His assistant stuck his head in. “What’s up, boss?”

“I’m running down to the coffee shop,” Jesse told him.

“Oh! I can go,” Mason offered.

“Not unless you plan to give Lake kisses as well?” Jesse teased.

Mason held up his hands. “I’m pretty sure that you can handle that. You’re clear for at least an hour but then we have that call with the investors in New York for the new shopping center.”

Jesse rose and stuffed the present for Lake in his pocket. “That’s fine. I went over the numbers this morning.”

“Great,” Mason replied. He ducked back out of sight.

“Hey, Mas,” Jesse called.

And he popped back into view. “Boss?”

“What do you think about the shopping center?”

“What do you mean?” Mason asked as he stepped farther into the office.

“Do you think it’s a good deal?” Jesse asked.

He’d hired Mason right out of business school.

Mason was older than most students since he’d started so late but had good sense and worked hard.

Mason had worked for two years, saving every penny he could until he was able to afford community college.

Since their stories were so similar, Jesse had taken the chance on the young man. He was glad he had.

“You really want to know my opinion?”

“I asked, didn’t I?” Jesse reminded him.

“Then no. I don’t think you should invest,” Mason answered.

“Why? Break it down for me,” Jesse ordered.

“The investment company as a whole is a bad bet. They go in and build then quickly sell. They don’t care about the communities that they’re building in. There are even rumors that they aren’t above using questionable methods to get the land they want,” Mason said.

Jesse knew about the quick turnovers but not the latter. “I didn’t come across that.”

“It’s buried deep,” Mason told him. “Just some threads online that I came across while I was researching them for you. Nothing has been proven.”

“But you think it might be true?”

“I don’t know,” Mason replied. “That’s why I didn’t put it in my report.”

“You should have,” Jesse told him.

“It’s not business-related,” Mason said. “My professor would have failed me if I had added it to the report.”

“Your professor is an idiot. I want your opinions added to the reports. I trust your judgment.”

“Thanks, boss. I appreciate it,” Mason said.

“I need to go.”

“Your new boyfriend awaits,” Mason teased. “Do you want me to cancel the call?”

Jesse considered. “No, I’ll tell them myself that I’m passing on the deal.”

“Got it, boss.”

Jesse strode from the room and toward the elevator.

He answered emails from his cell as he rode down to the casino level.

He sent one last email to Jacob, letting his brother know they were passing on the New York shopping center.

Jacob wouldn’t care. Jesse took care of the business side of their money, allowing Jacob to concentrate on the job he truly loved.

Pocketing his phone, Jesse exited the elevator when the doors opened.

He strode through the casino, heading toward the coffee shop located on the other side.

Jesse waved to the employees that he passed but he was a man on a mission.

Usually, Jesse would stop and talk. He received a few questioning looks but ignored them.

By the time he was turning the corner where the coffee shop came into view, he was nearly out of breath.

Jesse really needed to find a quicker way to the coffee shop.

Laughter reached him as he approached the entrance.

Lake was leaning against the counter as Dom sat beside his arm and Ezra was laughing from the espresso machine. It appeared that Lake was trying to tell a story but Dom and Ezra wouldn’t stop laughing.

Jesse stepped up behind Lake and wrapped an arm around his stomach, pulling him back.

“I really hope that’s Jesse or I am going to have some explaining to do.”

Jesse nipped Lake’s neck. “You would have more than a little explaining to do.”

Lake leaned his head back on Jesse’s shoulder. “Hi.”

“Hello, baby.” Jesse kissed Lake’s cheek. “Missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

Dom began to make gagging noises.

Jesse glared at the boy. “Real mature.”

“I’m a brat,” Dom told him.

“Tell me about it.” Jesse turned to Lake. “I must insist on a proper kiss from my good boy.”

Lake grinned as he wrapped his arms around Jesse’s neck.

Jesse kissed him.

“This is a public place,” Dom complained.

Jesse nipped Lake’s bottom lip as he drew away. “I feel better.”

“Oh goodie,” Dom quipped.

“Ignore him,” Lake said.

“I plan to,” Jesse promised. “I do need to return Remi’s text from earlier.”

Dom gasped. “You wouldn’t.”

Jesse pulled Lake back under his arm. “I would.”

“That’s not fair!” Dom kicked his feet.

“I finally have something to hold over you,” Jesse said with a cackle. “This is great.”

“I don’t think it’s great,” Dom argued.

“It’s funny though,” Ezra piped up.

Jesse turned his attention to the other young man. “How are you doing Ezra?”

Ezra shrugged. “I keep waiting for them to barge in here.”

“Barge in? What are you talking about?” Lake asked.

Ezra’s eyes widened as he looked from Jesse to Lake. “You didn’t tell him?”

“Tell me what?” Lake demanded.

Dom shook his head. “Ezra’s asshole parents are here. In the hotel.”

“What do they want?” Lake demanded.

“We don’t know,” Jesse said gently. “I have William and security watching them.”

Lake growled. “They have to be here for Annabelle. What’s Eric say?”

“That they aren’t doing anything wrong,” Ezra said.

“It’s bullshit,” Dom spat. “Why are you even allowing them to stay in your hotel. You’re the fucking owner. Can’t you get rid of them.”

“Dom!” Ezra exclaimed.

“It’s okay,” Jesse said. “I thought about denying their stay. Kicking them out.”

“You did?” Ezra asked.

“I would do anything to protect you,” Jesse said.

“Why didn’t you get rid of them then?” Dom demanded.

Jesse noticed that Lake wasn’t saying anything. He responded to Dom anyway. “Because if I kick them out, I lose access to them. I can get them away from the hotel or the casino but that doesn’t mean that they’ll leave town. If they’re here, then I know what they’re doing.”

“Oh.” Dom’s shoulders slumped forward. “That’s smart.”

“I thought so.” Jesse looked back at Ezra. “Can you make me a coffee and one for Mason?”

“Of course!” Ezra turned to the espresso machine.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Jesse asked Lake quietly.

Lake nodded and Jesse drew him to the entrance. He found a quiet corner and pulled Lake over.

“Are you mad at me?” Jesse asked. “I should have told you about Ezra’s parents. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it. I figured Ezra told you.”

Lake shook his head. “I haven’t been home much.”