Page 12 of Vegas Duology

“We do,” I agreed.“This is pretty crazy.”

“Okay, seriously, what did you say to Leo to get this set up?You flirted with him, didn’t you?”

“Nothing.I swear.He met me at the pool and gave me the tickets.I didn’t say anything special at all.”

Did I?I thought back to our brief conversation.No, if anything, I’d made a fool of myself, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t even flirted with him.

“Well, whatever you did, it worked.”

I rolled my eyes.“Let's have another toast,” I said, raising my glass again.“To new beginnings.”

She twisted around and met my glass.“And new adventures.”Nicole wiggled her eyebrows at me; we clinked and drained our glasses.

A few more toasts later, we’d almost finished the bottle.I surprised myself when I realized that despite every misgiving I’d ever had about a nightclub, I was enjoying myself.

The music was loud but not obnoxiously so.Maybe it was the alcohol, but my feet started to move in time to the beat.

Nicole grabbed my hand.“Come on,” she said.“That’s enough sitting around.Let’s dance.”

“I don't dance,” I objected.But I didn't put up a fight as I followed her and within seconds fell into the rhythm of the music.

I don't know if it was the pulsing beat, the champagne or just being in Vegas, but I forgot to feel self-conscious as I let my body go.We danced together, alone and soon with partners as we began to attract male attention.Nicole reveled in the spotlight and shimmied and shook with her partners.I did my best to move away from the intruders but despite my attempts, they continued to follow me.I was having fun; I didn’t want to ruin my mood with some random guy trying to push up on me, so I grabbed Nicole and dragged her back to our table.

“I’m thirsty,” I said once we arrived in our safe haven.I checked over the table of alcohol.“What should we have?”

“Make me something fun,” Nicole said and flopped into one of the plushy chairs.

I picked up a pink bottle that I didn't recognize and put it back again.“I have no—”

“Let me,” Mitchell said, appearing as if I’d conjured him.He slid through the velvet ropes, and took the pink bottle from my hand.

“Something fun please, Mitchell,” Nicole called from the chair where she was now lounging seductively and waving at her earlier dance partners still down on the floor.

I watched in awe as Mitchell grabbed various bottles, poured multiple shots into a cocktail shaker, topped it with ice and gave it a few quick shakes before pouring the concoction into two glasses.He handed us each a pink beverage and said, “Here you go, ladies.Just shout when you're ready for another.”He winked at Nicole before vanishing again.

I took a sip; it was fruity and far too sweet.I opted for more champagne instead and joined Nicole in the chairs.

“Ladies,” a male voice called to us over the rope.

“Well, hello there.”Nicole pushed herself up to a sitting position and fluffed her hair behind her.

“Would you two care to dance?”He was handsome, and looking right at Nicole.

“Go ahead,” I said.“I'm good right now.”

“You sure?”she said.

“Positive.I think my feet could use the break anyway.”

I watched Nicole lead her tall, blond dancing partner towards the floor.

"It looks like she's having fun.What about you?Wanna dance?"another voice said from behind me.

Getting comfortable in the overstuffed chair, I swung my legs over the arm, letting my black heels dangle off the other side.I didn't bother to look up."No thanks," I said."I'm going to sit this one out."

"Oh, come on, sugar.Your friend's having fun.Why don't you at least let me in to have a drink with you?"

I looked up then and twisted around, irritated with the intrusion.He was good-looking—everyone in Vegas was—he was also drunk.