Page 13 of Vegas Duology

Why did I attract these fools?

"No,” I said again, this time with a little more force.“I'm good."

"Come on.You were dancing out there like you wanted me to come over here."

He did not just say that.Loser.

I shot a quick look at the bouncer, who was watching the situation.I gave him a nod, which was all he needed to remove my drunken intruder, leaving me alone again.

I could get used to this type of treatment.I turned around, closed my eyes and let the music flow through me.The beat was sensual; maybe I did want to dance.I slid my hands up my bare thighs to the silky satin of my dress to the rhythm.

"Why do I always feel like I’m interrupting you?”

My eyes snapped open and I dropped my hands.It was ridiculous, but like a teenager, I could feel my heart jump at the sound of the voice behind me.I didn’t even try to stop myself from grinning before I turned around.

Leo had already undone the velvet rope barrier and was stepping onto the platform as if he owned the place, which for all I knew about him, he did.

"Hi," I said, trying hard not to sound too excited.I pushed myself up to a sitting position.Maybe a little too fast.The room spun a little, so I closed my eyes until the feeling passed.

When I opened them again, Leo was watching me with a knowing smile.

"I see Mitchell made you his famous concoction."He pointed to the pink drink I’d left untouched.

“He did.But it’s too sweet.I stuck with champagne.Which may not have been the best idea.”

"Not usually, no,” Leo said.His brow creased in concern and he moved to the bar, poured a glass of water.“Here, drink this.”

The water was cool and a relief from the heat of the club.“I guess champagne and dancing don’t mix.It must be the heat in here,” I said.

“Do you feel better?”

I nodded and the concern melted from his face, replaced by a dazzling smile.It must have been the atmosphere, or the alcohol, but when I looked at his face, my thoughts went to what Nicole had said earlier.And technically, I was single.

“Thank you,” I said.

“For the water?”

“No.”I leaned forward and squeezed his arm.

Did I really just do that?

“For this,” I said.“All of it.It’s incredible.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Nothing?”I sat up straight.“It’s everything.I’m actually enjoying myself, and I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a nightclub before.”

Leo’s eyes locked onto mine and after a moment, I had to force myself to look away.I shifted my gaze to the dance floor just over his shoulder.

“Where is the birthday girl, anyway?”he asked.

“Where else?”I pointed below us, where she was wrapped in the arms of her partner.

Leo took a quick glance and faced me again.“And why aren’t you out there?It seems to me that you would have your fair share of partners to choose from.”There was a question in his eyes.

“I’m resting,” I said and crossed my bare legs in a way I’d seen Nicole do before.I hoped it didn’t look too stupid.

I watched his gaze travel up my legs and a shiver ran through me.