Page 3 of Might as Well

“This?”

He laughs. “You need to spice up your life a little, Violet. Is there anything you haven't done yet in Vegas you still want to do?”

I mull over what he said as I take a bite of my food. I cut my eyes over at him. It seems as if he's been watching me the entire time. Having him sitting next to me, his body heat latching onto mine, and his knee touching mine every so often is driving me crazy more than it should. “You make it sound like I'm boring.”

A wicked smile seems to leap from his face. How does he keep getting hotter? He leans over, getting into my personal spaceagain, and whispers in my ear, “Oh, Violet. Not for one second do I think you are boring. Have no doubt that you excite me.” He presses a soft, entirely too quick kiss just below my ear. My entire fucking body shivers in response.

Oh.

I'm in trouble.

Big, hugetrouble.

What am I supposed to say to that? My body urges me to grab his hand and lead him back to my room. My head is stunned stupid. My heart sputters and struggles to maintain a steady rhythm.Think, Violet. He’s waiting on a response!

Zane chuckles when all I can do is stare ahead and take another long draw from my drink.

“What's the craziest thing you've done?” I throw his question back at him once I regain some composure.

He sobers a bit. “Honestly?” I nod. “I'm typically a steady relationship kinda guy. I found myself in an open relationship with a woman, except I guess I didn't really take the open part seriously. Didn't think she meant it. Found out she did in fact mean it and she was also seeing one of my buddies.” When I wince, he nods. “Yeah. So anyway, I,” he shakes his head, “went on a rash of one-night stands and booty calls. Not really my kind of thing, but it was for a while.”

“Sometimes we have to release steam in an atypical way before we find our way back to ourselves,” I say. “Are you still friends with your buddy?”

Zane nods. “Yeah. He didn't know either. They actually live together now. Wouldn't be surprised if they get married. No hard feelings. It was my fault for not taking what she said seriously.”

Wow. He's taking this better than I think I would. “Back to serious relationships only then?”

He gives me another crooked smile. “If I can help it. My job can make things difficult. I travel a lot and...” He seems to catch himself and stops. “It doesn't really matter. Back to what I asked you: Is there anything you want to do here that you haven't done yet?”

“Yeah. I want to go see that fountain, but the bride isn't all that interested if alcohol, dicks, or glitter isn't involved.” I take my last bite and guzzle the last of my drink.

Zane laughs. “Let's go then.” He stands and takes my hand before I can think about protesting.

Finally, my phone vibrates with a text and Cassie asks where I am. Again, if I'm going to die tragically in Vegas, let it be by the hands of this handsome man. I have nothing to lose, though my heart screams that I do. The time I spend with him is bound to be more exciting than what my trip has been so far. I text backthat I'm going to see the fountain. If I mention I'm with a guy, they'll be upset considering this is a girls-only trip.

“Telling someone you've been kidnapped?” he asks, humor coloring his tone.

“Yes,” I lie.

“I'll return you safe and sound, I promise.”

“I'm sure that's what all murderers promise.”

Zane laughs and I swear on my life, my heart skips a beat. If this keeps up, I’ll have a heart attack before morning. “I have too many things to accomplish to murder someone and risk going to prison. Sorry to burst your bubble.”

We walk next to one another down the street.

“You have thought about murder and its consequences then?” I ask as I put my phone away in my back pocket.

He chuckles and shrugs, which should be worrisome. But it seems to be one of the days where I don’t give a damn about anything. Including my safety.

At one point, the sidewalks get super crowded and Zane takes my hand to ensure we stay together and somehow manages to shield me from everyone else. I feel so out of place here. So overwhelmed. Vegas is nothing like back home. Zane, though, he seems to be in a class all his own. He walks confidently down the street, tall and at ease. I almost think some people do a double take when they see him, but I would too if I saw a man that gorgeous.

We manage to get a good spot before the next show at the fountain starts. Zane places me in front of him and almost uses his body to create a shield behind me again. Like Zane, I'm not one to normally sleep with someone unless I'm in a relationship, but in moments of weakness, I have found myself searching for someone to lend comfort. Sometimes, those weaknesses come about frequently, especially since it’s hard to find someone for a relationship when I can barely take care of myself.

Zane, though…

For the first time ever, I want to sleep with someone truly for the hell of it. If I never see him again, then I at least got the experience. Because man, I bet the experience is heart-stopping. My entire body feels on edge and thrums with anticipation simply standing a few inches from him. The place where his hands rest on my hips tingles with warmth.

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