Page 28 of Vegas Baby

She moved her knee near his hip and rose up, her breast close to his face. He closed his eyes, damned if he didn’t want to bury his nose in her sweet cleavage.

“Are you okay?” she asked, sitting cross-legged in the grass.

“Yep, need to stretch it out a bit.” He sat up, willing his body to cool down while he hopped to his feet. He needed a cold shower, fast. “I think I’ll hit the pool and go swimming to work this out”

Without waiting for her response, he strode towards the pool. One night over, one more to go. He could do this without giving into temptation.

Couldn’t he?

Chapter Eleven

“Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton,” Mr. Patel came to stand behind them at the bride and groom’s table. The ceremony was long since over but the party was still in full swing.

“Mr. Patel, congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. It was truly lovely,” Raina said, twisting her body to look at the man.

The action pushed her breasts tight against the low-cut fabric of her bodice, the deep red color of the dress enhancing her creamy skin. The sight had tempted Howler most of the night and he averted his gaze.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton,” Mr. Patel said.

The emcee tapped a spoon against a glass to gain everyone’s attention. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Rigg have a special request for all married couples to join them for a dance.”

Mrs. Patel skirted the table, holding her hand out to her husband. “Darling, that means us and the Hamiltons as well.”

“I’ll be right there.” Patel flashed a rare smile. “I wanted to say, I’ve given it much thought and I’ve given my blessing to Veer to sign with your agency.”

Hallelujah, miracles actually did happen. “Thank you,” Howler said.

“After seeing you two together, I’m believe that I made the right decision.” With an exaggerated wink, he walked away.

“Oh my God, we did it,” Raina said and he could practically see her sharp mind working. She assumed because she helped with Veer, she was a shoe in. While part of him wanted to give her the deal, he couldn’t commit until all of the offers were submitted.

“Yes, you did but don’t get ahead of yourself. He still thinks you’re my wife. And as my wife, you have to dance with me.” One more day and he’d no longer be a married man. He hid a chuckle at the notion. Him. married. It still sat oddly in his mind, yet it no longer horrified him. Probably because it was a temporary condition.

Or perhaps it was the woman whom he awaited to take his hand.

She bit her lip but placed her palm in his outstretched hand. He led her onto the massive dancefloor. The skirt of her dress floating about her ankles, touching his pant leg as he drew her close.

Music swelled, a slow, familiar song, and he palmed the curve of her waist. She stood stiff in his arms; eyes downcast.

“What’s wrong?” He tilted her chin with their combined hands, catching a whiff of her floral perfume as her hair brushed his chin.

“I am a horrible dancer,” she admitted with a sheepish smile. The hint of vulnerability softened her smoky blue eyes, pulling him into her web. Tomorrow, they’d part ways and he’d only see her for work-related purposes. But that was tomorrow. “I hope I don’t step on your toes.”

“Just follow my lead and that won’t happen.” He brought her in close, his arm around her back, their clasped hands tucked into his chest as he guided her through the steps.

She laughed; her eyes bright as they met his. “Where did you learn how to dance?”

“Grams insisted I learn basic social skills.” She’d forced on him, along with his foster brothers and sisters, what she called, old fashioned values. A smile pulled at his lips at the memory of that crazy time. His siblings, not by blood, but by a common bond, where still a large part of his life. “Grams is big on manners. Now the subtle intricacy of how to charm women? That’s all me.”

“Okay,” she murmured, glancing over his shoulder, but not before he saw the corners of her mouth tilt up.

Why did she have to be so damn tempting? He settled his cheek near hers, speaking low and close to her ear, knowing he was being stupid but powerless to help himself. “Are you saying I don’t know how to charm a woman?”

“I’m sure you’re perfectly capable of charming a million women,” she said, her throaty voice triggering a surge in his pulse.

The cushion of her breasts, the heat of her skin and the sleek curve of her neck, all worked to unhinge his self-control. It was foolish to flirt with her but he never claimed to be smart. “But not you?”

“You’ve certainly never tried to in the past. Lest you forget, we didn’t get off on the right foot or any foot for that matter. We’re business acquaintances and will continue to be even after all this is done,” Raina said.

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