Page 55 of All Bets Are Off

Zach’s mouth fell open when he saw the dress. “Where are you going?” he blurted.

I raised an eyebrow. This was the most interest he’d shown in days. “Out with Tallulah.” I slipped my keycard inside the small wrist purse I was carrying. It was only big enough for a credit card and the door key. “Why do you care?”

“I don’t,” he replied, recovering. His eyes darted to the television. “I just haven’t seen you that dressed up before.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Well, I’m not going anywhere I have to strip,” I replied icily. “I know that’s what you’re worried about. Your reputation won’t take a hit because of me.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” He matched my tone. “Also, I didn’t say you looked like a stripper.”

“No, you didn’t say anything,” I agreed. I cast a quick look toward the mirror on the wall. I’d gone through the trouble to pull my hair back in a messy—although ornate—bun. I’d even affixed little rhinestone clips in certain places so the lights would reflect off my hair. “You could say I look nice.” Why I felt the need to prod him that way was beyond me. I’d gone all out, though. He could at least acknowledge it.

His eyes skittered back to me, landing on my legs first. I’d rubbed my favorite sea salt oil over them so they practically glowed. It was supposed to remind people of the beach. We had enough sand in Vegas that I figured I could pretend we were actually on a beach and it wouldn’t be a big deal. The ocean was just extra far away.

“Whatever,” I said when it became clear that he wasn’t going to comment. “Have a nice night with Lebron.”

I reached for the door handle. His response was quiet when it came. “You look beautiful.”

I froze, my fingers gripping the handle. “Thank you.”

“You always look beautiful.”

When I glanced over my shoulder, I found him studying me with an intensity I wasn’t used to. “Thank you.”

We held each other’s gazes for several seconds. My heart—my traitorous, stupid heart—started beating harder. Even though I knew it was impossible, I had to wonder if he was feeling the same thing I was because I swear I could hear his heart pounding from ten feet away.

“Have fun,” he said finally. “Don’t let Tallulah get you into trouble.” He glanced at my wrist purse and frowned. “Where is your phone?”

“On my nightstand,” I replied. “It doesn’t fit in my purse and I want something that I don’t have to worry about leaving behind.”

Zach ran his tongue over his lips. “What if you get in trouble?” he asked finally. “I mean … if you can’t call me, how will I know where you are?”

“I won’t get in trouble. I’m a good girl, remember? That’s why you married me.”

A muscle worked in his jaw. “Tallulah isn’t a good girl,” he argued.

“Yes, she is. She talks big, but it’s not like high school. She’s outgrown that wild streak she used to have.”

Zach didn’t look convinced. “Where are you going?”

I shrugged. “Wherever the night takes us.” I unleashed the sultriest smile in my arsenal, although that wasn’t saying much. “It’s Vegas. You never know where you’ll end up.” I pulled open the door. “Don’t wait up.”

I added a little sway to my hips and somehow knew he was watching right up until the door fell closed.

“SO, HOW IS MARRIED LIFE TREATING YOU?”Tallulah asked as we got comfortable in OMNIA night club. It was a three-level club inside Caesars Palace. Inside wasn’t our normal scene—it was too crowded—but the rooftop bar wasa particular favorite, and the concierge at Stone Casino had offered up some VIP tickets during one of our conversations. She had a sister who was a dancer, and she’d—secretly of course—been encouraging me to help them ever since she found out I was part of the negotiation team.

“It’s nowhere near as fun as I thought it would be,” I replied as I sipped my purple concoction. I had no idea what was in it, although it was strong. I wasn’t feeling particularly picky this evening, though.

“And why is that?” Tallulah settled on one of the couch seats across from me. For some reason, when I’d presented the VIP tickets, a whole new world had opened for us at OMNIA. We were in the velvet rope section, which I happened to appreciate while also feeling self-conscious at the same time.

I shrugged. “He’s intense. I don’t remember him being so intense when we were kids.”

“Yes, well, he’s got a lot more responsibility now.”

I snorted. “He’s a nepo baby. I mean … the only reason he has the gig he has is because his father handed it to him on a silver platter. His sisters aren’t even being considered when it comes time to take over for Ryder. Do you want to know why?”

Tallulah blinked as if I’d asked the most ludicrous question in the world. “Because he has a penis I’m guessing.”

“Exactly.” I sipped again. “Man, this is good.”

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