Page 15 of Falling

When I decidedLas Vegas would be a good place to recharge after climbing in Yosemite, I must have been out of my mind. I booked two nights and two rooms in one of the nicer casinos.

That was before Geneva fell down the mountain. Her ankle is still swollen, and a bruise wraps around it. I know this because her foot has been in my lap for the last seven hours. She keeps insisting that it’s fine. I don’t believe that for a second.

We pull onto the strip, and her eyes immediately light up. She’s almost vibrating with excitement. This doesn’t bode well for me for the next forty-eight hours.

I’m already a little worried she’s scheming how to break every single one of the rules I established. They don’t seem unreasonable. No nudity, sexual innuendos, or discussions involving sex should keep me away from Rand’s little sister. Right?

“I love the lights,” she says again.

“It is something to see.”

“It’s like the beacon to debauchery.”

“We’re not here long enough for debauchery,” I say with a scowl.

“There’s time for a little debauchery.” She holds her fingers, almost touching them together, to prove her point. She’s in for a shock though. If I don’t get to see her naked, no one else does either. “Where are we staying?”

“Right here.” I pull the SUV into the Venetian. The valet meets us to whisk our bags inside. Handing the keys to the SUV over, I follow Geneva inside.

I’ve been inside the hotel several times when business brought Rand and me to Nevada, but I’ve never stayed here. The cost of a room always felt too extravagant for me. Until Geneva came along anyway.

“I’m going to shop a little while you check in,” she says.

I watch as she walks toward the Grand Canal shops. She seems to already know her way around, and that worries me. I turn my attention away from her when a pleasant woman asks if I’m checking in.

I’ve been in and out of so many hotels over the years, I can do this in my sleep. Checking in is easy; finding Geneva in the throng of shoppers is a different matter.

It doesn’t take me long to give up the hunt, and I find a restaurant with a seating area in the mall and wait for a table. They sit me on the railing by the foot traffic so I can watch for her to drift by. I’m sure she’ll be better at locating me than vice versa. The waitress brings me a beer, and I settle in.

My phone vibrates in my front pocket. It’s Rand checking on our progress. I’m filling him in on our adventure so far, minus the twisted ankle, when I feel someone slip into the seat next to mine. I was right. Her hunting instincts are much better than mine.

“We must stop meeting like this,” Geneva drawls. “What will my husband think?” Her eyes twinkle with mischief. She’s so beautiful. For just a moment, I think about throwing the rules out the window. Then I finish my text to her brother. Our friendship is why there are rules in the first place.

“He’ll think he’s a very lucky man to have married you. Even if he has to share.”

She throws her head back and laughs. Her throat is a long column of soft skin that begs to be kissed. Her soft jade gaze meets mine. I pick up the menu. “Is this place fine for dinner?”

“Of course,” she says, picking up her menu. “How’s the beer?”

“Not bad.” She picks up my glass and throws back a mouthful.

“I’ll have one of these and the chicken Caesar, dressing on the side,” she tells our waitress. She waits for me to order before continuing. “All the french toast is going to make me fat.” I know she’s teasing, but I can’t stop the scowl that crosses my face.

“I doubt that,” I snarl. “Who cares if it did? You’d still be stunning.”

“Why, Peter Winsloe, are you trying to seduce me?”

“No seducing, remember.” I roll my eyes. “I’m just stating a fact.”

The waitress sets Geneva’s beer on the table. She takes a long pull before turning her attention back to me. Her eyes narrow.

“I don’t remember anything in the rules about seduction,” she says.

“It’s understood. It’s between nakedness and innuendo.”

“That only applies to us though. I can play naked Twister in my room with anyone else of my choosing. Isn’t that right?”

“I guess. Technically.” She’s teasing me. I hope anyway. The idea of her playing naked anything with someone else makes me see red.

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