Page 31 of Choosing the right Man

It ends up being the most entertaining dinner of my life. This truly is a good group of people. They’ve been with the company for quite some time, and it’s obvious. They joke with each other, know about one another’s lives, and are comfortable with Mason. They also include me. I’m part of them now.

What a fool I’d be if I fell into a torrid affair with Mason. I’d lose my job, lose this sense of belonging, lose myself. I don’t want that to happen, especially since I have no idea where myrelationship with my boyfriend is going. I don’t want to end up alone.

The dinner lasts a little over two hours, then Mason rushes us from the casino so we can make it to our show on time. We catch a ride to the Mandalay Bay Resort and are led into the VIP section for the show.

Once again I end up next to Mason. I’m not sure if he’s doing this on purpose, but the longer this night goes on, the more my resistance to the man comes to an all-time low.

The lights flash as we sip drinks and continue talking until the show begins. I’m utterly mesmerized. Even being extremely aware of Mason right next to me, the show is magnificent. It’s the first big production I’ve ever been to, and being such a Michael Jackson fan, the experience is indescribable. It seems like Michael himself is up there dancing. All of the performers do well; it’s so much better than I could’ve imagined. I’m not ready for it to end when it does.

I’m in a trance as we walk from the theater. I drank far too much, and I’m feeling good. I lean on Mason as we leave the building. Since the rest of the team hold each other up, no one seems to notice.

“How are you feeling?” he asks as we walk to the waiting car.

“Great! Thank you for taking us. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” I say.

He looks me over for several moments, disappointment flashing in his eyes. I don’t know what he’s upset about. I told him it was a great show.

The laughter continues on the ride back to our resort. It seems I’m not the only one feeling the effects of drinking.

“Who’s up for some gambling?” Dell asks with enthusiasm.

A couple of the team members readily agree, but most say they need a good night’s rest.

“I ate way too much food and drank about a gallon of wine,” Jenny says. “I’m going to bed where I can moan and groan on my own.”

Dell laughs. “I’m just getting started.”

“Make sure you aren’t mega hungover tomorrow. It’s a busy day,” Jenny warns.

“I don’t get hangovers,” he assures her. “The trick is Advil and water.” The gamblers take off, and the rest of us move slowly toward the elevators. I’m very aware of Mason moving to the same tower elevator I use.

Four of us get into the elevator, but the other two team members get off on the tenth floor. Now it’s just Mason and me. My heart thunders as I keep my face down, refusing to look at him. I can’t help but think of what happened the last time we were alone in an elevator, how hard it was not to jump on him. I have to clench my fists to keep from attacking the man. I’m being foolish.

The doors ding and I gratefully see my floor number appear. Mason steps off with me.

“Are you on this floor?” I ask.

He smiles at me, heat and resignation in his eyes.

“Yes.” There isn’t a lot of enthusiasm in his one-word answer.

I stop at my door and fumble through my purse, trying to find my key. It seems an impossible task. My hand shakes, and I realize I’m a bit more drunk than I thought.

“Allow me,” Mason says. I finally look at him.

“You really are a beautiful man,” I blurt. His fingers still as he pulls his hand from my purse, my key card in his hand. I see desire flare in his eyes, but I see something else too.

“As much as I want to take you into this room and give us both the pleasure we’ve been denying ourselves, I refuse to let it happen when you’re drunk,” he says. Should I be offended? Iwave my hand at him as he sweeps the key over my lock, and my door opens.

He walks inside with me, and I sway toward him. Will I make a big mistake tonight? What is it Dell’s shirt says? Whatever happens in Vegas stays here? It’s something like that.

“Are you going to kiss me again?” I ask. I want him. There’s no doubt, and my defenses are at an all-time low.

“Dammit, Chloe,” he says in a low growl. He grabs hold of me, his arms powerful as they pull me against him. He doesn’t say anything as he smashes his mouth to mine.

It’s a punishing kiss, a frustrated kiss, afantastickiss. I push against him, desire flaring inside me. It’s exactly what I want and need — beautiful and sexy. I’m tired of fighting myself. One of his hands clings to my lower back, the other to my hip. His fingers squeeze as his mouth caresses mine. After a moment, the kiss softens. I sigh against his lips as I wiggle against him, feeling how hard and ready he is. This only makes me want him that much more.

He moves, pulling back from me, and I whimper. I’m pulled into his arms again, cradled against his chest. Maybe he’s taking me to the bedroom. I have a beautiful little suite with a small living room and a bedroom with a door. It’s perfect for a conference attendee who wants to entertain without people seeing where they sleep.

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