Page 9 of One Time in Paris
In a different life, he would have been drinking the night away with his army friends, finding comfort in alcohol and women. Back when he’d been “irresponsible.”The good old days, apparently.
And now, look at him—Mr. Responsible.
And miserable.
He unbuttoned his tailored suit jacket, then pulled off the conference lanyard from his neck, blinking in the glow of the nearby Eiffel Tower, a frivolous replica that paled in the shadow of the real thing. A cardboard cutout of culture.
God, I miss Paris. Miss traveling for fun.
Felix’s words rang in his head.“You may as well enjoy yourself until you get what you want out of the deal.”
The temptation curled through his throat with sickening disgust. Was he being short-sighted here?
I need the night off from this.
Whatever problems he had would still be waiting for him in the morning—but a night of well-deserved relaxation might help him set his mind straight.
Sucking in a deep breath, he raised his chin, scanning the Strip.
Maybe I just need to shut up and let Vegas do its worst.
5
ISLA
“That guy is staringat you again,” Davy purred from beside Isla, her head leaning back against the booth.
Isla cracked an eyelid open and scanned the casino floor, then saw the man in question—a bearded guy wearing a cowboy hat and a hockey jersey.Quite a combo—Nashville meets slap shot.Looking over had been a mistake, though, as the guy saw her staring and winked.
Isla tore her gaze away, straightening in her seat.
“You should totally go for it,” Piper said from Isla’s other side. “He’s kinda cute.”
“I’m not that desperate, but thanks.” Isla laughed and finished her drink. She needed to slow down, but the moment her glass emptied, another one always magically appeared. She adjusted the “bachelorette” sash around her torso with discomfort.
They were nearing eleven, anddammit, when she’d lived in London, this had been the time of night she frequently wentout.But after living in Costa Rica for so long, she was ready for bed.
Mornings atLa Haciendastarted before sunrise, preparing the inn for the guests—those already there and those arriving later. Then, after a long and often brutal day that ran the gamut of helping the guests with anything they needed, playing a pseudo concierge, managing all the staff, and fixing travel emergencies—all with a smile on her face—she usually collapsed into bed early with aching limbs and depleted energy.
“Who’s ready for the Eiffel Tower?” Kelsey asked, approaching the table with Blair. Each of them carried more drinks for the table. They set them down in the middle since only Isla had an empty glass. “It closes in an hour, so we need to hurry if we’re going to make it.”
Great.
“Wait, that’s tonight?” Davy groaned. She shook her head, looking a bit ill. “I thought we were doing that during the day tomorrow.”
“Yeah, but Megan thought it would be more fun at night,” Blair said, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. “I mean, I’m not sure it’ll bethatimpressive, considering Bobby and I went on a private tour of the real tower last summer.”
Megan’s smile faltered, a mist of insecurity in her eyes. And there it was—the Squad’s signature move—subtle status assassination.
Isla leaned forward and gripped her friend’s hand. Coming to Vegas had been Megan’s idea, and Isla wasn’t about to let their other snobby friends make her feel bad about it. “I think seeing it at night sounds amazing. Actually, I’ve always thought it would be so fun to visit all the Eiffel Tower replicas. There are like twenty towns named Paris in the US alone. Wouldn’t it be wild to visit them all?”
“Oh, that would be fun,” Davy said. Then her eyes widened, and she grabbed Isla’s hand. “A Tour of Paris.Oh my God. Isla. That’s perfect for a pitch!”
“What’s perfect?” Piper asked, leaning over Isla to peer at Davy.
“Um—” Isla glanced at Davy. Her friend wouldn’t want everyone else knowing about the job situation. “It’s nothing. Why don’t you all go on ahead to the Eiffel Tower, and I’ll catch up? I have to run to the loo. Want to come with me, Davy?”
“What about all the drinks?” Kelsey asked, setting one of the new glasses in front of Isla.
