Nevertheless, I found myself thinking about him day and night and even during my working hours.

I was busy doing something on my computer in the office when my assistant-slash-friend Rasha knocked and came in. “This fancy invitation came for you,” she said.

I took the navy envelope from her. It was made with premium satin-like paper that felt smooth but was sturdy. My name was written in decorative script on it. Inside there was an elegantly designed invitation card saying that I was being invited to join the seventh anniversary of The Croft Hotel Group that was to be held at the Grand Ballroom of Prime Luxent Hotel and Casino.

My heart skipped a beat when I read it.The Croft Hotel Group? As in Carter Croft?!

“You mean Carter Croft owns not just The Haven but a group of hotels?” Rasha exclaimed. I looked up at her in surprise and suddenly realized I had spoken out loud.

“Wow,” I murmured as I handed the invitation to her.

“This is on Saturday already,” Rasha said. “And it says you can bring one more…”

I took the hint, chuckling. “Yes, you can come with me, Rasha.” Then suddenly, I felt a rush of panic. “Wait, I don’t even know if I’ll go. And I have nothing to wear. It’s a formal event!”

“You have to go, Miss Andrews,” Rasha said firmly. “You know you want to. As for our gowns, I know just the place.”

Why did he invite me at the last minute? But why hasn’t he called me?

It was like Rasha could read my mind. She grinned and sat down from across me. “Hey, don’t overthink it. Just go there and maybe you’ll get answers to the questions that have been bothering you.”

I gave her a look of bafflement.

“Trust me,” was all she said before stepping out of my office.

I tried to act as if I didn’t care much about this event. But as Rasha kept reminding me, I still had to look my best because I would be representing Luxe Linen. She was right.

I haven’t actually done a lot of shopping since I got to Las Vegas. And I certainly haven’t attended any black tie events yet. This was going to be the first. So yes, I ended up splurging on a really beautiful evening dress at a rather expensive boutique.

“Aren’t you going to get one for yourself?” I asked Rasha as soon as she approved of my dress that same day after work.

She laughed. “Are you crazy? I can’t afford the dresses here. Besides, I can use an old one at home. Don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure?” I said.

She smiled genuinely. “Yes, I don’t have to be the star there. But you… You have to shine for Carter…” She paused and laughed as I slapped her shoulder playfully. “I mean, you have to shine for Luxe Linen!”

“Don’t worry, it's on me! I have been very fortunate to have you as an assistant and friend since the day I stepped foot in Las Vegas. So, this is the perfect time to repay your hard work. Go and find something sexy and elegant for yourself.. I insist!”

Her eyes widened with excitement and said “Ok, boss.”

We both giggled.

Saturday came quite fast. I had to admit I was counting the days.

I smoothed down the skirt of my shimmering maroon lace gown, feeling a little self-conscious. The dress was simple yet sophisticated, and it fit me perfectly. There was a not-so-high slit on one side that showed off my leg. It was the only revealing part of the dress, though it was still quite discreet. I wanted it that way because, after all, I was coming as the CEO of Luxe Linen, representing the company as a long-time supplier of The Croft Hotel Group.

When I saw an LED screen displaying all the logos of the hotels and casinos under the group, I realized that most of them were our clients. I also noted that two of them were located in other cities, not just Las Vegas.

How wealthy is Carter Croft? And how did he manage to do this, coming from his background? Perhaps someone rich adopted him.

There was obviously still a lot that I did not know about him. I found myself wishing that we’d be given a chance to talk and get to know each other better. Perhaps not today because he would surely be busy. But I hoped it would be soon.

“You came,” a deep voice whispered in my ear, making me jump a bit. A shiver ran down my spine as his breath tickled my lobe.

When I turned around, I tried my hardest not to gape. Carter looked stunning in a navy tuxedo that brought out his well-built physique and showed off the shape of his arms, shoulders, and butt.

Yes, he had a great ass which I had noticed a long time ago.