Page 105 of One Night in Vegas

“I am,” I groaned. “It terrifies me. The first time I thought I fell in love with him, but it was different. It didn’t feel real. It was more of an attraction. I was attracted to his looks and the excitement. I didn’t know him. Now that I know him, I’m attracted to him on a whole other level.”

“It’s called love,” she said. “You fell in love with him. You love the man, not the looks.”

“The looks sure are nice,” I said, laughing. “I don’t know. There are just so many things that worry me about this. I don’t feel like we are on equal footing.”

“How so?”

“For one, he’s fucking hot,” I said with a salacious smile. “I feel like he’s a twenty on a one-to-ten scale. If I’m being generous, I’d give myself a strong six, maybe a seven.”

“Not even true,” she said. “Besides, he’s obviously attracted to you. He picked you out of that entire club filled with beautiful women. He likes what you’ve got.”

“Thank you, but he really is the hottest dude I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“Okay, what else?” she asked.

“He’s ridiculously wealthy,” I said. “Like stupid rich. I’m so average and he’s so exceptional.”

“So,” she said, shrugging. “He’s chasing after you. He wants you. I don’t think you understand how special you are. Don’t devalue yourself because you’re not sleeping on a bed of money. You are a strong, confident woman. You are smart and sexy. You don’t have to compete with him. You just have to be you. That’s who he’s crazy about.”

“I get that, but I think I just keep waiting for him to see something better,” I said. “I know women want him. He has a lot to offer. If some hot blonde socialite shows up and wants him, what am I going to do? How am I going to compete with that?”

“I think you’re giving him very little credit,” she said. “You keep saying what a great guy he is. Doesn’t he at least deserve the chance to prove you wrong?”

“He does, and if it was any other guy, I don’t think I would be so worried. But it’s him. I have never felt like this about anyone else. If he dumps me or cheats on me, it will crush me. I don’t want to be crushed.”

“Shit happens,” she said, shrugging. “Everyone has to suffer a broken heart at least once in their lives. You will survive.”

I wrinkled my nose. “You know I hate drama.”

“Yes, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Don’t keep yourself from being happy because you’re afraid of what might happen. You will live with that regret for the rest of your days. Life is about trying new things. It isn’t always going to work out. That’s how we learn and grow. When we get to the end of our days, we get to look back and know we at least tried.”

I stared at her. “Have you been reading that book again?”

She burst into laughter. “Yes, but it’s true. I’m trying new things. I bought a guy coffee this morning. He seemed a little weirded out but at least I tried.”

40

JON

“No shit,” I breathed.

I had come into the office early, knowing I was behind on my usual tasks. I couldn’t resist checking the sales numbers. It was our best launch yet, which was just a little unbelievable considering the chaos we had gone through yesterday. The reports were preliminary, but they were a good sign.

Once again, I was very appreciative of my team. They rose to the occasion. They could have chosen not to come in. They could have said it wasn’t their job and left me hanging. They didn’t. Everyone pulled together and we pulled off the impossible. We found a way to satisfy customers and honor the misprinted dates. I was damn proud to be the captain of this ship.

Which gave me an idea. I flipped through my saved emails and found the one I was looking for. My employee-relations manager had sent me some information about private cruises. I pulled up the email and scanned through the information. Satisfied with what I saw, I gave the contact a call. With the details settled, I ended the call and drafted an internal memo.

Good morning, team. This is your fearless leader! First, let me thank each and every one of you for all the hard work you put in yesterday. It wasn’t just yesterday. It has been a collective group effort to get this launch off the ground. It was a success. A success I know would not have been possible without the work each and every one of you put in. Every person contributed. Thank you. Truly, thank you.

Words don’t feel like enough. I’d like to do something a little more. I have reserved a cruise ship. Next week, the entire staff is invited to board the Sun and Sea Yacht for a three-day cruise. I would love for you to invite your spouse, partner or whatever. This is a formal invitation to each and every one of you and your plus-one. We’ll be cruising the Pacific with a few stops along the way. Prepare to see some amazing sunsets and eat some amazing food prepared by the ship’s chef.

Don’t forget your bathing suits!

Your fearless leader,

Jon Handcock

I sentthe memo to everyone on the company email list. I heard humming and waited for Macy to open my door.

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