Page 28 of Double or Nothing

The only plus side is she agrees with me. She doesn’t think Vegas is the right opportunity, that there are bigger and better things out there for me.

“That residency is a joke.”

Through my hazy eyes, I can see her scrolling on her phone.

“I don’t even want to do the fucking show.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not an option. You signed, so you’re stuck. Just do the show, get out of dodge, then we can work on your next step. Vegas is too small for you. You need to think bigger. World domination kind of big.”

I chuckle at the idea of world domination.

Her hand slaps my arm. “I’m not kidding. I’m working on something that just might get you there.”

“Oh, yeah? What?”

She waggles her finger in front of me. “Not until it’s a done deal. You just worry about this show in Vegas, and I’ll take care of everything else.”

There isn’t a doubt in my mind she will. Val is nothing if not persistent. Like now. As we step into my condo, she presses her body against mine, lips on my neck, hands roaming my body. Even though I’m not responding, she keeps trying.

“Sut, you okay?” she asks, finally noticing my lack of response.

“Huh? Yeah. I need a drink.” My head is fucked. As good as she feels, I can’t enjoy it or her. All I can think about is the inevitable.

Going home.

Stepping away from her, I make my way to the bar and pour myself a whiskey. I’m not really one for hard alcohol, only keeping it on hand for Mac, but there is no way in hell beer is going to cut it tonight.

I glance back at Val standing in the middle of the room, looking utterly confused. This isn’t the way things typically go down with us. We’re usually hot and heavy. Sex and orgasms. Done and over until the next time.

Our arrangement is usually mutually beneficial, but right now, I can’t focus. I can’t quit seeing Kat. Envisioning the last time that we made love. Remembering everything about her, about us. I miss it. I want it. I knew I would. It’s why I never spoke about her. Never looked back. I knew if I did, I would be lost to her. I would give up everything I worked for—for her.

She was my everything. She still is.

Going to Vegas, staying away from there, doesn’t make a difference. If five years’ time hasn’t changed what’s in my heart, nothing will.

As I drain the liquid in my glass, I feel Val’s arms snake around me.

“You need to go.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do.” Unclasping her hands, I remove her arms from around me. “Go.”

“Sutton.”

“This isn’t up for debate. Leave, Val. Now.”

“If this is about your past, about Vegas? Let me reiterate—you’re making a huge mistake.”

“Looks like I make a lot of them.”

Leaving Vegas, leaving Kat—the biggest mistake I ever made. I realize just how much I messed up.

How much I want it all back.

How much I want her back.

Chapter 17

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