“Oh. Well then, Vegas is perfect for that.”
“You’ve been there?” Jen asked.
“Me? No. But I’ve arranged plenty of trips.”
Lydia leaned forward. “So, you know the best places to go.”
“I suppose.”
In fact, I had enough information to fill a Rolodex. Most wanted the usual stuff—glitzy hotel, shows, fine restaurants. Others had very specific kinks. I had it all, organized and cross-referenced appropriately.
“Here’s an idea. Why don’t you come with us?” Jen asked.
I took a sip of my tea to hide my surprise. I’d been expecting them to ask me for recommendations and must-sees, not an invite.
“Yeah, you should,” Lydia agreed, nodding emphatically.
“Oh, I don’t know,” I hedged. “My schedule’s pretty tight with Ross away.”
Jen chuckled. “And Jace has been monopolizing your free time.”
“What have I been doing?” Jace asked, sliding into the seat beside me and brushing a quick kiss on the top of my head. He did it so casually, as if it was nothing, but it sent seismic waves through my chest like some kind of post-sex aftershock.
It was these little shows of affection that put the biggest cracks in my defenses. I knew what we had was temporary, but I was falling in love with him a little more every day.
“Selfishly keeping Eva all to yourself.”
He laughed, shooting a sexy glance filled with heat my way. “Guilty as charged. And not at all sorry about it.”
“You can spare her for one weekend, can’t you?” Lydia asked. “We want her to come to Vegas with us for some girl time.”
I expected him to say no, that we already had plans. We didn’t have anything set in stone, but he was pretty possessive of our time together, and I sure wasn’t complaining.
“I think that’s a great idea,” he said, surprising me. “Assuming she wants to go.”
They looked at me expectantly, which put me in something of a pickle.
I didn’t have a lot of friends, period, and the few that I did have were men. I often used my career and motherhood as excuses, but plenty of women were able to balance jobs, family, and social time quite successfully. Two of them were sitting at the table with me at that very moment. Jen was a practicing law consultant, and Lydia was a freelance designer.
I liked Jen and Lydia. I didn’t want to offend them. Nor did I want to admit that I was becoming so attached to Jace that the thought of a weekend without him was depressing.
I looked at Jace, narrowing my eyes. Had he put them up to this? And if so, why? For my benefit? For theirs? For his?
His expression gave nothing away. Maybe he needed some bro time away from me.
I’d admit, I was curious about Vegas. And maybe a weekend away would help me shore up some of those weak spots.
I bit my lip and hoped I wouldn’t regret it. “All right, let’s do it.”
~ * ~
They left the arrangements to me, which was a smart move on their part. If we were going to do this, we were going to do it right.
I left the office a few hours early on Friday and slipped into the black limo waiting for me outside. The driver swung by the hotel and picked up Lydia and Jen, and then we went to the private airstrip where we took a charter flight out, complete with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, served to us by a male model wearing a pilot’s uniform—minus the shirt.
Another limo was waiting for us when we arrived. Our driver, also a hand-selected male model, wore black pants and jacket, sans shirt, black tie, and a chauffeur’s cap.
Yes, I had a theme, and we were sticking to it. All weekend.
The popular saying was, What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. There was a very good reason for that. But I could provide some highlights.
Our suite was large and luxurious and loaded with amenities.
We hit the slots and learned how to play blackjack, roulette, and Caribbean stud as well as Texas hold ’em poker.
We saw two amazing shows. One was a famous illusionist and the other a popular male review. I’d just like to note here that we were all very glad photos and videos were not permitted during this particular show. Some parts were highly interactive.
It was all in good fun, no bail was needed, and while we had a great time, we were also able to leave with clear consciences.
“Thank you so much, Eva,” Lydia said as we were on our way back to LA. “I had a wonderful time.”
“Me too,” Jen sighed. “Best girls’ weekend ever. No wonder Ross has you handling all the arrangements.”
“I think our husbands are going to be thanking you too,” Lydia added, waving her hand in front of her face like a fan. “I’m still worked up after that show last night.”
I laughed, pleased. “You’re very welcome.”
“How about you, Eva?” Jen asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Are you going to give Jace a booty call when we get back?”
“Maybe.” I totally was. Those dancers were pretty impressive, but they had nothing on Jace.
Lydia cleared her throat and shared a look with Jen before turning to me. “You know, maybe I’m overstepping here, but after spending time with you this weekend, I need to say something.”
I braced myself, uncertain I wanted to hear what followed a lead-in like that. “Okay.”
“You’re pretty awesome.”
I waited several long moments for her to say something else. She didn’t. “Thanks?”
Jen shook her head. “What Lydia is trying to say is, we like you, Eva.”
Something clicked in my brain. “This was a test?”
“We’ve known Jace a long time. He’s a good guy. One of the best. But some women, well, they want him for the wrong reasons.”
“But you’re not like that,” Lydia was quick to add.
Rather than be offended, I smiled. “I’m glad you have his back.”
They both looked relieved.
“Jace told us he asked you to go with him to his sister’s wedding.”
“He did,” I confirmed.
“Are you going to go?”
“I haven’t decided.”
“We get it,” Lydia said. “You’re not ready for a meet-the-parents moment.”
I nodded.
“But here’s the thing: Jace obviously is. He really likes you, Eva. Going to the wedding would mean the world to him. Just think about it, okay?”
Chapter 14
Dear Ida,
The woman I’m seeing finally gave in and agreed to fly home with me to meet my family. I know they’re going to love her, but I can tell she’s nervous. This is a first for me. What can I do to alleviate her fears? – Sensitive Guy Rocker
* * *
Dear Sensitive Guy,
Meeting someone’s family can be a daunting experience and let’s be honest—you’re not exactly objective. Accept that she’s going to be anxious and try to ease her fears without dismissing her concerns. Most importantly, don’t abandon her once you get there. Remember, she’s stepping out of her comfort zone for you.
~ * ~
Eva
“You look beautiful. Stop fidgeting,” Jace chided gently when he caught me pressing imaginary wrinkles from my clothing.