Once the game really gets under way, I see that Zack has a stack of chips by his side, but I know not to get my hopes up for him. I’ve seen other players lose their ass on the last hand.
I sit for another hour, until I hear my phone buzz again, I look down at it and see a text from Sophia this time.
Sophia: Hey Natalie, just wanted to apologize for going dark on you. I’ll try you again later on. Xoxo
Even though it seems extremely rude, I unlock my phone and respond to her. I’m not one to leave her hanging especially when she’s going through some trying times of her own choosing.
Me: Hey Soph, can’t really talk right now at Zack’s poker game in Cali. Hope all is well, call you tomorrow. Love you!
I quickly put my phone back in my purse and continue watching my man. I’m jumping for joy when the dealer announces Zack won tonight. He comes right towards me without even looking at the amount of chips he’s won. My hands instantly wrap around his shoulders, his hands are on my hips and he’s giving me a searing kiss right in front of everyone. We break apart and all the patrons are cheering him on. I look up into his eyes, and we just smile at one another.
Chapter 22
Zack
We’re no sooner back in the hotel room when Nat says, “I need to talk to you about something.” My gut instantly clenches. I’m praying like hell she’s not leaving. I know I can’t be greedy and keep her here with me forever, but fuck I am not ready to let her go.
“Is everything okay?” I somehow pull out while my heart is beating out of its chest.
“Of course, it is. I just talked to my supervisor and the job I applied for in Arizona. Well I can do it remotely, so I don’t have to go back home so soon. I can stay on tour with you, well that is if you’ll have me,” she says as she’s looking down at her shoes. I bring my hands to the back of her head and bring her eyes so we are level on every playing field possible.
“Fuck, Natalie. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but fuck am I the most thankful man in the world to have you here with me. I want you with me the whole fucking time, just didn’t know how to ask you to stay, and I didn’t want you to put your career on hold while I’m off traveling the world,” I rush out to say.
“Then I take it this is good news, because I really, really don’t want to leave or to lose you, Zack,” she says with yearning in her voice.
“You’re not losing me Sunshine. This is the best god damn news to my ears, and it calls for a celebration,” I tell her.
I go to the hotel phone and ring up room service for a bottle of champagne. Tomorrow is our day off from the tournament and tonight is a night for just Natalie and I doing whatever the fuck we want, for however long we want, and I know just how we’re going to start. The pool in this room isn’t like the one in Vegas. It’s more of a dip pool but it’s secluded, and I want Nat in there naked and riding my cock.
I wait till room service buzzes and I greet him at the door.
“Thanks, man,” I tell him as I slip him a tip and he turns around and leaves.
“Have a good night, Mr. Martin,” I hear him say, but I’m already focused on Nat. I prowl towards her, two champagne flutes in one hand and the bottle in the other.
“What do you have there?” she asks coyly.
“Tonight’s a night to celebrate, pool side. Just the two of us with some champagne, and your dripping wet body on top of mine,” I tell her as I walk outside. I hear her sharp intake of breath as she follows me, fuck but what Natalie does to me.
I know within the depth of my soul, she was meant for me and I was meant for her. I have plans for us, it comes with marriage, children, and a home. I’ve already decided I’m going to semi-retire from the poker circuit, but maybe during the summer I’ll do a tour. As much as the traveling has killed me, I know I’ll miss the adrenaline rush it gives me to sit at a table and gamble. Not to mention, it’s still one of my passions.
When I set the glasses and bottle on the side table and turn around, Natalie is already in the pool wet and naked. I abandon the champagne, strip out of my clothes and join her in what I know is going to be another amazing evening spent with Natalie in my arms.