“No, thank you,” she murmured with a gentle smile. “Though maybe some water would be good?”
“Look.” He stopped and she turned toward him. “You don’t have to stop drinking alcohol just because I don’t drink it. Have whatever you want. I can handle it.”
“But I really would prefer water.” She smiled shyly, and the sight of it sent a bolt of lust straight to his dick. Damn, she was pretty in this utterly natural way. She didn’t have on a ton of makeup, but what she did have only accented her eyes and lips, didn’t overpower her delicate features. He could stare at that face for hours, fascinated with what he saw, but he didn’t want her to think he was some kind of creeper. “I want to be sober tonight so I can remember it later.” Her cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink the moment the words left her lips.
“You think something interesting is going to happen tonight?” He raised a brow, pleased to see her face turn a shade darker. He didn’t want to embarrass her, but it was fun to see her react this way.
“I’m sure it’ll be a pleasant evening full of interesting conversation,” she said as neutrally as she could, her face completely straight. The only indication she was teasing was the quiver at each side of her mouth as she fought to keep her smile under control.
“Is that all you’re looking for?” He stepped closer, settling his hand at the base of her spine. He curled his fingers the slightest bit in a subtle caress, and she turned to look at him, her brown eyes wide. The warmth of her skin penetrated through the thin fabric of her dress, and he wondered what exactly she was wearing beneath that dress.
He hoped nothing. He hoped more he’d discover that for himself.
“I’m not looking for anything,” she admitted softly, the smile she’d been holding back shining through, blinding him.
“I like the way you think.” He waved at the bartender to get his attention and ordered two waters, then pointed toward the doors leading out to the balcony before he wrapped his arm around Reagan’s waist. “Let’s go,” he murmured.
Chapter Two
They’d just about made it to the doors leading to the terrace outside when she heard Natalie’s unmistakable voice coming from behind her.
“Where do you two think you’re going?”
Declan slowly turned, taking Reagan with him. He didn’t say a word, leaving it up to her to explain to her friend.
“We’re going to sit outside for a little bit.” Reagan paused, not liking the way Natalie examined the both of them. Like they were strange bugs under a microscope. “Want to join us?”
Ugh, why’d she have to go and say that?
Declan sent her a look but then went into smooth, polite actor mode. “Yes, join us,” he offered.
“No thanks,” Natalie retorted, resting her hands on her hips. Talk about cranky. “You two kids go have fun outside all alone.”
“Hey.” Reagan turned her head to find Declan smiling down at her. “I’ll meet you outside, okay? Talk to your friend.”
The moment he left them, Natalie was on her like white on rice. “What are you doing?” she whisper-hissed. “You’re going to leave the party with him?”
“I’m not leaving the party, we’re just going outside. I’ll be right out there.” Reagan waved her hand toward the double doors Declan had just slipped through. “What’s the big deal?”
“He could be a psycho rapist for all we know. Don’t go anywhere alone with him,” Natalie said.
Reagan withheld her sigh. Fine, Natalie was watching out for her wellbeing, but she was also totally overreacting. “Don’t be such a buzzkill. I’m sure he’s perfectly harmless.”
“He’s an actor. I doubt any of them are perfectly harmless. Especially ones who are down on their luck and can’t get movie roles any longer.” At Reagan’s questioning glance, Natalie shrugged. “I looked him up on Google and found out the deets.”
“Nat,” Reagan reprimanded, curiosity eating her up inside. Yeah, she knew some details about the great downfall of Declan Carter, but she hadn’t paid much attention over the last few years. Nursing school and then her new job had kept her busy.
“Hey, I had to know. He went on a total binge of drugs and alcohol. Lost a huge movie role. His agent dumped him. He went into rehab and sobered up,” Natalie explained.
Nothing too far from what he told her. “He’s clean now,” she pointed out.
“We’ll see how long that lasts. The pressures of Hollywood have to be tough. And he’s in Vegas for the weekend. This city is a hotbed of sin.”
“You sound like an old grandma,” Reagan said with an eye-roll.
“Sometimes I feel like an old grandma. At least I’m the voice of reason,” Natalie said.
“I appreciate you watching out for my interests. I really do. But I think you need to go mingle and see if you can find a hot man for yourself tonight,” Reagan said as she pulled her friend into her arms and gave her a quick hug. “You look amazing. Have fun.”