I smiled, relieved to talk about something else.“Her actual birthday is tomorrow and I told her she could choose what she wanted to do.So, I guess we’ll go out dancing somewhere.”I winced at the thought of braving a Las Vegas nightclub.“But tonight we're keeping it pretty tame.We're going to see a Cirque show.I can't remember which one.They're all the same, aren't they?”
He laughed, smooth and natural.The image of warm caramel on an ice cream sundae popped into my head.
“No, they're notallthe same,” he said.“Similar, I'll give you.But each one has a different focus.”
“You've seen them all?”
“I have.Some more than once.”
“You must spend a lot of time in Vegas.”
“You could say that,” he said, taking a long sip of Coke."I live here."
Before I could ask him about that, Nicole's voice, preceding her by seconds, cut in.“Well, hello,” she said as she sashayed over with a little more enthusiasm than normal.She looked much taller than her five four in spiky heels.I wasn't sure how she could breathe, let alone walk, in her emerald green dress that hugged her like a second skin.She looked good; she'd been working out twice a day for months and practically starving herself in preparation for this trip.I hated to admit that it paid off.I tried not to encourage that behavior in her, but she did look amazing.
“Who's your friend, Lex?”Nicole flipped her red hair over one shoulder and held out her hand in invitation.
Leo stood and took her hand.“I'm Leo.You must be Nicole.”
“The one and only.”Nicole took the stool he offered and slid in next to me.
“I was just keeping Lexi company until you arrived.But I should let the two of you get on with your evening.”He spoke to Nicole, but his eyes didn't leave mine.
“You don't have to leave,” I said.
“Unfortunately, I do.But maybe I'll run into you again," he said with a smile that made my stomach flip.
I struggled to keep my composure."Maybe."
“Nicole,” he said, turning to her.“What are you drinking tonight?”
Her face flickered and the flash of a frown transformed into a smile so fast that if I hadn't known better, I'd doubt it had even been there.She ran a hand through her hair and said, “I'm kinda in the mood for something sweet.You know what I mean?”she purred.She couldn't help it.Whenever there was a man around, Nicole transformed.She would bat her eyelashes, throw on her sexiest smile and send out vibes of pure lust.She'd been that way ever since we were teenagers and she’d figured out that boys would do pretty much anything for her with a little flirting.
I felt a small burn of jealousy, which was ridiculous, when Leo returned her smile and ordered her a Knock Out.
“So, Lexi said you're going to a club tomorrow night for some dancing,” Leo said.
“Well, when in Vegas...”she said and leaned forward, exposing a little more cleavage.
I rolled my eyes and looked out onto the casino floor, where the lights from the slots flashed and waitresses traipsed back and forth on their stilettos, carrying drinks to gamblers who were pumping money into machines at a surprising rate.Over at the blackjack tables, there was a crowd of people forming around a man in a Hawaiian print shirt.By the excitement surrounding him, he must have had a run of luck.
“Well, what do you think, Lexi?”
I shook my head and turned back to the conversation.“About what?”
“Leo has offered us VIP passes to Studio 54 for tomorrow.He tells me it's the place to be on a Saturday night.”
“It's your birthday.If that's what you want to do, it sounds good to me.”I did my best to sound excited.Nightclubs were akin to torture.“Thanks, Leo.”
"It's my pleasure."He held my gaze again.
I cleared my throat and forced myself to look away.I swiped a piece of hair behind my ear before asking, “So, how did you happen to have these tickets?”
“I have my connections.”He grinned and because he looked so cute, I found myself grinning back.“Seriously,” he added.“I work at the hotel.Speaking of which, I should get back.”He pushed himself away from the bar.
“It was very nice meeting you, Leo,” Nicole said.
“Likewise, ladies.Have a great night.”He started to move to the door.