Page 2 of Solid Ground

“Okay. Okay.” She draws a deep breath. “I’ll back off. Have fun this weekend, and we’ll talk again next week. I don’t want to give up on you, Declan. I don’t think you should give up on you either.”

“Thanks, Nikki. Love you.” I hang up before she can respond with the snort I usually get back when I profess my feelings for her. She’s been a part of my life for so long, she’s practically family, but I’m not caving on this.

My career is well and truly over.

I thought I’d be more upset than I am, but it’s time. My only regret is that I didn’t retire several years ago before the flops and the direct-to-DVD movies.

I’m already checked into the Bellagio, so I head downstairs to find a bar and a drink.

There was a time in my career when going out in public was hard. Being recognised was a pain in the ass, and there were occasions when I needed security with me.

I’m not sure I miss those days.

While I’m still recognised on a regular basis, there are no security concerns. Sometimes I’ll be stopped for a selfie or an autograph, but those times are few and far between.

It’s just as well because I’m rarely in the right frame of mind to deal with requests.

By the time I’ve had a couple of drinks, I’m warmed up and ready to look for a good time. I’m not out to get laid—if I drink as much as I plan to, I doubt I’d be able to perform. I want to party and have fun.

I turn around and lean back on the bar, scanning the dance floor.

It’s her swaying hips that catch my eye at first.

I’ve always preferred brunettes.

And this one is spectacular.

Her little black dress hugs her curves, her long dark hair swinging as she waves her arms in the air and dances with a shorter blonde.

The blonde’s not bad-looking either, but it’s the brunette that grabs my attention like no one else in that room.

The look of sheer joy on her face draws me to her. Her smile is a mile wide, her eyes sparkling as she laughs with her friend.

The blonde stumbles, and concern crosses the brunette’s face as she catches her and guides her to a nearby booth.

Before I know it, I’m on my feet and making my way toward them.

“Hey,” I call out.

They don’t hear me, the brunette brushing the hair from the blonde’s face, her brow furrowed in concern.

I step closer. “Hey. Is she okay?”

The brunette’s blue-eyed gaze hits me, and I almost take a step back. From afar, she was gorgeous, but up close—she’s spectacular. Even in the dim lighting of the bar, the freckles smattered across her button nose are visible.

Her full lips twitch as she fixes those beautiful eyes on me. “Um I thought she was, but I think she’s had too much to drink. We’ll be fine. Thanks for checking on us.”

That’s not an American accent, but with the music playing, it’s hard to hear what it is.

“Do you need a hand?”

She shrugs. “As long as I can get her back to our room, we should be okay.”

“Are you sure I can’t help?”

Chewing her bottom lip a moment, she hesitates.

I hold up my palms. “If you want, I can call the bar staff. I’m sure they’ve dealt with this kind of thing before.”

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