Page 27 of It Happened in Vegas

“Guess it’s time to revisit our discussion of the?—”

“—Terms and conditions for Vegas? Yeah, it is. And here’s a preview,” he whispered. “Something I’ve been wanting to do to you for some time.”

His lips brushed mine. A test. A tease.My heart thumped, dancing away with itself.

I whimpered as he pulled away. But I reached for his belt loops and tugged him to me, not letting him go. “Can I get another preview?”

The corner of his lips turned up slyly. Then he delivered a full, delicious kiss. My knees almost gave out. His mouth movedagainst mine with such deliberate hunger it captured my breath, taking it away. His mouth tasted of spice and swagger, a little danger and a whole lot of confidence, and I kissed him back like I’d been waiting my whole life for this one precious moment.

His hands slid up my waist, gripping at the curve there. He moaned into it and dammit, he could kiss. I never wanted it to end. This wasn’t just a casual attraction, but something deeper. I could fall into things with him—so fast and hard—and never recover. If there was a chance…

“Need help in there?” Vivian’s voice called out, entering the kitchen.

We broke apart, both of us breathing hard.

I turned, throat dry. “J-just grabbing plates,” I stuttered.

My hands trembled as I grabbed a stack, the china chattering. When I turned, Keaton still hadn’t moved.

“Coming?” I asked, my voice far too breathy.

He cocked his head, eyes dark, smirking like he knew exactly what he’d just done to me. “Definitely.”

We exited like nothing had happened.

Vivian questioned us with her eyes and brows, but said nothing.

Oh, but something had transpired in that tiny room.

With our journey to Vegas just days away, I had no idea how I was going to survive playing pretend. If this interaction was any indication, then our time in the desert could be a hell of a lot hotter, er, harder—more complicated than I’d ever imagined.

Because nothing about this kiss felt fake.

10

IN TERMS OF TURBULENCE

SOPHIE

We hadn’t even hit cruisingaltitude, and already I was in love with Richard Buchanan’s private jet. The magnificent luxury aircraft impressed me, not easy given I’d traveled on luxurious crafts growing up, often accompanying Mom and my stepfather on his business trips around the world. But I seldom admitted my true family connections to anyone—not even to Maisy, who knew me better than most.

Keaton stretched out all the way with his seat reclined like a bed. “I could get used to this kind of comfort.”

Plush cream leather with velvet navy pillows and gold cords as accents surrounded us. A staff member smiled nearby, dedicated to our every whim in the air. A bedroom in back for… well, I doubted Keaton and I would make use of it.

Not that a little fun in the bedroom hadn’t tempted every corner of my mind since our first kiss in Vivian’s pantry.

My eyes scanned the decor, only serving as a momentary distraction to the man lounging beside me, his long legs sprawled, while tapping something on his phone. His casual dark jeans, fitted rock band T-shirt, and trimmed beard with a baseball cap on his head backwards were more suited for a concert.

Out of this entire aircraft fitted for sixteen passengers, he had to sit in a seat directly next to me? Worth it for the view, not to mention his enticing spicy cologne.

Mm. I needed to stop ogling him, or my body would have a mild in-flight meltdown. This trip was all business, not pleasure. No matter how soft and persuasive Keaton’s lips were, I could remain a boss babe and keep my urges at bay.

Speaking of, we had yet to talk about the kiss in the closet at all. I’d been at Hops each morning, per usual, taking care of last-minute arrangements for Vegas, between talks with the producers, finalizing interviews with local media, and such. So he had ample time to say something like,Hey, about that kiss…

He never did, and I didn’t bring it up for fear I’d open my mouth and admit every lust and desire-filled thing my soul wanted with him.

“You’re staring, Soph,” he observed without taking his thumbs or eyes off of his phone.

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