Page 33 of It Happened in Vegas

Her nose scrunched in distaste. It was adorable.

“She actually texted me recently, wanting to catch up this weekend and implying there could be something more between us. Anthony was conveniently forgotten while trying to appeal to me,” I added.

“Charming,” Sophie said, voice tight.

“I’m not interested,” I confirmed. “I see right through her, still playing games. Starla too.”

“Then... what do you want?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

I looked at her across our pillows, the soft light on the nightstand catching the curve of her cheek.

“I’m thinking about it,” I said. “When I figure it out, I’ll let you know.” But I probably knew. She resided not more than two feet away from me in my oversized T-shirt.

The morning came too early,but the scent of strong coffee delivered by room service helped wake me up.

Sophie groaned as I set a steaming cup on her nightstand, made just the way she liked it. Two stevia packets, a splash of cream, and milk froth on top.

“You’re an angel,” she mumbled, blinking up at me like I’d just offered her the moon, her blue eyes bright already at this hour. “Why’d you keep me up so late last night watching that movie?”

Neither of us could sleep, so we did the next best thing, streamed a funny movie, talked about music, and shared our favorites. If it were an actual date, I’d call it a winner.

“No one forced you.” I grinned and scratched my beard. It needed a trim and oils to keep it soft. I was half-tempted to shave it all off in this dry desert heat.

She sat up, hair tangled like a halo around her head. She smiled—soft, sleepy, unguarded—and I had to look away before I jumped on top of her.

“I’m hitting the gym,” I growled. “You good for breakfast in an hour?”

“Perfect. I’ll be ready.”

“Big day ahead. Production has the poolside game scheduled this morning for the reunion. You’re taking part, by the way.”

“Bring it on.” She sipped her coffee, eyes closing as if in bliss.

“Then we have those media interviews you set up.”

“And don’t forget the cast party tonight.”

I nodded and confirmed. “Should be a wild day.”

“I can handle it.”

“Why do you think I asked you to be my date? I knew you could.” I checked her out, all morning messy and confident, and wondered how the hell I was going to get through this weekend without losing my mind.

The pool deckswarmed with people by the time we arrived. The reunion fully underway, my cast mates wore bright and skimpy swimsuits and showed as much tanned skin as possible. Everywhere I turned, people were flirting way too hard with each other like a meat market on steroids.

I adjusted my sunglasses to block it all out while remaining cool. Hard to believe I once loved this shit. But having grown up a lot since the show first aired, Holly Creek called to me. My quiet hometown life suited me, where right now I could work in my brewery, inching my way to my life goals, instead of here.

Only Sophie wasn’t in Holly Creek, but by my side. We reached an empty lounger, waved over by Anthony, and set our things down.

Then—holy fuck—Sophie removed her cover up, revealing a sexy turquoise bikini. Her curves, legs, and sly smile wrecked me, and as I tore my eyes away, I realized many other men stared as well.

“Careful, Kingston,” she said, hip-bumping me. “You’re drooling.”

“I’m keeping it together,” I lied.

“Glad you both made it. Sophie, you’re looking hot today. Ouch,” Anthony finished on a slap of his arm by Cassandra. “What? You know you do, too, babe.”

“That is such a pretty suit, Cassandra.” Sophie laid it on thick.

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