Page 45 of It Happened in Vegas

As much I wanted to get back to our room and remove those sexy stockings of hers, how could we not pass through the casino on the way to the elevators without having a little more fun?

Sophie claimed poker as her game. We drifted to a table. She lost at one game, won at another, doubling her initial investment, then quietly scooped her chips into her purse.

“Always quit while ahead.” She winked at me.

I caught her up and spun her around, dancing through the slot machines. She laughed, her face glowing, and I felt it down to my bones. I wanted her. Not only because of this amazingdate. I wanted to wake up to that laugh. I wanted to hold onto the version of myself that existed only when she was near.

By the time we stumbled upon the craps table, we were both flushed, glassy-eyed, and riding that Vegas high.

I threw my last few chips down, grinning.

“I’m feeling lucky tonight,” I said, tossing an arm around her shoulder. "This is the one."

The dealer passed the dice to me with his stick. I held them out for her. "Blow on them for luck."

She rolled her eyes and leaned in, lips pursed.

But at the last second, I changed my mind.

I wrenched her closer and kissed her instead—deep, unfiltered, shameless.

The table erupted.

Whooping. Applause. A couple of drunken cheers. One jeer to throw the damn dice already.

She pulled back, breathless. "You’re ridiculous."

"Maybe," I murmured, brushing my lips just beneath it. "But if I win this roll... no pillow wall tonight."

Her pupils dilated, eyes dark.

I rolled, praying, and focusing on the dice.

Seven.

The table lost its mind, urging me to roll again.

“Let it ride.” I slid my new chips on the same bet.

"Keaton, you can’t tempt fate twice.” She tensed beside me.

I laughed in the face of fate, and lifted the dice. The heat in my blood had nothing to do with the neon lights or the game. I was buzzing again—from her by my side.

With eyes gleaming, I claimed, “If I win again, we both sleep in the nude."

She gasped, half-laughing, half-shrieking. "You’re not serious."

"Dead serious." I cupped the ice and offered them. She shoved my hand away.

"I’m not blowing."

"Then kiss me again. For luck."

She folded her arms, fighting a smile, but the twitch was there.

I pressed a soft kiss to her lips and let the dice roll. The table erupted in cheers so loud I felt them rumble in my throat.

Another win. One guy fist-bumped like he was part of the team.

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