Page 38 of Reckless Chance
“Vegas is still a place where your fantasies can come true without being judged. Everyone needs a little of that. I suspect that couple will have a great evening.”
“I agree. We all need a little fantasy in our lives, but next time I’ll try not to get married,” I joke.
“Marriage hasn’t been that bad, has it? I’m enjoying it so far.”
My head jerks to face him. “You’re not suggesting we stay married?” I gasp.
“Of course not. It was a compliment. I always thought that having someone around for an extended time would be suffocating, but it’s been the opposite with you. We’re having fun and you’ve had my back during the catastrophe with the show. Don’t get me wrong. We both know this is temporary, which is the way we want it. But it’ll be strange when you go. I’ll miss you.”
Wow. The way he’s staring directly into my eyes, it’s clear he’s being sincere.
I’ve been extremely careful not to share this much of my life with any man before. It’s too risky. He’s right though. Ourwhatever-it-ishas been comfortable, and it’s been heaven waking up next to him each morning, spooned against his warm body.
After a moment of silence, I say, “We’ve both acclimated to the unforeseen circumstances better than expected. I’m enjoying ourshorttime together.”
Ouch. I didn’t mean for my words to sound that formal and stilted. His comments caught me off guard. I’m not used to a man divulging warm and fuzzy feelings. I didn’t know what to say, so instinctively, my protective walls went up. Too late now.
A brief sadness haunts his eyes. It disappears quickly as he says, “Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. We better hurry if we’re going to make it to your surprise in time.”
With his arm on my back, Sean and I fall into sync with the parade of people.
“Let’s weave our way toward the outer edge of the sidewalk so we can cross the street up ahead. That will also give you a better view of the hotels across the street,” he says.
I nod and edge to the right, snaking between the tourists.
Reaching the crosswalk, the light turns red, so we stop. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. Whew. The fresh air is invigorating.
Leaning into Sean and wrapping my left hand around his upper arm, I say “It’s wonderful to be outdoors. The all-encompassing indoor life in Vegas captured me. Days passed without me seeing the real sun or night sky, much less inhaling any natural air.”
“With the exhaust fumes on the Strip, I’m not sure hownaturalthe air is, but you’re correct. People are drawn to stay indoors. That’s the goal. We prefer that the guests remain inside the hotels and casinos, spending money and having fun.”
“That’s fine if you’re only here for two or three days, butyoulive here. Don’t you crave time outdoors?”
“You make it sound like I’m a prisoner in my own hotel. I promise that’s not the case. Take tonight for instance—we’re not trapped inside.” He laughs.
Whoosh!
“Ouch!” I scream as my arm is yanked forward. I try to pull back. I’m not strong enough.
Sean yells, “Let go of your purse,” as he pulls me away from the street and into his arms.
My eyes follow a guy on a moped, zigzagging his way between cars. A big guy with an Athena baseball cap runs after the moped. The maneuverability of the two-wheeled vehicle allows the thief to disappear quickly, and my purse vanishes with him.
“Sweetheart, you’re shaking. Are you hurt?” he asks, holding me tight against his chest.
At his voice, I tilt my head upward. Between gasps for breath, I whisper, “My arm hurts.”
“Let me look at it,” he says, trying to pull away. I clutch his shirt as if my life depends on having his warmth.
“No. Please hold me.”
Returning one hand to my back, he strokes my hair with the other as I tuck my head under his chin, nestling closer, if that’s even possible.
I softly say, “That was scary. He could have pulled me into traffic. I could have been run over.” My whole body shivers at the thought, and a tear runs down my cheek. Why am I crying in front of Sean again? I’m better at controlling my feelings than this.
“I’ve got you. You’re okay. I wouldn’t have let that happen.”
“Who was the Good Samaritan who tried to chase the thief down?”
