Page 11 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“You remembered.” He smirks, pressing theBETbutton, and the game starts spinning.
“I’m bored with these stupid machines and this nasty drink.” I hold up one unstable finger into the air. “And my experience in this hotelslashcasino would be greatly enhanced if I was to win something.”
“I think I can find you a different drink. I'll take another one too.” Jack slips a hand into mine and tugs me into a standing position. “Let’s get you something you’ll like and find a game where your odds will be better.”
“You are my hero. Do you know that, Jack Bravley?” I say, quickly falling behind him as he gently pulls me through the dense crowd on the casino floor.
Jack stops and turns to me. “What’s my last name?”
“Bravley? Bradley!” I excitedly scream, proud of myself.
The corners of his eyes crinkle as he chuckles. “It’s Bradley, Piper. Bradley.”
“My bad.” I rub my lips together, ashamed at how my drunken words are coming out.
“I’ll let it pass.” His thumb rubs the inside of my palm. “You’re adorable. Which you have going for you.”
If my hand wasn’t so numb, I could feel his light touch. I don’t need another drink, but I’m having so much fun with him. I don’t want the night to end. Jack leads me over to the independent roulette tables. I fall into the seat to his left as he quickly rattles off the rules and strategies of the game.
I know how to play roulette. It’s my favorite table. I humor him, smiling and nodding. Instead of paying attention to what he’s explaining, I study the small scar on his forehead right above his right eyebrow.
I suddenly find myself only a half an inch from his face—once again. “Where did you get that scar from?” I boldly ask.
Jack finishes making his selection on the roulette screen, then waves down one of the cocktail servers before answering me. He doesn’t back away, letting his breath dust over my lips. They tingle. “I fell into a grapevine when I was seven.”
I try not to crack a smile because I expected him to say a bicycle accident or a fight with a kid at school, but falling into agrapevinewas the last thing I would have thought.
“Interesting,” I say, lifting my hand to let my index finger gently glide across the scar. Jack doesn't back away or even flinch.
“What can I get you guys?” A large black tray with empty glasses appears between us.
“What would you like?” he asks me.
I shrug. “I don’t care, something fruity but not apple.”
“She’ll take a pineapple martini, and I’ll have a vodka soda,” Jack tells the woman before she briskly walks toward the bar to fill our order.
My eyes fall to his lips. “That was a good choice.”
“I knew you’d like it.” He runs his tongue along his bottom lip, sensing my stare.
It’s almost one in the morning when Jack and I find ourselves in the middle of a rowdy craps table. We’re shoulder to shoulder with various groups of people that line the oval perimeter. Each time someone rolls the dice, the entire table screams and hollers—including myself and Jack. The energy level in this spot is unmatched compared to other games on the casino floor.
As a text message comes through, I fumble to get my phone. Bailey is messaging me from our group chat.
Bailey: Just checking on you, Piper. How was Jack?
Me: Still in Vegas. He’s a fucking catch. Tell you about it in the AM.
Lina: Who’s Jack?
Avery: Who the hell, Jack? TELL ME NOW!
I giggle.
Bailey: We ran into him at the airport. He went to college with Mason and Harry.
Me: We hit it off, and now we’re in Vegas together.
