Page 84 of Home Town Advantage
The hotel bars are as promised. They’re huge with countless televisions showing every single basketball game. There’s a ton of betting going on, but I’m not wagering my hard-earned money. I’m more than content to sit, drink, and watch the games.
I’ve been in basketball heaven all morning and early afternoon, not missing a single minute of any of the action.
We’ve enjoyed the first few games at the bar, but everyone wants to hit the pool to enjoy the beautiful weather. Apparently, the Circa Hotel in Vegas has huge television screens at its pool. I’m excited to see it.
We’re changing into bathing suits, preparing to convene in the lobby in five minutes to head over to the other hotel’s pool. We had all gone shopping together prior to this trip, which included us indulging in new bathing suits.
Palmer is still in her regular clothing. I look at her. “We need to go. Get changed.”
Her worried eyes meet mine. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Kennedy and I exchange knowing glances. I thought we had dealt with this at the bathing suit store last week.
I shake my head. “Palmer, we told you, you look beautiful in that suit.” She outright refused to purchase a bikini. She instead bought an elegant one-piece. It’s violet, nearly the same shade as her unique eye color, and it made them shine. We were so excited when she finally decided to buy it.
Kennedy sits down next to Palmer and rubs her back. “Women are meant to have curves. You’re beautiful on the insideandthe outside. Do you know how rare that is?”
Tears fill Palmer’s eyes. “It’s so easy for you to say, Kennedy. You’re perfect. You could be on the cover of swimsuit magazines. I just…I can’t walk around next to you. I’ll look like the Jolly Purple Giant.”
In fairness to Palmer, Kennedy does look like a freakin’ Bond girl in her gold bikini. Something about the dark hair, green eyes, and gold bikini makes for a stunning creature. Her being drop-dead gorgeous and having a flawless figure only adds to it. She’s imposingly attractive.
Kennedy straightens her shoulders. “The best thing a woman can wear is confidence. Yes, I look fucking good. That’s because I know I look good. You are a goddess, Palmer. I see it, Sulley sees it, and,” she pauses for dramatic effect, “I’m pretty sure a certain very large, very smart gentleman also sees it. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all day. Now it’s time for you to see it. To own it. Do you know how many women would kill to be as tall as you? I would. I’m jealous as hell of your height. I feel like a shrimp around you.” She stands and throws her bag over her shoulder. “In fact, don’t come. It makes me look better if you don’t.”
A small smile starts to take form on Palmer’s face. She looks at me and I purse my lips. “If I were you, I’d go just to fuck with Kennedy. Make that skinny, short bitch pay.”
Palmer’s grin widens as she reaches into her drawer for the bathing suit. “Okay. I’ll come. Give me two minutes.”
I nod. “Take as long as you need.”
When she disappears into the bathroom, I bow my head to Kennedy and whisper, “You’re a master manipulator.”
She scoffs. “Pft. I’ve been told that my whole life.”
“You’re also a closet good person.”
She winks. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a rep to protect.”
A few minutes later, we enter the lobby with the entire crew waiting for us. Vance’s eyes practically bend me over and fuck me right here. Christ, he needs to chill out and stop being so damn obvious.
Daylen lets out a loud whistle as his eyes move up and down Kennedy’s body in her barely there cover, which covers exactly none of her gold bikini. “Our kids would be so good-looking. My eyes. My body. My charisma. My personality. My talent. My intelligence.” He scratches his chin. “Come to think of it, you’re unnecessary in this genetic equation.”
We all laugh while Kennedy shakes her head. “I don’t know where you got your looks from, Humblecut, but I hope you kept the receipt.”
Daylen twists his lips. “Don’t bite the hand that fingers you.”
She makes a look of disgust. “Those hairy stubs willneverfinger me. In fact, there are three places you can stay for free this weekend. In your lane. Out of my business. And over there.Scurry away, cockroach.”
Presley sighs. “If you two are done with your creepy foreplay, the party bus is here to drive us over. Everyone else is already on it.”
As we walk to the bus, I notice Beau whisper something to Palmer, and she smiles. He must have complimented her. I wonder if anything is going on between them. I initially thought her crush was one-sided, but maybe I’m wrong.
“Holy. Fucking. Shit.” The only words I’m capable of after seeing this hotel’s outdoor setup. It’s basically a pool stadium. That’s the only way to describe it.
There is the largest screen in creation running the full lengthof the hotel, which is managing to play every single basketball game currently going on. There are multiple bars underneath the screen. There are six different long pools with seating space in between each. It’s basically set up like a true stadium. I’ve never seen anything like it.
As was the case at our hotel bar, a man in a suit is standing there awaiting our arrival, ushering us to a private VIP area. Despite the crazy crowd, we have chairs, tables, and an entire pool dedicated to our party. This is truly how the other half lives. I won’t lie; I’m enjoying the treatment. How often do you walk into a hotel room and have your entire bar and refrigerator already stocked?
I throw my arm around Layla. “You know how to throw a party, girlfriend.”
