Page 36 of What Happens In Vegas
Chapter 14
At the risk of sounding like a creeper, there was no way Quinn was letting Bonni leave tonight. Now that he had her safely ensconced in his room, he was determined she would stay until morning. Last night had been all about passion and sex. Tonight, it would be about getting to know her better.
He was captivated by her, watching her, so stunning, as she sat quietly, leaning forwardwith her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hand, looking out the window.
He thought she was the most serenely beautiful woman he’d ever been with. For a guy in his early thirties, he’d definitely been around. He’d deftly avoid the gold-diggers and the poker bunnies, while enjoying his share of women looking for vacation flings. Quinn had never felt his lifestyle would lend itself to a long-termrelationship. But here, after all that, was a woman sitting in his room with a calm presence that soothed his soul. He drew in a deep breath. Since she met him, she had filled an empty hole that seemed so much more significant than it ever had before. Before, he’d filled that hole with his wild life, alwayslooking, seeking, rebelling . . . running, to find whatever it was that was missing inhis world.
And now he suspected he’d found it.
‘Shall we order?’
‘Yes, sounds like a good idea. Whatever you want.’ She looked up at him, and he couldn’t resist swooping in for a kiss. Her lips softened under his and parted slightly. Quinn reached out with his tongue and swept it along her lips, and she opened them for him. He tasted her and cradled the back of her head, his hand sliding upinto her silky hair. When she sighed, he slanted his lips a little more firmly and then reluctantly lifted them from her. She kept her eyes closedand he wanted to think she was savoring the moment as he savored it, by watching a satisfied expression play across her features.
The dark fan of her eyelashes fluttered and then opened. He drew in a breath at the simmering look in her eyes. The lightsand evening dusk gave them a smoky-grey appearance, one of mystery and intrigue. He realized he’d yet to see them in the light of day, something he decided then and there to rectify before her vacation ended. And that was a thought he most definitely didn’t want even to entertain.
‘You’re the best kisser,’ she told him.
‘I’m glad you approve, madam.’ Quinn felt his chest puff a little at thecompliment.
‘Wholeheartedly.’
‘Coming from someone as talented in the kissing department as you, that’s a high compliment indeed.’
Quinn ran a finger down her cheek before leaning over to grab the room phone. He called down and ordered champagne, sparkling water, chocolate-covered strawberries and an assortment of pastries. When she’d taken her first bite of a croissant earlier that afternoon,she’d made the most delightful moan and he wanted to hear her make it again. He was going to romance her so she’d remember this night for the rest of her life.
He already knew he’d remember it for the rest of his.
‘There’s a balcony. Would you like to go outside?’
‘Absolutely.’ Bonni took the hand he held out and he gently pulled her to her feet.
He liked how her hand felt in his and tightenedhis fingers around hers before letting go and placing it at the curve of her waist. It seemed perfectly natural to guide her. He’d take any excuse to be able to connect and touch her.
‘Oh, my. You weren’t kidding about the view. It’s fantastic.’ She walked to the edge of the balcony. ‘Look, the mountains. And there’s snow on them! Somehow, I hadn’t expected that.’
‘Is this your first trip toVegas?’ Quinn stepped behind her to wrap her in his arms and she curled into him.
‘I’ve been here once before, but it was a short trip. Didn’t have time to do the tourist thing.’ She glanced at him with a smile and his chest tightened.
‘You weren’t in town to have a quickie wedding, were you?’ Quinn forced a laugh, but he was tense as he waited for her answer.
‘Ha, no, I’m not married. Or datinganyone. Seriously, I mean. With a clean bill of health. For, y’know. Ah, what about you?’
Quinn relaxed and nuzzled her neck. ‘Single as single can be. And also healthy. I’ve got the lowest cholesterol in the family.’
She reached up to lightly swat the back of his head and he grinned down at her. They stood together, quietly, in the crisp air, before Quinn spoke again. ‘When are you leaving?’
‘Late Monday afternoon. I took vacation days to make it a four-day weekend.’ She didn’t look happy about it.
It wasn’t enough time, especially with him being tied up inthe tournament. ‘There’s another qualifying round tomorrow morning and then the elimination rounds start in the afternoon. Final rounds are on Monday.’
‘Shit. So, you’ll be fairly busy for a good portion of the next couple days.’
It wasn’t a question, and he felt the restriction of time tighten.
‘Yeah.’
‘Then we’ll have to make the most of tonight and hope for some time together tomorrow.’ She looked up at him, and he could tell she was upset. He was glad to see she didn’t like the thought of their time together ending either.
