Page 26 of Gin & Jewels
I shrugged. “Yeah, maybe.” Steve had already given me the day off, and I really had no plans except to eat cake alone in my room and finish watching the new season ofVeronica Mars.Not being at home locked in my bedroom on my birthday sounded like just what I needed.
“I’m in the wedding, but I can pick you up beforehand. My friends’ wives will take you in and make you one of their own. I promise you’ll be in good hands.”
I opened the truck and slid out. With a huge grin on my face, I teased, “Maybe I should have picked you as the next to get married.”
I shut the door to his truck before he could respond.
After a physical therapy appointment,I found myself driving down West Sahara, and without thinking twice, I pulled into the parking lot of The Velvet Box. I saw Cassie through the window and decided I was going to check on her, and then I found myself taking her to lunch. Before I realized it, I was asking her to be my date for Vinny’s wedding. I was going to get so much shit from the guys at the wedding, I just knew it.
I liked Cassie. There was something pure and innocent about her that drew me to her. I found her radiant, and her smile made me feel good. It also felt good to not have to put on a show in front of her. I was honest about my job and didn’t feel as though I needed to woo her.
I did find it weird that she had no plans for her birthday. We lived in Vegas, and there were clubs upon clubs to party at. What about her friends? Her family? A boyfriend? There had to be something planned.
Me:Hey, it’s Brad. Now you have my number.
I rolled my eyes after I sent the text.Now you have my number?I had better game than that.
Cassie:And so I do.
Me:What are you doing Friday night?
Cassie:Working until 7.
Me:After?
Cassie:Nothing. Why?
Me:Ever been to the drive-in?
Cassie:I haven’t.
I smiled as I texted back:Want to go? We can stay out past midnight to ring in your birthday. Sleeping through it would be boring.
Cassie:Sleeping was my plan …
I chuckled as I texted back:Then change it.
The dots on my screen started and stopped, then started and stopped again. Finally, her reply came in:Is this another free date?
Shit, itwasa date. A free date.
Me:Yeah, another free date. I don’t give them away to just anyone now.I couldn’t stop smiling as I flirted with her.
Cassie:Then I won’t say no. Just tell me when to be ready.
Me:Depends on what kind of movies you like.
Cassie:Anything.
I looked up the times for the scariest movie and texted her back. She replied with her address, and I was left stunned because I was going on a date. A real date.
Holy shit.
I walked into Herbs & Rye, a dark, rustic bar not far from The Strip, feeling as though I had a huge secret to tell. I did, but Ididn’twant to share it with the guys. Whatever I was feeling for Cassiewasn’treal. I was convinced of that.
Since I’d been shot, my boss, Mark, had put me on leave for a few weeks. Even though I didn’t need my arm to fuck, he wanted me to take time off and heal, despite the fact I’d argued that I could still take a client out for a good time.
The guys were in one of the leather crescent moon-shaped booths with drinks in front of them. I was the last to arrive because I had been on the phone with my mother about my next visit, which would be in a little more than two weeks. I’d had to postpone next week’s visit because of physical therapy, which she thought was due to me hurting my shoulder while playing basketball with the guys. Thankfully, I would have my last appointment before I headed to Tennessee.
