Page 6 of Truth & Lies

“With those legs, that ass, and those perfect, pouty lips of yours? One smile and you’d have any guy hooked.”

“How can you say that. It didn’t exactly work on you the night we met.”

“Aly, you had me on your line as soon as I walked into the bar. I just had to wait for a sign you were ready to reel me in.”

“Is that right?” I shake my head, my body flushes as I take myself in.

“You know the power you have,” he continues. He’s right, but I’d never admit that to him. I’m not blind to my charms. I’ve just never put much thought into it. I like to look good, and I like the power of turning a guy on. Then again, what woman doesn’t? “Seriously, thought. You’re in Vegas, Aly. Please be careful.”

“Aren’t I always?” I tease.

“I could call it in and run a background check?” he offers, and I can tell he’s being completely serious.

“Aiden, I’m a big girl. I can look after myself.” He sighs and I can tell from the resignation I hear in it that I’ve won this round.

“Well do I at least get a picture to tide me over?” he asked brazenly, his confidence reminding me of Barrett.

“You might get lucky and receive one shortly.”

“I’d definitely be getting lucky if I was there with you right now.” His voice drops low, the heat in his tone unmistakable. Just hearing it has my skin tingling and a blush tinting my cheeks. I clench my legs together to try and quell the dull ache he’s reignited inside of me.

“Guess I’m gonna be buying this lingerie now,” I murmur, loving the rumbling chuckle in my ear he gives me.

“You know I’ll make it worth your while.”

“That I do. So when’s your next visit?” I ask.

“Next month, if I can swing it.”

“We can catch up then.” In my mind, however, I’m not completely sold on the idea. Somehow, in the past day, something has changed inside of me. I can’t pinpoint it, I just know that something is different.

“I'll patiently await that photo then.”

I laugh at his eagerness. He’s not as overt and blatant as Barrett, but he has his own flirtatious game that never fails to work on me every time I see him.

Right now though, I’m craving the direct, straight-to-the-point approach and the one man currently in Vegas that I know that can give that to me. I hope the mysterious Mr. Matthews is ready to claim his prize by the end of the night.

ChapterThree

Three hours later, I'm pacing the bedroom wearing nothing but a green satin bra and matching bottoms with my favorite six-inch black suede pumps I bought with me from home while making the most of the benefit of being seventy floors up in the Vegas airspace—not needing to worry about nosey neighbors peeking inside.

I glance at the clock again and my controlled nerves threaten to take hold again. I’m about to take a chance and meet up with the sexiest stranger I’ve ever met, on the rooftop of the most magnificent hotel in Las Vegas.How is this my life?

There’s more to it though. I’m terrified of the intensity of my reaction to the man, and I can’t say I’m not a little bit apprehensive that the chemistry I felt on the plane just from one look, a drink, and the dirtiest of promises murmured in my ear, might have simply been a flash in the pan.

There’s only one way to find out though…

Ten minutes later, after I've slipped my sage green dress over my head, touched up my lipstick, and spritzed myself with perfume, I walk out of the suite with just my cellphone, keycard, and a smile.

Ignoring my clammy palms and racing heart, I make my way to the elevator and scan my keycard to gain private access to the roof. While getting ready I had wondered how Barrett might've found me, let alone organized access to the private floors of the hotel, but was soon sidetracked by the fluttering butterflies in my stomach and the ache between my legs, the intensity switching between the two the closer I get to seeing him again.

Lost in my head, I don’t realize the doors are opening until a gust of wind hits me and I lift my eyes to see Kyle the porter standing in front of me.

“Ms. Jacobs, right this way,” he says with what I can only describe as a knowing smile. He puts his arm out to hold the elevator doors open while I step out onto the roof. After a few steps I stop dead still at the sight of Barrett Matthews standing near the edge looking more dangerous and utterly delicious than he had the moment I first laid eyes on him.

Then it happens for the second time—a slam dunk, punch-to-the-gut feeling assaults me as I watch him take me in head to toe, my heart hammering harder and faster the longer he rakes his eyes over me.

The moment his heated gaze meets mine, his lips quirk up into a sexy smirk, jolting me back into reality and jump-starting my brain enough that I make my way over toward him.

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