How did I never realize that until now?
I glance up at Hayes. His life couldn’t be more different from mine. I doubt we have much in common. He’s a live wire, while I spend my life walking on eggshells. Still, there’s something in his expression I recognize as he scans the city below.
He appreciates it like he hasn’t seen this view a thousand times.
When he glances at me, I realize I’m staring, so I quickly look away, opening the door that leads to thebalcony. “You were right about the view. And this pool… how cold do you think the water is?”
Hayes follows me outside, watching me circle to the stairs that descend into the water. Vegas might be blistering during the summer, but it’s New Year’s. And this high up, there’s a breeze that sends goose bumps up my arms.
“It’s heated.”
I toe off my shoes at the ledge and dip a foot in the water, finding it warm. “Have you been in yet?”
“Hadn’t even been up to the room yet,” he confesses. “I met up with my brothers the second I got here tonight.”
I forgot he was out with people. “Do you need to get back to them?”
“Nah, they’re good.” He paces to the other side of the pool, glancing down at the water.
I hum, swirling my toe and trying not to stare at him. “Why are you still hanging out with me, anyway? You came out with friends tonight, and I’m sure there are plenty of girls who would fall all over themselves for a chance to spend time with you without making you place bets and work for it.”
"Maybe.” He shrugs. “But maybe I like it when there’s a little risk involved.”
“That I don’t doubt.”
Hayes’s smile grows. “What about you? Why haven’t you left my ass in the dust yet? Any man in that casino would have happily let yousee their view.”
“Maybe,” I agree with a shrug. “But I like your company. Your presence is calming.”
His laugh fills the night, and it makes my entire body warm.
“What’s so funny?” My eyebrows scrunch.
“You might be the first person in my entire life to call me calming.”
“Chaos isn’t calming for most people.”
“But it is for you?”
My gaze moves to the city—to the towering buildings at a distance that have chained me my entire life. “Yeah, I guess it is. At least if there’s chaos, it feels like I’m still living.”
Reaching up, I push my straps down my shoulders, slowly shimmying out of my dress. I should probably be embarrassed, stripping down to my bra and underwear in front of a stranger. But this might be the last night of freedom I have left.
“What are you doing?” Hayes’s voice is gritty—deeper.
I look over and find his jaw clenched and his eyes heated. “Going for a swim. Care to join me?”
3
Emery
The warm water issoothing, lapping against my legs as I make my way down the steps. Ripples reach out, stirring the water. It’s freeing to not have guards standing watch. There’s no one judging my every move or holding me to unreasonable standards.
When the water reaches my chest, I lie back, floating on the surface and looking up at Hayes. The night sky practically glows from the city lights, casting a dull halo around him.
My hair fans out, and I close my eyes, sinking into the comfort of the night.
Hayes is probably regretting inviting me to his room, but he still hasn’t kicked me out, so that’s got to mean something.
