Page 102 of Tell Me Something

What the hell was that? Oh right, the Gibson acquisition. “Yes, of course.” I emailed a fake document.

“Great, thanks. I’ll make my notes and send them back to you if you don’t mind making the changes later today?”

Was I being dismissed? “Uh, no, of course not.”

“How long are you making her work on a Saturday in Vegas?” Colby inquired.

Josh looked a little uncomfortable but glared at his brother. “It won’t take long.”

“So, Haylee, what are you up to today after you finish your work? I could show you around Vegas.”

“I appreciate it, but I already have some plans.”

“Great. Maybe I could tag along. What’s on the agenda?”

“Well, I’m doing M&M World and then Coke World. Then I want to see the inside of the Paris Hotel and ride the gondola at the Venetian. After that maybe I’ll go up in the Stratosphere.” I purposefully chose the touristiest things available.

“I feel like you may be trying to dissuade me from coming,” he chuckled.

“Actually, those are the types of cheesy things I’d like to do. We’ll see if I have time or not for all of it.” I finished up the rest of my breakfast and looked toward Josh. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“I’ll walk you out,” he offered as I grabbed my computer bag.

We walked to the front door. “Sorry. He came in much earlier than expected. I tried texting you,” he whispered.

I smiled tightly. “My phone was in my bag. It’s all right. I’ll see you tonight, I guess. Although I don’t know where I’m going.”

“I’ll make sure you get an invitation.”

“Does it make you uncomfortable if I go?” I already knew the honest answer to that question. After Josh hadn’t invited me home for Christmas, I’d convinced myself it was for the best. I didn’t want to get accepted into a family and become part of their lives only to have it torn away in a few months.

“No, it’s fine.” His voice was unconvincing at best.

“I won’t stay long. See ya later.”

I SPENT the day exploring the Strip and did end up in M&M World. There I requested Josh send me an embarrassing photo of Colby. A short time later, I left with my birthday gift in hand. Silly, but appropriate. I was about to go back to my room when I received a text from Josh.

“Moved you to a room in my hotel. See the front desk and they will give you your key. Henry is waiting outside your hotel when you’re ready.”

After gathering up my stuff, I checked out and then found Henry curbside. Once I arrived at the new hotel, I was treated like a VIP and given a lovely junior suite.

When I entered my room, I immediately noticed the large box on the bed with a bow. My interest piqued, I opened the gift and smiled at the glitzy silver, shimmery dress. Wow, he’d gone all out, I thought, when I noticed that underneath there were Jimmy Choo strappy shoes to match. At the bottom was an invitation to the party with the address of the hotel’s rooftop dance club and bar. The dress was hot, and I couldn’t wait for his reaction. Maybe he was looking forward to seeing me at the party after all.

I PURPOSEFULLY WENT LATE to the party as my intention was to drop in and then leave. Josh didn’t need me honing in on his plans, and I didn’t need Colby observing me with his brother. I took a deep breath and gave my invite to the large man at the door. The dress fit me beautifully, and with my outrageously overpriced, gorgeous shoes, I felt sexy.

When I entered, I was immediately offered a glass of champagne. The club was already filled with beautiful people. It was a good thing I had the dress as it was all glitz and glamour. My eyes scanned the crowd while I sipped. I smiled when Brian came up to me.

“Haylee, I didn’t know you’d be here.” He kissed both cheeks as I smiled awkwardly.

“I was in town last night for the Cassius Rum event and then met Colby this morning. He pretty much insisted I stop by.”

“Ha, so you met the little brother. What did you think?”

“I think he makes you look like a wallflower. He’s a lot to take in.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “That’s a very fair assessment, but I will tell you he’s a pretty decent guy down deep.”

As if on cue, Colby found us. “Haylee. Damn girl, you look hot.”