Page 98 of Tell Me Something

It didn’t matter if it was one day or one hour since I’d last seen him, whenever I laid eyes on him, I still got butterflies. “Hi,” I whispered back.

He leaned down to kiss me. “How’s the packing?”

“Good. I’m all set, I think. The car should be downstairs in about ten minutes or so.” It felt strange that while I was about to leave for the airport, he was heading into the office solo.

“I wish you could fly out with me tomorrow instead of leaving today.” He was traveling to his brother’s thirtieth birthday, also coincidently in Vegas. Meanwhile, it appeared he was feeling as anxious as I was at the thought of spending the night apart.

“Unfortunately, flying out tomorrow wouldn’t do me any good as the Cassius Rum party is tonight. Plus, this is your weekend with your brother.”

When he’d first found out about my Vegas commitment, he’d seemed wary about the timing coinciding with his trip, almost as if I could have known he’d be there over the same weekend. So the last thing I needed now was him thinking I would try to hone in on his plans with his brother.

“And if I want to see you tomorrow when we’re both in Vegas?”

I kissed him on the cheek. “Then you’ll either call me or text me. If I’m free, then we can get together.”

“You should be staying in my hotel.”

“The event is in my hotel. And since the client is paying, I couldn’t exactly ask for them to lodge me somewhere else. I need to go, but safe travels. Maybe I’ll see you there.” I gave him one last kiss and wheeled my suitcase out the door.

“Haylee, please be careful there. I mean it. Watch what you’re drinking and who is around you. Please text or call me tonight when you’re back safe in your room.”

I turned and smiled. I might not want to admit it, but it was nice to have someone worrying about me. “I will.”

VEGAS. So far during the day, the city didn’t look as spectacular as some of the photos, but it did look massive. Caesars alone was at least a block long. I checked in without a problem and went ten floors up to a beautiful tower room. The space was tasteful and comfortable with a view of the Strip that was amazing. Feeling somewhat lonely, I sent a text to Josh.

“Arrived safe at the hotel. On my way out to explore.”

“Be safe, be good.”

His response made me smile. Considering we mostly traveled together, I imagined this was new territory for both of us.

I spent the afternoon walking down the Strip and exploring various hotels, thrilled with the different themes, like the Venetian and the Paris. I was definitely getting my exercise, and the weather was a nice break from the New York temps in March.

For the party, I dressed in a Pucci print dress that was vibrant and fun in pink, green, and white. My white strappy sandals completed the look. I left my hair down and went with a smoky eye and some lip gloss.

The red carpet was intimidating, especially after some celebrities made their way in, but I was polite to the photographers and thankful to Lisa, the Cassius Rum representative, who let me know where to go.

An hour in, I was ready to leave. I didn’t know anyone, and no one was overly friendly. But Lisa had asked that I stay for two hours, so I sucked it up and smiled at the bartender, who could barely hear me over the music.

Taking my gin and tonic outside onto the balcony, I smiled when my phone buzzed and I saw it was a text from Josh.

“I’m here early. A car is outside on the curb, gray sedan, license plate YY7 8954, driver is Henry. He’ll take you back to my hotel and give you a keycard. I’m on floor 52 penthouse. See you when you’re ready to leave.”

I mingled for the last hour to ensure that Cassius Rum had a lot of photographs and that I was visible for my obligation to them. They’d paid for my trip; the least I could do was fulfill my end of the bargain. When the two hours were up, I said goodbye to Lisa and walked back to my room where I grabbed my laptop bag, filling it with my toothbrush and some things to wear back in the morning.

I found Henry curbside. As we started down the Strip, I got a fantastic gridlock view of the Bellagio water show. I sat in awe, taking in all of the people out late amid the lights and sounds of Vegas.

By the time I made it up to Josh’s room, it had been two hours since his text. Opening the door to his suite, I found him sitting on his couch looking like he was waiting on me. I smiled at the sight.

“Hi,” he whispered softly, rising and taking me in his arms.

“Hi, yourself.” I sighed in contentment as he pulled me closer. “It took longer than I thought to get out of there, and then traffic was bad.”

“I didn’t mean for you to leave the party early.” He took my hand and led me to the bed.

I quickly slipped off my shoes and stripped down to my undergarments. “I was ready to go.”

He cuddled me close with my back to his chest and inhaled the scent of my hair.