Page 90 of Miss Trust

“I thought I saw a familiar face. Nice to see you, Chance.”

“Nice to see you too, Josh.”

We shared a handshake before he introduced us to his lovely companion. “This is my wife, Haylee.”

“A pleasure. And this is my date, Tory.”

The women murmured their hellos.

“I didn’t know you’d be here tonight,” I said. Josh was an excellent businessman, but he wasn’t much on socializing.

“Every once in a while, I manage to do the social circuit.”

Haylee smiled, affectionately rubbing her husband’s arm. “Plus it’s date night whenever we have a sitter for the kids.”

“How old are your kids?” Tory inquired.

“Our daughter, Abby, is five, our son, Joshua Jr., is three, and this one—” She rubbed her tiny bump. “—has just been announced to the world but is keeping me from partaking in the cocktails tonight.”

“Congratulations,” I murmured.

Josh beamed, every bit the proud father. “Thank you. I think between my brother and me, we’ll end up fielding an entire soccer team. They also have a third little one on the way.”

His brother, Colby, was someone I used to see around a lot a decade ago, somewhat of a playboy. But he’d apparently settled down and become a changed man.

“I bet the kids are excited about getting a new sibling,” Tory said.

Haylee laughed. “Abby definitely is. But JJ is only in if he gets another brother. Being outnumbered is his worst nightmare. Of course, we’re torturing them both by deciding to let it be a surprise this time.”

Tory returned her smile. “I have a daughter who’s four. Every Christmas she shakes the packages hoping for a baby brother or sister.”

They all laughed at the image while I nearly choked on my drink. I hadn’t thought of the possibility Tory might want more children. But after the initial shock, the idea didn’t freak me out the way I might have expected.

“How’s your club here in Vegas doing?” Josh queried.

Before long, we were all getting a table together and chatting. It was an hour before Haylee yawned.

“Sorry. This baby has cramped my party cred.”

I shook my head. “Please don’t apologize. You’ve made this evening enjoyable for Tory and me.”

Josh stood up, taking his wife’s hand. “Same. It was lovely to meet you, Tory. And, Chance, give me a call in the next few days. I’m building a new casino in Tahoe, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether one of your nightclubs could be a part of it.”

Although it was thrown out in casual conversation, I knew Josh wouldn’t have mentioned putting one of my clubs in his hotel if he wasn’t serious.

The women hugged while Josh and I exchanged another handshake with a promise to be in touch.

“They sure were nice,” Tory whispered.

“They were.” Although Josh would’ve come up and said hello, he would’ve moved on quickly if the two women hadn’t been getting along so well. “You ready to go— Ah, shit.”

Her eyes went wide. “What is it?”

“Incoming. I’ll explain later.”

Making a beeline for us was Maria, the building manager for my club and my ex-lover. At least she had a date on her arm though God knew if he’d be any help.