Page 36 of Playing the Player

“I didn’t realize people actually had fun at those obnoxious parties.” Conor says, throwing his jacket over the chair at the desk.

“You go to these things all the time and you’re only now realizing that you can have fun?”

“I never have fun at those other things.” He loosens his tie from around his neck. “I have to be professional and I don’t get to let loose.”

“I had a great time tonight.” I kick off my shoes and throw myself onto the bed. “And it’s all because of you.”

“Sasha, stop. You’re making me blush.” Conor teases and jumps onto the mattress beside me, almost sending me flying off the other side.

Memories from the night come rushing back and suddenly I’m laughing so hard my stomach hurts. “My favorite part was,” I manage between gasps, “when you shoved all of those,” I snort, “pigs in blankets in your mouth.” Conor joins in on the laughter, both of us rolling around the bed like idiots. “And when that whole group of old women were staring at you,” I wheeze, “you smiled so wide and bits of food started falling out!”

“I did not!”

“Yes you did! The looks on their faces were priceless.” Jesus, I can’t fucking breathe, “I actually think you made one of them throw up.”

“Yeah, it was pretty fucking gross.”

“Yet you kept eating!”

“I was hungry.” I dissolve into another fit of giggles. “And… they weren’t pigs in blankets, Sash. They were saucisse en croûte.” Conor says in his best French accent and maybe I drank way too much, but I think it was pretty good.

“Fancy people and their fancy words.” I mutter, rolling onto my side to face him. The laughter slowly fades. The room becomes quiet, nothing but the sounds of our breathing echoing around the room.

Conor and I lock eyes, both of us just watching each other for what feels like an eternity. An eternity I would happily spend forever in. Conor’s lips tilt up in a smile before both of us burst out laughing again, effectively ruining the moment we were just having.

“I think you’re drunk, Mr Matthews.” I reach over and poke his nose.

“I am perfectly fine, Miss Reilly.” He slurs, poking my nose back. “I think you’re drunk.”

“I am not. I had the same amount of champagne as you did.”

“But you’re pocket sized so really, you had more than me.”

“That doesn't even make sense.”

“Yes it does, because-”

“Oh!” I interrupt, suddenly remembering something far more important. “I know we ate sooo much tonight, but I would kill for a cheese burger right now.”

Conor hums in approval, getting up off the bed and reaching for my hands. “You go get changed. I will get the food.”

I take his hands, allowing him to pull me up but I end up stumbling and almost fall on my ass. Luckily, Conor is there to catch me, setting me back on two feet. “Maybe I am drunk.”

Conor’s smile fades. He’s looking at me now. Really looking at me. I think deep blue is my new favorite color. Not just any deep blue, but the deep blue of his eyes. Just like the ocean. It’s beautiful.

Conor’s eyes roam my face, studying each part of it as if he’s saving it all to memory. My eyes lock onto his lips, so full and so damn kissable. I haven’t stopped thinking about that kiss from earlier. It has been replaying in my mind on a constant reel all night.

I may be drunk enough to forget all of this tomorrow, but I hope that kiss never leaves me.

“Go get changed.” Conor whispers, his eyes now locked on my lips as well.

I bite down my own, my mind clouded with alcohol and him. He’s more intoxicating than any drink I’ve ever had.

Conor straightens, makes sure I’m steady enough that he can let go of me and then moves towards the phone to call for room service.

I grab my bag and slowly make my way to the bathroom. I take a moment to look at myself in the mirror. Jesus, I’m a mess. My hair is all over the place and my makeup is coming off.

I take out my washbag, grab my makeup remover and wipes and start cleaning my face, washing off the remnants of this evening. I hate this whole process of taking makeup off. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it’s worth the hassle of actually putting the makeup on.