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I’m all giggles as I leave the bathroom, letting the alcohol take control as we head back to the bar where Liam orders me water. “Drink it. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”
My head is woozy, but I know it’s because of the kiss and not the cocktail and shots I’ve had. After chugging half the glass, the bartenders announce the last call. I order one last shot for fun, and after I take it and stand, I nearly lose my balance.
“Your sisters are gonna kill me.” Liam groans and practically carries me out of the club to his truck. He helps me climb inside and buckles me. I grab his hand and stop him before he walks away.
“Liam?” I say his name so softly that I’m not sure he heard me.
He arches a brow, waiting.
“Yeah, Mads? You gonna be sick?”
“Does love-sick count?” I snort when he chuckles, and I blush at my loose lips.
“No, sweetheart.” Then he winks before walking around the front of the truck, then climbing in. I lean my head against the seat and watch the passing cars on the highway as he safely drives us home. My eyes flutter closed as I replay the night. It’s been the best birthday I’ve ever had, and even though it was a low-key event, I can’t imagine anything better than spending it with Liam.
Soon I’m being woken to Liam opening the door, looking sexy as sin.
I step down and stumble, but he catches me. In one swift movement, he picks me up into his arms. Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I lay my head against his chest as he carries me to my room, then sets me on my bed. Liam watches as I kick off my shoes, shimmy out of my pants, and crawl under the blankets.
“You good?” he asks, pulling my comforter up higher.
“Yeah, better than good,” I tell him with a smile on my face.
He chuckles. “You’re slurring.” He sits on the edge of the bed and rubs his fingers over my cheek. “I hope you had a fun birthday.”
“One I’ll never forget,” I say truthfully. When he stands, I grab his hand. I don’t even have to ask him before he’s leaning over, his mouth magnetized to mine as I slide my tongue between his lips. I moan against him, wanting more and wishing we could go further. Wishing he’d go further.
“Fuck,” he growls against my lips, pulling away. “Good night, Mads.”
“Night,” I tell him breathlessly. “Don’t tell my sisters.” I giggle, knowing he wouldn’t anyway.
“You’re my best-kept secret.” He winks, then flicks off the light and leaves. I close my eyes and instantly fall asleep, hoping it wasn’t a cruel dream.
Chapter Five
Liam
It’s been almost two weeks since Maddie’s birthday, when I lost complete control and let my guard down, but kissing her was everything I remembered. I don’t regret letting go of my inhibitions or being close to her, but it hasn’t happened again, regardless of how tempting she is.
It was easy to pretend we were two different people who didn’t have a history. There were no boundaries in that club; however, when we made it home, they returned. I have to give it to her because she hasn’t said a word to anyone about what happened between us that night. Kissing her is a secret best kept tucked away with our past. Though sometimes, I watch her when she’s not paying attention, and I’m transported back to the bar and can almost taste her lips on mine. Just the thought of her drives me fucking crazy.
After capturing my last fugitive, I decide to book a flight to Vegas instead of flying home. I’ve been winning quite a lot lately and have enough comped nights to stay a week. Everyone will think I’m working, and instead of skirting around my poker playing, it’s easier for me to take a detour before returning home. The thrill of the casinos calls me.
Once I check in to the Bellagio, I get a text message from JJ.
JJ: Saw you walking through the lobby. You playing in the tourney this week?
Liam: Sure am.
JJ: Come down to the bar. Shots are on me.
Liam: Give me ten.
Considering it’s later in the day, I’ll try to only drink for a few hours because I want to be on my A game tomorrow. I play with real money that I earned, and I don’t take that lightly. JJ seems like a trust fund baby who has unlimited amounts of cash at his disposal, or at least that’s how he plays poker. Sometimes, he’s so careless and stupid with his bets that I wonder if he’s blowing the game on purpose.
After I put my cash in the safe, I head downstairs to the main bar where JJ is sitting happily, but tonight, he’s accompanied by a beautiful blonde. I sit next to him, and he tells the bartender to keep them coming, which he does.
