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I nod, like it makes no difference to me. “Don’t go too wild tonight. What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay here.”
There’s a flicker ofsomethingin his eyes as he rests one arm on the counter. Something that makes me think Oliver isn’t quite as buttoned-up and serious as he seems.
Most people project the opposite—they act more interesting and important than they really are. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to his hidden depths.
“You planning to stay here all night?” he asks.
I raise one shoulder, then drop it. “We’ll see.”
That sounds better than saying I have no plan for the evening past stopping here. I should eat something besides olives. Then go to bed, probably.
The rest of the evening stretches out like the flat section after a hill. I know this will be the highlight of my night, no matter what I do next. Where I go or who I talk to.
Oliver leans closer. My inhale is quick and surprised at the sudden proximity.
Based on how much his watch must have cost, he likely wears some outrageously pricy cologne. Where I’m sitting, savoring the smell, it’s worth every penny. Arousing and addictive and a little spicy.
“That doesn’t sound very fun.”
“This, coming from the guy dressed like he just left a conference call who’s hiding out from his friend’s bachelor party? I’m not taking any advice on having fun from you.”
“You didn’t even bother with a no offense?”
“You don’t seem offended.”
He shrugs. “I’m not.”
An involuntary smile curls my lips up. I like talking to Oliver. It feels like we’ve known each other for longer than we have.
“I wasn’t supposed to stop here,” I say. “I had a direct flight back to LA. No time to plan an itinerary for Vegas. I’ll probably get some food and then go to bed.”
He glances away, out at the fountains.
The air between us feels like it’s gaining substance. Thickening and filling with more than just a farewell. But Oliver’s expression is a blank slate when he meets my gaze, giving me no indication what he’s thinking or contemplating.
“According to the itinerary the best man sent, we’re going to Champagne Cabaret at eleven.”
“Okay… Have fun.” I’m guessing that’s a strip club.
Oliver smirks, and it’s crippling. The sight is so sudden, so unexpected, soconsuming, that I have to remind myself to breathe.
It’s completely different from him staring straight ahead, only offering a glimpse of his profile. Oliver with dancing eyes and a dimple in one cheek, inches away, looks like a secret. A sight I don’t want to share. A view I won’t forget.
“Will you meet me there? I’ll ditch the group. We can go wherever you want.”
Notat allwhat I was expecting him to say.
“Won’t they mind?” I ask.
“That I’m abandoning them while they’re surrounded by booze and half-naked women?” He raises one eyebrow. “Doubt it.”
Oliver’s phone begins buzzing again. He glances at the screen but doesn’t answer it.
His green gaze is back on me immediately, waiting for an answer. He’s looking at me like he knows exactly what he’s staring at, and no one has ever appraised me so confidently before.
“Isn’t getting a lap dance in a strip club part of the Vegas bachelor party experience?”
I’m treated to a second glimpse of his smirk, and the effect is no less potent this time. “Are you offering?”
