All of Me

She smiled up at him. “Sorry, just daydreaming. What did you say?”

“I asked if you were okay with going to Vegas.”

“Yes. I’ve never been at this time of year.”

The flight was short. After they deplaned, he secured a car and drove to a property just off the Strip. They checked in, and he led her up to a beautiful two-bedroom suite with expensive decor and lavish amenities, including a Jacuzzi large enough for two people.

“Wow. This is amazing,” Karen said as she went from room to room. “Have you stayed here before?”

“It’s my first time.”

“Well, be sure to thank your friend.”

“I’ll do that. Are you hungry?”

“Starving.” It was after eight, and she hadn’t eaten since lunch. She glanced around the lush accommodations once more, excited to get their weekend started.

* * *

Damian deposited their bags in the bedroom, then handed her the restaurant listing. “What looks good? We can choose something off the list or go to one of the hotels on the Strip.”

She scanned the list and handed it back. “Let’s hit the Strip.”

They headed back down to the car and, after a short drive, ended up at the Cheesecake Factory in Caesar’s Palace. Afterward, they strolled hand in hand through the Forum shops. Karen stopped to study the Fountain of the Gods for a minute before continuing. He glanced up at the way the ceiling had been artfully disguised to give the feeling of daylight despite it being past ten in the evening.

“Are you ready to head back?” he asked.

“Yes, but let me find a bathroom first.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for you by the big fountain.”

Damian watched her hips as she disappeared into the crowd. He placed his hands in his pockets and continued on the path toward the Fountain of the Gods. Passing Tiffany, he ducked in on a whim.

“May I help you, sir?” a friendly saleswoman asked, coming toward him.

“Just browsing.”

“Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks. I will.” He wandered around the store, peeking in the cases filled with pendants and bracelets. A case of engagement rings caught his attention, specifically an emerald-cut three-stone engagement ring set in platinum that would look amazing on Karen’s finger. His heart rate kicked up a notch. Was he really thinking about marriage again?

The saleswoman appeared at his side. “Would you like to see something?”

“Yes, please.”

She moved behind the counter and removed the ring he indicated. “This is a great choice. It’s just under three carats. I’m sure the lucky lady will love it.”

The moment Damian held the ring, he knew with all certainty he wanted to get married again...but only to Karen. He glanced at the tag. The price didn’t matter. She was worth every penny, and he’d been investing and saving wisely over the past five years. He searched for an accompanying band and, with the saleswoman’s help, settled on a channel-set band with vertical baguette diamonds.

“Do you know the size?”

He studied the woman’s hand. “May I see your hand?”

She stared at him questioningly but extended her hand.

He entwined their hands, closed his eyes for a moment, then released her hand. “Your hand is about the same size as hers. What size is your ring finger?”

The woman chuckled. “Ah, seven. Can’t say I’ve ever had a ring measured this way before.” She reached into the case. “You’re in luck. I have both the engagement ring and band in that size.”

Smiling, he reached into his pocket for his wallet and handed her his credit card. A minute later, Damian exited the shop with the ring tucked safely in his pocket. He made it to the fountain just as Karen appeared. He slung an arm around her shoulders, and they started back to the hotel.

The short drive was accomplished in less than ten minutes. He was anxious to have her in his arms, and as soon as he opened the door to the room, he hauled her against his chest and covered her mouth with his. Lifting Karen in his arms, he kicked the door closed and took determined strides toward the bedroom. He laid her in the center of the bed, followed her down and continued to kiss her, absorbing her essence into his very cells. Fighting for control, he broke off the kiss and slid off the bed. He had plans.

“I’ll be right back.”

* * *

Karen lay in the middle of the bed, every molecule in her body tingling. Never had she been with a man who inflamed her body with one touch the way Damian did. The man was the total package—kind, caring, intelligent and handsome—and had a way about him that made the sanest woman lose her mind. And she was in deep.