The Little Black Dress (Love in Las Vegas)

“I think you look beautiful, too,” Spencer says, grinning.

I thank him, and James hands over a tall shot glass with a note attached to it with a gold ribbon.

“Is this…”

“A juicy pussy,” James says with a chuckle. “Mr. Hart asked me to prepare it especially for you.”

Shaking my head, I take a sip before untying the note and opening it.

If our first meeting left an impression, our second was like an atom bomb. As much as I tried to deny it, you left your mark on me that night. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, and it annoyed me to no end. That’s why I was such an ass-shit when you started working for me. I knew, even then, that you were the one, though I refused to admit it to anyone, even myself. Especially myself. Now, I’ll scream it to the world. From the top of The Stratosphere, dangling over the edge in a death-trap, if that’s what you want. Finish your drink and head up to my office.

––J

I laugh at the term “ass-shit.” It wasn’t my proudest moment, verbally attacking him while I was drunk and trying to come up with colorful insults. I can’t believe he even remembers me saying that.

But as I reach the end of the note, I’m crying again. I’m still clutching Jared’s handkerchief, so I dab my wet cheeks and press it to my nostrils. Then I chug down the shot for a little extra fortification.

A security guard waits by the elevator. As I approach, he smiles and waves his card in front of the reader, giving me access to the lift that will take me up to the executive suite. I concentrate on calming my quick heartbeat as the elevator climbs, but any success I’ve had dissipates when the doors slide open.

The lights are all on, and on my old desk sits a cardboard carrier with two paper coffee cups. A piece of paper rests between the cups, and I pluck it out.

Having you as my assistant was great, but having you as my girlfriend and lover has been amazing. These last few months have been the best of my life, Red. You brought me the joy I’d been missing since my father died. You brought laughter when I’d forgotten how important it was to laugh, even at myself. You brought peace, even in the chaos. You brought affection, giving me something I never knew I needed. I’d like to thank you for that. I’d like to thank you for everything.

––J

p.s. Bring this coffee with you. You’re going to need it, since I don’t plan to let you get much sleep tonight.

My lips curl up as I grab the coffees and head back to the elevator. I don’t know what this is all about, but I’m enjoying the hell out of it. I’m already so in love with this man, and this whole scavenger hunt and the sweet notes are making me love him even more.

I haven’t told him how I feel, yet. I’ve been worried it’s too soon, that he might not feel the same way. But these notes have shown me the truth. He does care about me, and he cherishes the moments we’ve spent together just as much as I do.

When I finally get to his house, I’m going to tell him. I won’t let anything stop me this time.

* * *

Jared

I’ve been pacingmy house for the last hour, and I nearly jump out of my skin when my phone vibrates in my hand. Swiping the screen to open my messaging app, I smile when I see the text from Jonathon.

They’ll be here in ten minutes.

I check my reflection in the large mirror hanging in the foyer. My fingers straighten my tie before smoothing a few imaginary wrinkles from my three-piece suit. I refrain from touching my hair, which I gelled to perfection after my shower earlier. My shoes are shiny and un-scuffed, and I left my scruffy beard because I know Sophie likes it this way.

I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

Picking up the single red rose I saved from the bouquet I bought her, I head out onto the front porch to wait. My feet fly down the steps the moment the limo pulls through the open gate, and I open her door when the car pulls to a stop beside me. Reaching in, I help Sophie from the car and place a soft kiss on her knuckles before handing her the rose.

“You look beautiful,” I whisper.

“You look pretty good, yourself,” she says, her gaze travelling down my length before rising to meet my eyes.

Turning, I accept the bouquet and the coffees from Jonathon, then give him a nod of thanks. He’ll be getting a huge tip from me later. Everything went exactly as it should tonight, and hopefully the rest of the evening will be just as successful.

Crooking out an elbow, I wait for Sophie to slide her hand through before heading back up onto the porch. We go inside, and I set the items on my kitchen counter before pulling Sophie out onto the back deck. A table for two has been set up out there with twinkling lights above and soft music drifting from hidden speakers. The pool light is on, adding a bluish tint to the romantic glow, and I watch Sophie as she looks around with wide eyes.

Then she turns to me, kisses me on the lips, and says, “I love you, Jared Hart.”

If a body can swell with joy and pride and deflate with disappointment at the same time, mine just did. Sophie watches me with a concerned expression, obviously only seeing the disappointment.