Jackson left a stretch of awkward silence in his wake. Fenton took a lap around the suite, trying to shake it off. I crept back to the kitchen and poured myself another cup of coffee.
Dana Maria fluffed her hair. "I do like a clean-cut man. Even had his Polo shirt tucked in. Bet he's hiding a dirty, dirty mind under all that polish. Are you sure that isn't what your little Ms. Priss likes?" she asked Fenton.
"Stay away from Jackson McRay," Fenton told his sister. "There's something off about him. I should have knocked his teeth out."
"But then how would Ms. Allen make a mint off him? God knows she's only interested in him for the business. Why else would the Country Club Princess head out to dinner with the likes of him? I bet she can't stand the good manners, cloth napkins, and wine lists."
"She's capable of having a business dinner without it turning to sex," I said. I put my cup down and marched across the suite. "Now, if you're done talking about me, I actually have work to do."
"Scoping out hot athletes. Sounds like a tough day to me," Dana Maria said.
I tried to ignore her and headed into the master bedroom to get my laptop. Fenton told his sister to wait by the elevator and followed me inside.
"What are you doing this afternoon?" he asked.
"Really? You're letting your sister get in your head?" I asked. "I'm going to put on my little black bikini and spend the rest of the day flirting with any athlete that looks my way. You know my method, reel them in, have sex with them, and make 'em sign before they get dressed."
"You're right, I'm sorry," Fenton said. "You can't be even a little flattered that I get jealous?"
"There's a difference between jealous and territorial. I'm not a piece of meat for you and Jackson to circle around like dogs," I said.
"So you agree that the golfer is looking for more than an endorsement deal."
"It doesn't matter what he's looking for." I ripped open the closet and started looking for a dress to wear later. "Like I said, I am perfectly capable of controlling myself."
"Good," he said. He caught me and pulled me around to face him. "I only like it when you lose control with me."
"After hours, after we're both done with work," I said. I tipped my chin away from him primly.
"Then, it’s a date. Have your dinner, sign your new client, and I'll be here to celebrate when you're done," he said. "I've been thinking about you and me and that view from the balcony."
The thought washed through me and I felt myself melting. Fenton was magnetic. How could I explain that no one else attracted me like him? I wrapped myself around him and gave him a kiss we would both feel the rest of the day.
"See you tonight," I said against his warm and smiling lips.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Kya
I was relieved when I dropped into the cab's backseat. My head was still spinning from Fenton's kiss. The driver told me there was traffic and it would be longer than expected. I nodded and leaned back, fully expecting to enjoy the peace and quiet. I needed to think; I needed to get my balance back.
"In town for business or pleasure?" the cab driver asked.
"Business," I said. His casual question started my mind racing around the real problem I was having separating the two things.
"Really? That's too bad. Unless you like your work. I love my work," he said.
"Do you like living in Vegas?" I asked.
He nodded into the rearview mirror but did not accept my change of subject. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm a sports agent. I help athletes get endorsement deals and connect brands with sports representation," I said.
"Well, we got all kinds of athletes here," the cab driver said. "Just this morning I've had two basketball players, a boxer, and a Kung Fu master. Can you believe that? Bet this town is good for your business."
"Yes, my thoughts exactly," I said. "I'm thinking of moving here. Or at least, staying for a while." It still felt crazy to say it out loud and I always braced myself for other people to laugh.
"You'll love it," he said. "Who are you here to sign?"