When he comes in through the door, it's like everything slides into place in the universe. Like the music playing over the sound system is the greatest song I've ever heard, like the day, is perfect, the weather exactly as I would wish it to be. Like everyone in the rest of the lobby is prettier or more handsome than they were a moment ago.
I really do have it bad.
“Hey,” I say breathlessly, bounding to my feet. “That was quick.”
“Yeah, well, I work not too far from here,” Jonah says, flashing me that smile that makes me go weak at the knees every single time. “It didn't take me long to get over here.”
“That’s good,” I say, then shake my head. “I mean, I guess. I don’t know.” I curse my own nervousness. I’m not making a lot of sense, and he probably thinks he’s come to meet an idiot.
“It is good,” he chuckles, and I get the feeling he isn’t just laughing at me but also with me, which is a relief. “So, what do you want to do for the rest of the day? Wander along the strip, maybe?”
I make a face. “Not really,” I say. I actually would like to suggest that we go upstairs to my room and never leave for the rest of the week, but I’m not sure it would go across too well. Besides, I am supposed to be here on vacation. It’s just that I think I’ve already had about as much of Vegas as I can take. “I kind of don’t want to go out there again… on the strip, I mean. It’s so busy and noisy. All the lights and music and the people. It’s a lot. More than I thought it would be.”
“I get it,” he says, which makes me feel relieved. I was worried he might say something like no one who hates Vegas is worthy of spending time with him. This is where he lives, after all, and I don’t want to offend him. “You had a bad experience yesterday. That would sour the city even for someone who was already a big fan of the atmosphere. Put that together with it being pretty different from home, and I can see how you might not want to experience it again.”
“Right,” I say, smiling because he seems to understand perfectly. “So, is there maybe somewhere quieter we could go?” Like my hotel room? I almost add it, but I don’t. My courage isn’t at that level yet.
“I know somewhere perfect,” Jonas says. “The only thing is, we’ll have to go out there and walk a short distance to get there. Is that alright? I promise I’ll stick right by your side, and no one is going to mess with you when you’re with me.”
“Alright,” I say, deciding to trust him. A little disappointment flares in the pit of my stomach, but it’s alright. We’ll still get to spend the day together, it just won’t be quite how I was imaging it. “I’ll follow your lead.”
“Come on, then,” Jonas says, with a grin. He reaches out for me and offers me his arm so that I can loop mine through his as we walk. The contact instantly sets me on fire, even more, making me feel like walking away from the hotel room right now would be a terrible idea.
But I want to see what he has in store for me. I feel like I can trust Jonas – not just in terms of keeping me safe, but also his taste level. I know he’ll show me something I’ll enjoy.
I just can’t wait to find out what.
Chapter Thirteen
Jonas
I know exactly what I’m doing when I lead Savannah down the strip and into one of my favorite casinos. I know why I’m taking her there.
I’m taking her there to seduce her, no two ways about it.
If this goes like I think it might, it’s going to be a day worth remembering.
I can sense how she trembles against me, and given how long I spent studying her yesterday, I’m not going to miss the extra effort she’s gone to. The way she’s picked out a sexy red lipstick and a dress with a lower neckline, and worked on her eyes making her lashes pop. She looks even more gorgeous than she did yesterday, though I still think she’s beautiful without any makeup on at all.
And I think she’d be even more stunning without any clothes at all.
I lead her inside the casino, dodging novelty decorations and themed areas, they’re all full of tourists, as well as the loud noises and bright lights that she said she doesn’t like. That isn’t what we’re here for.
I lead her to the back, to where someone I know will let us inside a private room, set aside just for us.