A Merger by Marriage (Las Vegas Nights 2)

The house continued to impress Violet as JT gave her a quick tour. From the expansive two-story foyer he led her into the combination living room-dining room. Such large spaces could seem cold and uninviting, but the coved ceilings, inset lighting and desert tones made it very homey. In the living room, sliding glass walls opened out onto a wide patio. The gourmet kitchen was almost as large as her suite at the hotel and contained all restaurant-quality appliances as well as a large wine chiller.

“I wish I kne

w how to cook,” Violet said, gliding her palm along the center island’s cool granite.

“You don’t?” JT had fetched a bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses. He popped the cork and filled both flutes.

Violet accepted the champagne he handed her. “Just the basics. Not well enough to do justice to all this.” She was proud of herself for standing her ground as JT stepped into her space and held up his glass.

Finding out that Tiberius had left her the stock. Her wild proposition to JT. The quick drive-through wedding that followed. And now, being alone with JT in his house. So much had happened. She was feeling a little exposed and emotional. Primed to do something stupid like demand a far better kiss than the one he’d deposited on her in the Tunnel of Love.

“To our successful merger,” JT declared, touching his flute to hers. Crystal chimed in the large room.

“To getting Stone Properties away from your father.” Violet drank sparingly. The man before her was a heady concoction. She didn’t need to add alcohol to the mix.

“It’s after one. Do you want me to show you to your room?”

“So I can do what?” Violet quizzed, walking toward the breakfast nook’s bay windows. “Pace for hours? I don’t know about you, but I rarely get to bed before three.” She spied a turquoise pool behind the house. “Can I use that?”

“As of twelve-fifteen the house became half yours. You don’t need to ask.”

Violet gasped, all thoughts of a moonlit swim forgotten. “Oh, no. That’s not what we agreed to. And when we get divorced, we’ll just go our separate ways—I don’t want half of your house.”

“Maybe we should renegotiate our deal. I might need to demand alimony in the divorce settlement.”

“Why would you need alimony?”

“Because if our plan fails my father will surely kick me out of the family business and the way he’s running things, the stock won’t be worth much.” He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “While you will be worth millions as Fontaine’s CEO.”

Because she couldn’t tell if he was poking fun at her or not, Violet refrained from commenting on her chances of winning her grandfather’s contest. “I never imagined that I would end up supporting you,” she replied. “Perhaps we should get an annulment—”

“While we still can?” JT interrupted, his silky voice spreading shivers along her skin.

“Stop kidding around.” She tried for lightness, but a hint of anxiety crept into her tone. “Just because we’re married and alone in this house on our wedding night...” Violet trailed off. What point was she trying to make?

“Doesn’t mean that we’ll fall prey to our basic urges,” JT finished.

“Exactly.”

“Even if those urges are fueled by champagne and curiosity?”

Violet set her glass down and dismay sparked when she realized it was empty. “I think it’s time you show me the bedroom. My bedroom,” she corrected, feeling her cheeks heat. “Where I’m going to sleep. Alone.”

JT picked up her bag and gestured back the way they’d come. “It’s upstairs.”

Violet attributed her lightheadedness to the champagne, refusing to believe that she was overwhelmed by the thought of spending the night alone with JT in his house. Was his room way down the hall from hers or a convenient few steps away?

Get a grip. You’re not a virgin at your first frat party. You’re a successful businesswoman and this man is a colleague. Keep your head and everything will be fine.

“Here you are.” JT opened a door and gestured her inside. The large room contained a queen-size bed with matching cherry nightstands, a triple dresser, and a small seating area in front of a gas fireplace. He set her overnight bag on the bed and returned to where she stood just inside the bedroom door.

“This is nice. Thank you.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you. If this wild idea of yours works, I’ll be able to save my family’s company. And that’s a debt I can’t repay.” JT leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Good night, Violet. I’ll make sure I have green tea ready for you in the morning.”

He knew that she didn’t drink coffee? She vaguely recalled having a tea versus coffee discussion with him long ago. And he’d remembered.

“That’s nice of you. And one more thing.” Before she considered the wisdom of her actions, Violet lifted on tiptoe and coasted her palms along JT’s massive shoulders. Shoving aside rational thought, she tunneled her fingers into his hair and murmured, “You didn’t give me a proper kiss at our wedding.”