The Heir Affair (Las Vegas Nights 5)

“I’m supposed to be writing thirty of my favorite things about Kyle.” She went on to explain about the relationship revitalization journey they were on.

“That sounds amazing. Nate and I should do that.”

Melody gave her a wry look. “But you two are deliriously happy together. You don’t need to revitalize anything.”

“I think every couple could stand to deepen their connection no matter what stage the relationship is in.”

While she mulled this over, Melody handed Mia the instructions Kyle had given her. Maybe if she

and Kyle had done something like this in the beginning, instead of just counting on their sexual chemistry to drive the relationship, they wouldn’t have drifted apart during those long months she spent on the road.

“‘Day six,’” Mia read, her voice filled with delight. “‘Sex—a spoiling session for her.’ Now that sounds fantastic.”

Melody’s stomach dropped to her toes. Three hours earlier she’d been ready to have sex with Kyle again and yet now, instead of the idea sending thrills through her, she was awash in apprehension. Because day six wasn’t about the physical act of sex, but about intimacy. And she sure wasn’t ready for that.

Mia continued, “‘Your partner gets to have a totally selfish block of time.’” Her eyes widened as she kept going. “‘Thirty minutes to three hours. She gets to be totally in control of the environment and actions.’ Oh, you lucky girl.”

“Let me see that.” Melody wanted to snatch the pages from Mia’s hands and read it all herself. Instead, she stewed impatiently while Mia finished reading the instructions.

“And at the end are suggestions for what can happen during the spoiling session. If you don’t mind I’d like to make a copy of this.”

“Sure.” Melody fell into a thoughtful mood as Mia left the control booth.

She turned her attention back to the list she was supposed to make. After adding some of his cute quirks and business acumen, she’d reached twenty. Well, at least she had another twenty-four hours before they were supposed to get together. Surely she could come up with ten more things she liked and appreciated about Kyle. And if she couldn’t, maybe she was kidding herself that they could make this work.

Five

Instead of picking up Melody at the studio, he agreed to meet her at Batouri’s restaurant in Fontaine Ciel on the Strip. He was already waiting at the bar when she walked in. The chandeliers dangling from the ceiling cast faceted light over her dark hair as she slipped onto the barstool beside him.

“Nice place,” she commented, her gaze touring the gold pillars and black tables set with white china and crystal.

“Wait until you taste the food. Chef Croft is a culinary genius.”

“I’m glad I brought my appetite.”

Kyle frowned. “Did you eat today?”

He wasn’t happy about her weight loss. She claimed it was because of her morning sickness, but he wouldn’t be surprised if stress had added to the problem.

“Breakfast, lunch and several snacks.”

“Healthy ones?”

She gave him a stern look. “I’m not sure if you fussing over me is delightful or annoying.”

“It’s delightful,” Kyle said. “Just like me.”

“You’re delightful?” Her lips twitched.

“When I put my mind to it.” And he’d decided that was what he intended to do. “Come on, let’s go see about our table.”

Taking her hand, he led her to the hostess. He liked the way Melody’s fingers curved around his. The contact reminded him of a time before the gap between them had grown so broad. Settling into a cozy booth, they placed their drink order, listened to that night’s specials and waded into the shallow end with some small talk about her album.

“It’s crazy, but now that I’m nearing the end, I’m in a love/hate relationship with every song. I can’t be objective about any of them. Mia thinks I’m struggling to finish because I’m in love with making the album and I don’t want the process to end. I keep telling her that I’m eager for it to be over.”

“All of that makes sense. It’s a huge undertaking. Have you given much thought to what you’re going to do to celebrate?”

“Not a clue. I’ve been so caught up in putting all the finishing touches on everything that I haven’t pictured what the coming weeks will hold.”