The Bet (Winslow Brothers 1)

I set our luggage down in the large master bedroom, and when I walk back out into the living space, I watch Sophie meander around the room, still taking in everything with big, gorgeous eyes.

“Damn, these investors must really want your help with their nightclub,” she says as she runs her fingers along a black leather sectional that sits in the corner of the living area. It faces both the large flat-screen TV hanging on the wall above the fireplace and the massive windows that give one hell of a view of the Strip.

“This is Vegas, babe.”

“I wouldn’t know because I’ve never been.”

“Wait…this is your first time?”

She nods and walks toward the kitchen area that’s decorated with all-black marble countertops and sleek chrome appliances. “That’s a fact, Jack.”

“First of all, I love that I’m popping your Vegas cherry,” I comment, and she giggles.

“Of course you do.” One glance over her shoulder, she eyes me with a knowing smile. “And secondly?”

“Well, you’ll find this is the norm here. I know they say everything is bigger in Texas, but Las Vegas sure as shit gives the Longhorn State a run for its money.”

“So…” She pauses and turns to rest her hip against the countertop, her gaze latched on to mine. “What kind of trouble are you going to get me in?”

“The entertaining kind.” I smirk, but before I can elaborate, three soft knocks sound against the front door.

Sophie furrows her brow. “Are you expecting someone?”

“Actually,” I answer, “I am expecting someone to drop something important off.”

Her nose crinkles up, but I just offer a mischievous smile her way before moving to the front door to answer it.

Just as I expect, a bellhop stands outside with a white gift box in his hands. “Hello, sir, I apologize for the late hour, but I’ve been instructed by the concierge to deliver this to your room as soon as possible.”

“No apologies necessary, my man.” I offer a thankful grin and take the proffered delivery from his hands. “I’m actually really fucking happy to see you.”

The young guy smiles, and I reach into my back pocket to pull out my wallet and give him a generous tip. Once the cash is in his hands, his smile grows tenfold.

“Wow. Thank you, sir. Have a great rest of your stay here in Vegas.”

“No problem, man. Thanks again.”

Once I shut the door and head back into our suite, I find Sophie standing at the edge of the entry hallway, looking at the white box in my hands with curious eyes.

“What is that?”

“Extra panties for you.”

“What?” she barks out, and a suspicious smile kisses her pretty mouth.

Her shocked reaction makes me grin, but I keep my mouth shut until I’m in the living room, sitting down on the sectional.

Too intrigued at this point, Sophie follows my lead and sits down beside me. And when I hand her the white box, her eyes move back and forth between my face and the gift in her hands at least ten times before she asks, “Is this really a box filled with underwear?”

“No.” I laugh. “It’s better.”

“Better?”

I laugh again. “Just open it, babe.”

Sophie’s smile is hesitant as she unties the white bow and lifts open the top of the box.

But in a matter of seconds, her eyes flash with what feels like a million emotions when she sees what’s inside. Surprise. Excitement. A little bit of confusion. And a few other things I can’t quite put my finger on.

“The Secret Club?” she reads the words from the Sophie-sized gray T-shirt that she pulls out of the box. “Hold up…are these freaking badges?”

“It’s time for Sophie Sage to be the Girl Scout she’s always dreamed of and earn herself some hella cool badges,” I repeat her words from our plane ride.

To be honest, I had no idea what Mona from the Venetian’s concierge team was going to be able to come up with in the department of badges, but I can’t deny she did an amazing job with my odd, last-minute request. I’m sure it helped that she knew my connection to Billy Jones and that I’m staying in one of the penthouse suits, but still, this request was pretty out there.

Truthfully, I didn’t know if she could pull off getting a T-shirt printed for me. But damn, clearly I owe Ms. Mona one hell of a thank-you tip because the woman came through.

Sophie’s jaw drops open farther as she picks up each of the badges, inspecting them one by one.

All different colors and sizes, and at least thirty of them sit inside the box. There’s a blue one with a tent surrounded by trees and mountains. One with a kitten holding a ball of yarn. One with a cute puppy with a stick in its mouth.

There’s even a pink one with a goddamn unicorn jumping over a rainbow.