Page 89 of Miss Trust

Chance

No one had ever had me. I was always the one who had someone else’s back. I was the one who ensured they were taken care of. But Tory’s words made me feel as though, for the first time, I had someone I could lean on. Maybe we had each other.

A lump of emotion took residence in my throat. “Thank you.”

Although I could feel Tory shaking, you’d never know she was nervous by looking at her. I’d realized she was a beautiful woman the first time I laid eyes on her. However, tonight I was seeing her in a new light. She was breathtaking. A fitting word since my chest felt tight simply from looking at her. Or maybe I worried about pushing her out of her comfort zone by bringing her here.

I felt humbled by her efforts to conquer her fear.

Once inside, we both breathed a sigh of relief to be done with the gauntlet of local press and photographers.

“Glad that’s over,” she murmured.

“Me too. Now let’s mingle, so we can get out of here, and I can have you to myself.” Although it was incredible to see Tory dressed up like a sexy goddess, I was eager to get her alone to myself and naked.

We headed straight for the bar on the other side of the enormous ballroom. “What would you like to drink?”

She smiled. “Surprise me. I’m heading to the ladies’ room to clean up.”

“I kind of like the idea of you wet and ready for me.”

“Isn’t that considered a faux pas at a gala?”

The way she exaggerated the word gala made me laugh. “Probably. You’d better go clean up before I break the gala rules and find a closet.” Despite the temptation to haul her off to a closet, I savored the fact I’d have all the time in the world with her tonight. Taking my time with Tory was my new favorite task.

With two drinks in hand, I found a nearby high-top table and waited for my date to join me. As I surveyed the room, I could see it begin to fill up. Nothing like a bunch of rich people on a weeknight in Vegas out to celebrate the soft opening of a new VIP room.

My eyes tracked my date as she walked towards me. Heads turned her way. How could they not, given the way she looked in the red dress? A wave of possessiveness took hold of me. A need to show anyone looking, she was here with me.

“Hi,” I said, my voice husky.

She quirked her head to the side. “Hi. What’s going on?”

I pulled her close to me, landing my lips on hers without a care for the red lipstick I’d get for the effort. “You’re beautiful. And for all of those watching, I’m making it clear you’re taken.”

Her brows jumped up. “Am I now?”

“Indeed you are. Now kiss me like you’re happy to be stuck with me.”

Her smile made my stomach clench. But she didn’t hesitate, framing my face and pulling it close for a soft kiss. Nothing indecent, nothing long, yet the intimacy of it all made my breath catch. We stood there lost in each other’s eyes until I reluctantly pulled away.

“I got you a gin and tonic.”

She smiled, turning to her drink. “Thank you. Can’t say I’ve ever had one.” She took a sip, making a hum of approval. “Yum. Refreshing.”

“Good.”

“Okay, so who are you here to meet? Or are people here to meet you?”

“A little of both. Ready to mingle?”

She wiped my lips with her thumb, making my heart pound with the gesture. “Ready after I get the lipstick off of you.”

We spent the next half hour working the room. Tory might not consider this her forte, but she could clearly handle anyone and anything thrown at her. I kept my hand in hers or wrapped around her shoulders, not because she needed it but because I found myself wanting to do so.

“Another twenty minutes or so, then we’ll leave.” I was ready to call it a night. But the familiar face coming towards me made me smile.

Josh Singer. Owner and CEO of Gamble Enterprises. He owned several hotels in Vegas. He approached with a beautiful brunette on his arm, who I assumed was his wife.