Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Willa
“I can’t believe I let you and James talk me into this,” I said as we boarded the plane. “You know money is very tight. I can’t afford this.”
“We bought your plane ticket and comped your room. Stop worrying, darling. Consider this trip an early birthday gift,” Matt said.
“My birthday isn’t for another eight months.”
“Like I said. An early birthday gift. Listen, Willa. You needed to get out of New York for a few days. Just relax, forget about the unraveling of your life, let loose, and have fun.” He smiled.
I slid the keycard and unlocked the door to my room at the Bellagio Hotel. As much as I was hesitant to come, all of my stress and worries disappeared when my feet hit the Vegas ground. Matt was right. I just needed to let loose on this trip and forget about everything else for the next few days.
After spending the rest of the afternoon and evening eating, drinking, walking down the strip, and having a good time, I turned in for the night while Matt and James played poker down at the casino. I was out like a light, and when I woke up the next morning, there was a text message from Matt.
Darling, you’ll have to explore Vegas by yourself today. James and I are very sick.
Oh no. Did you two drink too much last night?
Not at all. We think it’s the flu. Don’t try to come to our room because you do not want to catch this. Going back to bed. I’ll keep you updated.
Shit. What the hell was I supposed to do by myself? I was starving, so I got dressed and went down for breakfast.
“Good morning. One this morning?” the hostess asked, smiling.
“Yes, just me. My cousins are sick up in their suite. They think it’s the flu.”
“A lot of that has been going around.” She led me to a small table. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes. Please.”
“If you’re having our buffet, you may go and help yourself.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
I went to the buffet and looked at all the delicious-looking food. Grabbing a plate, I scooped some scrambled eggs onto it, and when I went to turn around, I ran into a man, almost spilling the eggs all over the floor.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, staring up at him.
Holy shit. He stood around six feet two. His hair was a rich medium brown, cut short and styled with a casual tousle on top. His eyes were a captivating blend of blue and green, deep and intense. This man was definitely the sexiest man I’d ever seen, especially with his strong and defined jawline, accentuated by a perfectly manicured five o’clock shadow.
“That’s okay.” A handsome smile graced his beautiful, full lips. “It was my fault. I was standing too close.”
“Okay. Well, enjoy your breakfast. By the way, that color looks good on you.” I smiled, pointing to his blue shirt.
“Thank you.” He chuckled.
I walked away with a smile, filled my plate with various food, and took it back to the table. As I placed my napkin on my lap, the handsome man took his plate to the table, two in front of mine, and sat in the chair facing me. I quickly looked down and picked up my fork when he caught me staring at him. He was alone, at least at breakfast. Did he come to Vegas alone? Shit. He was probably wondering the same thing about me. We were the only two people in the restaurant sitting alone.
* * *
Damien
She was undeniably beautiful. She stood about five feet six inches tall and had long, beautiful brown hair with shades of blonde woven in. Her mesmerizing green eyes sparkled like emeralds, drawing me in so I couldn’t look away. Her pink maxi dress accentuated her petite body, leaving my imagination to run wild about what was underneath. She was dining alone. Strange. As she held her phone in her left hand, I didn’t notice a ring. There was no way that beautiful goddess of a woman was here alone.
Unlike myself. When Charlie called me the morning I left, and told me he had the flu and couldn’t go, I went anyway to meet John. But when I got to the Bellagio, a text message from him told me he was also sick and couldn’t make it. I thought about turning around and catching the next flight back to New York, but the excitement of Vegas was already tearing through me, and I needed this, whether I was alone or not.
I kept stealing small glances at her as I ate my breakfast. God, she was gorgeous, and I wouldn’t mind hooking up with her for a night. But I was sure her boyfriend or whoever she was with was sleeping in their room.
* * *
Willa
After I ate and admired the incredibly handsome man sitting two tables in front of me, I returned to my room to decide what I would do today. A day at the pool sounded good, so I changed into my bikini, put on my cover-up, grabbed my beach bag, and headed down. Thankfully, the pool area wasn’t too packed yet, and I could snag a lounge chair.
I made myself comfortable and waited for someone to come around to take drink orders, but that didn’t happen, so I got up and went to the bar myself. On my way back to my chair, three young boys tore past me, one bumping into me. I lost my balance and fell into the pool, drink and all.
“Sorry, lady.” One of the boys turned his head and kept running.
“Assholes!” I shouted.
By this time, everyone around the pool was staring at me. Suddenly, a hand reached out. Looking up, it was the man from breakfast.
“Here, let me help you.” He smiled.
I set my now-empty glass on the edge of the pool, grabbed his hand, and he helped me out.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Stupid teenagers.” I walked over to my chair and grabbed a towel.
“What were you drinking? I’ll go get you another one,” he said.
“You don’t have to?—”
“I want to.” A sexy smile crossed his lips.
“Pina Colada.” I smiled.
“One Pina Colada coming up.”
I removed my cover-up and tossed it on the floor. Thank God I was wearing my bathing suit.
“Here you go.” He handed me my drink and sat in the lounger next to me. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“No. Not at all. Thanks for the drink.” I smiled.
“You’re welcome. I’m Damien Blackwood.” He extended his hand.
“Willa Aster.” I placed my hand in his.
He removed his shirt, and I gulped, staring at his rock-hard six-pack and muscular chest.
“Are you here alone?” he asked.
“Are you?” I smirked.
“I asked you first.”
“No. I’m here with my cousin Matt and his husband James. But they’re both up in the room, sick with the flu. So, I’m on my own until they get better. You?”
“Yes, I’m here alone. I was supposed to come with my friend to meet another friend here, but both are sick and couldn’t make it.”
“So you came alone anyway?” I asked.
“I had already arrived before I found out my other friend who was meeting us here was sick. So, I decided to stay.”
“Are you having fun?” I asked, sipping my pina colada.
“I am now.” He grinned.
My belly was turning somersaults, and my heart decided to race.