Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 231(@300wpm)
“It’s actually our house. My family owns the club and casino, and I couldn’t risk something bad happening to you, could I?”
“No.” My shoulders fell at the thought. This was a liability issue, not a gentleman's issue. “I don’t suppose you could. Well, thanks for the assist, Virgil.” With the entire story out there, mostly, there was no reason for me to stick around since Virgil’s chivalry was about the bottom line, not my bottom.
“Where’s my purse?” If I left it at the club, I’d have to get a new I.D. card and replace my favorite lipstick.
“Downstairs. I went through it to see where to take you home. Texas?”
I flashed a grateful smile. “You went through my purse? And then decided Texas was too long of a drive?”
“Something like that.” He was cute when he smiled, less lethal and more approachable. “How about a ride to wherever you’re staying locally?”
A ride would be my best option, but after everything that had supposedly gone on tonight, did I really want to tempt fate by getting inside a car with a stranger? That was literally the opposite of Opey, Texas, Stranger Danger lessons.
“Thanks, but I can just grab a ride share. There are plenty in this town. They run all night.”
Virgil stood in front of me, doing a damn good imitation of a statue, all dark and permanently brooding while he stared me down. “Are you sure?”
“Yep. Not to seem ungrateful or anything but this night has been really weird, and I have a terrible headache so I just want to get home.” I found my phone in the back pocket of the denim skirt I was still wearing, because of the country & western theme of the casino and winced at the blinking battery icon. “Damnit. Phone’s dead.”
“All the more reason you’ll let me, a stranger who’s already helped you once, do it again. You’re tempting fate with those guys, especially in your current condition.” He wasn’t wrong. My vision was still a little blurry and nausea was appearing on top of the still pounding headache.
Since my phone was dead and this hottie had apparently saved me from assault and who knew what else, I nodded. “Okay. You can give me a ride home, but I’m keeping my eye on you.”
His stony demeanor finally cracked and I wished it hadn’t, because the full-watt smile, the one that made his eyes crinkle up at the corners, was more than my hazy brain could handle. He was gorgeous, there was no doubt about that, and despite whatever drug was in my system, my body knew what she liked.
“You do that and I’ll do the same.” Then he extended a long muscular arm, his hand with long, strong fingers less than a foot from my body. I sucked in a gasp and looked up at him. “I’m Virgil. Figured if I introduce myself then we’re not strangers.”
Oh sweet Jesus, don’t let him be charming too.
Virgil seemed like a really bad decision, and I was looking for reasons that was a bad thing. “If Virgil is really your name.”
He barked out another laugh and kept his hand in the air until I took it and gave it a shake. “Maisie, but you already know that.”
“I do. Come on Maisie from Texas, let’s get you home.” He nodded for me to follow him and I did, leaving just a little distance so I could watch the powerful stride of his legs and the tight curve of his ass in those jeans. We walked out into the night and the slap of fresh air on my face helped me wake up.
Before I slid into his fancy sports car, I sent a prayer up that this wouldn’t be my last car ride.
Ever.
CHAPTER FIVE
Virgil
Damn this girl was more woman than I expected and it had nothing to do with her curvy body, though that helped, especially all the legs on display in that denim skirt with the fringe. She wore a gauzy looking blouse that showed off just a sliver of midsection and those goddamn cowboy boots were gonna be the death of me.
“Where to, Maisie from Texas?”
“Mayhem. I hope that’s not too far. We live on Braddock Circle.”
“I know just where that is. Is there someone you need to call and let them know you’re safe?” I felt terrible lying to her about being drunk, but it was the best possible outcome, especially since I didn’t know anything about this girl. Or her people.
She shrugged and gazed out the window, thick dark hair blowing in the desert breeze. “Nah, I’ll be home soon enough.”
“You sure? It’s been a few hours and—”
“My phone is dead, okay?” Her words came out a little annoyed and I frowned. “Sorry. Just…sorry,” she said.
And now I felt like an even bigger asshole. She had to be feeling unsettled by losing time and not knowing what happened to her during that time. I’d seen and heard enough to know that much. “Don’t be. You were out of it, but no one touched you or anything if that’s got you worried.”