Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 67644 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67644 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Autumn’s eyes had widened a little during my explanation. “Well, that doesn’t seem fair.”
“Right?” I agreed in a teasing tone, then shook my head like I was so disappointed. “Those casino owners, a bunch of motherfucking bastards.”
I was rewarded with her laughter once again, causing warmth to bloom in my chest. “You’d be better off at the tables. If you’re new to gambling, I’d suggest Blackjack.” I pointed toward the back cluster of tables. “It’s one of the easiest games to play, you’re just looking for a number that beats the dealer’s without going over twenty-one. Plus, it has the best odds of winning since the house edge is usually only about one percent. And, you’re playing the dealer, not a bunch of seasoned gamblers like you would in poker.”
Autumn looked duly impressed and I had to physically stop myself from preening like a fucking peacock. “Wow. You know a lot about this stuff.”
I opened my mouth to tell her I owned the hotel but for some reason, the words got stuck in my throat. I’d tell her eventually, but for the night, I just wanted to be a regular guy. “I work here. Plus, I’m from Vegas, born and raised,” I answered. “It’s kind of inevitable that you know a lot about gambling and casinos.”
Autumn nodded in understanding as she sat back up on her stool. “Like being from L.A. and knowing all about the movie industry.”
“Exactly.” I openly perused her from head to toe, making her blush again. How far down did that blush go, I wondered? “I guess sunshine is a fitting nickname for a surfer girl from L.A.”
She raised a black brow and looked down her nose at me, her eyes narrowing impishly. “What makes you think I surf?”
I let my smile turn a little wolfish as I responded. “The long, toned legs in those tiny fucking shorts might have had something to do with it. Or maybe it’s just because you’re so easy-going.”
Autumn chuckled before putting her hands up in a surrender pose. “Guilty as charged. Though I haven’t had much time to hit the waves the last few years.”
“Breaking the heart of every guy who missed out on seeing you in a bikini,” I teased. “What kept you away?”
“Med school and then residency.”
I whistled with appreciation. “Dr. Autumn, huh?” I could only imagine the wicked expression on my face when I said, “If you only knew how many dirty fantasies that just conjured up…”
“Hmmm.” She licked her lips and leaned in closer. “You want to play doctor?”
I almost fell off my fucking stool as blood drained from my brain and shot south. My cock was hard as stone and my body practically vibrated with desire.
“I most definitely want to be your patient, sunshine,” I croaked. “But, how about we start with dinner?”
Her face fell and my breath froze in my lungs. After the easy, flirty banter, it hadn’t occurred to me that she would turn down my invitation.
“I wish I could, I really do,” she said with genuine regret, which eased some of the tension in my body. “But, my conference starts at seven in the morning and it’s already”—she glanced at a slim, silver watch on her slender wrist—"damn, almost eleven.”
Feeling like a scrawny teenager asking out the hot, older girl, I tried again. “Tomorrow night?” I suggested hopefully.
She beamed at me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Absolutely.” Then she stood, and since I was still sitting, it brought our chests to an even height. She bent her head and brushed a light kiss over my cheekbone. I felt it down to my bones, a deep awareness of our chemistry and the close proximity of our bodies. My hands balled into fists where they rested on my thighs. It took every ounce of my restraint I could muster not to grab her and kiss the motherfucking hell out of her.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby at six?” she offered.
I nodded, unable to speak, for fear that she would hear the raging lust in my voice.
With one last sweet smile and a saucy wink—so fucking adorable—she turned, and I watched her delectable ass sway as she sashayed out of the casino.
For several seconds, I just sat there in a daze, lost in Autumn’s spell. Eventually, the ringing bells and loud voices finally broke through the fog and I stood up. My first instinct was to follow Autumn to her room and seduce her, but I searched deep and found some of the patience I usually had in spades.
Determined to get my mind off of her, I made my way back to my office and attempted to bury myself in work. I wasn’t successful since my mind kept drifting to the gorgeous woman I couldn’t stop thinking about.
I didn’t know what it was about Autumn, but I’d never felt this kind of deep need and overwhelming desire for a woman. I briefly wondered if all I needed was to fuck her out of my system, but my mind and heart instantly rejected the idea. No, it was clear that Autumn was different, special. And, our story was just beginning.