“Friends of mine,” she said.
“Dancers?”
She nodded. She wasn’t ready to talk about that part of her life. Not that he was probing into it. She knew her reaction had a lot more to do with the fact that she didn’t know how to deal with seeing her best friends than any question Max asked. “Where are we going?”
“For breakfast. I think I mentioned we’d eat after I finished that hand.”
She flushed a little, remembering she hadn’t thought he’d really get up and leave the table after one hand.
“Uh-oh, what’s that look?”
“What look?”
“That sheepish one.”
“I didn’t think you’d actually leave after one hand.”
“I’m a man of my word,” he said, pulling her to a stop in the middle of the path.
She tipped her head back to stare into his eyes. He patiently let her look at him and she sighed deep inside realizing that she’d never met a man like Max before. She doubted she ever would again. He was solid through and through. He wasn’t part of the illusion of Vegas.
“Sorry. Most gamblers can’t leave.”
“I really just do it for fun and to relax.”
His fun had a much higher price tag on it than hers did. She could have bought a new house with some of the jackpots that were won and lost while Max played cards.
“Tell me about your job,” she said.
“Later. We have to get moving to make our breakfast.”
“Are we leaving the hotel?”
He nodded, steering her down the path that led to Hayden’s private garage.
“We have some really nice—”
He held up his hand. “I know. I’ve already talked to Hayden about moving you to be someone else’s hostess.”
“You did?” she asked. She couldn’t believe his gall. Did he think he owned the world?
“Now don’t get mad.”
“Too late. Do you think that you own me? I’m not sure that you listened when I said I don’t work for you.”
“I heard that. That’s why I spoke to Hayden. I have other plans for you and I, Roxy.”
She shook her head. “Maybe I don’t want to be a part of them.”
He didn’t force her closer, but she felt surrounded by him. “I’m not like this normally, but there is something about you that draws me.”
“Lust?”
“Yes,” he said with a devilish grin. “But more than that. If you don’t feel the same, then say the word and this ends here.”
“What is this?” she asked, unwilling to admit that she found him attractive. She knew he was out of her league.
“I have no idea, but I don’t want to let you go. I want to spend the next day with you, exploring the attraction between us.”
His words combined with the fire in his eyes melted her resistance. She knew that this was going to lead to heartache. They were so different. But she wanted to spend more time with him.
Santa Barbara, California, was perfect for his needs. Roxy was quiet as he drove them to the private airport and his waiting Learjet.
“Okay, where are we going?”
“For breakfast on the beach. I want to watch the day begin with you.”
He could tell by her expression that she was overwhelmed and that pleased him. He’d been overwhelmed by a need to be with her ever since they’d met.
“The sun rises in Vegas, too,” she said vaguely.
“Trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss.”
“Is this a normal thing for you?” she asked as they boarded the jet.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Williams and Ms. O’Malley,” Lourdes said.
“Roxy, this is Lourdes, our pilot. She’s been working for me for five years now.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“You, too,” Lourdes said. “Buzz me when you’re ready to go, Mr. Williams.”
He nodded. Lourdes went into the cockpit and left them alone. Max crossed to the bar and poured a glass of California sparkling wine and orange juice for each of them. Roxy stayed just inside the jet, her gaze sweeping over the plush carpet and leather seats. She took a step inside and then stopped completely.
“This is not going to work,” she said.
He knew she meant the two of them, but Max had already felt that irresistible pull toward her and knew that for him to walk away was impossible. Even if the only thing between them was this heat, then he’d be happy to explore it. But he sensed there was something more. The restlessness that had become a part of him was gone—at least temporarily.
“Give me this morning and then we can discuss our differences on the way back. I think you’ll find we have a lot in common.” He set the champagne flutes down and pulled her into his arms. She inhaled and held her body stiff. He rubbed his hands down her back, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.
“That’s kind of presumptuous.”
“Sometimes my instincts get the better of my manners. Please come to breakfast with me.”
She nodded.
“Have a seat and I’ll let Lourdes know we’re ready to go.”
He spoke to the pilot via an intercom and returned to Roxy’s side. He handed her a glass of the sparkling wine and O.J., and relaxed deeper into the leather seat as they took off.
“Most people go to the Grand Canyon for quick flights.”
“Have you been there?” he asked. He wanted to analyze her as he would a company he was thinking of taking over. He needed to figure out what her strengths and weaknesses were. Then he’d figure out how to make her his completely. That one brief kiss wasn’t enough.
If he played it right, she could also give him the edge he needed in his merger with Harron. Roxy would dazzle the businessman and Max could finally close the deal. He knew she’d dazzle Harron, because she’d dazzled him without even trying.
“Yes. I met a gambler one time who came to the show and saw me dance and then won five hundred thousand dollars. He took me on a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon.”
Max was doubly glad he’d chosen the beach. He didn’t want to be lumped together with some gambler. “And you said you weren’t lucky,” Max said, not liking the jealousy he felt at her story.
She gave him a wry smile and took a sip of her sparkling wine. “I’m not, really. When we returned he asked me to accompany him to the craps table and he promptly lost the rest of his money. He definitely didn’t think I was lucky anymore.”
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