by Claire Adams
“Where’s this dinner at?” she asked as she checked her phone. She had complained earlier about her sister nonstop messaging her since we arrived in Las Vegas.
“At a casino across the street,” I said. “SW Steakhouse.”
Everly gasped. “No.” She threw her phone back in her purse and checked her makeup in a compact mirror. “It’s impossible to get in there; it’s booked solid for months, if not a year. Plus, that water show? I’ve dreamt of eating there.”
“It’s a good thing I’m friends with the chef, then,” I said and held the door open for her. “But we should get going; the reservation was for 20 minutes ago, and I don’t want to push our luck too much.”
She nearly ran out the door and looked back at me as she hurried down the hall.
“Then get going, Maddox!” she yelled. I laughed and followed her through the casino. As we hit the busy Las Vegas street, I slowed her down by grabbing her hand and gently pulling her beside me.
“Our table isn’t going anywhere,” I said. Everly’s eyes were wide as she took in the several hundred tourists scurrying around us.
Giant buildings, all themed differently, lined the street, and just getting to the sidewalk was almost like walking through its own miniature downtown. Everly was distracted by the shops full of expensive decorative items, and she was tempted by the small bars that offered cocktails to go. I reminded her that the restaurant would have plenty of drinks for us, and we made our way across the street over a bridge.
“It feels amazing,” she said and tipped her head toward the sky. The sun was beginning to set, and shadows were forming on the streets, but there was still a warmth to the Las Vegas air that helped the small goosebumps on Everly’s shoulders. I brushed my fingertips over them, and she shuddered.
“You should have brought a wrap,” I said. “The casinos are always air-conditioned and 15 degrees colder than it is outside.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said. “Anything is better than Seattle weather.”
We entered the Wynn through the front, passing by several tourist shops before finding the casino floor. Everly slipped 10 dollars into a slot machine and quickly lost it all.
“Can’t win them every time,” I said. She huffed and followed me as we circled around the casino floor toward the back of the building. We pushed through several groups of drunks with cigarettes dangling in their fingers. Everly scrunched up her nose.
“It’s weird being surrounded by smoke,” she whispered close to me. A man sitting at a poker table slid his eyes over her body, and I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her into my arms.
“You get used to it,” I murmured, and moved us away from the leering stranger.
The entrance of the restaurant was nestled away in a corner, nearly hidden unless you knew where to look for it. I introduced myself to the hostess just as she was about to turn us away, and a sudden pink blush flushed across her cheeks.
“Oh, of course, Mr. Moore. If you’ll follow me to your table?” She nodded in Everly’s direction and entered the restaurant. We followed her, passing by a room of people dressed in the richest of fashion and tables of clean white linen topped with bottles of top shelf alcohol and 100 dollar steaks.
The hostess led us into a half circular room that didn’t have as many tables. Ours was against a low glass wall that opened into a beautiful view of a water garden. The light breeze from thick, green trees welcomed us as we took our seats, and Everly placed her hand on the glass wall.
“You got us a table right at the water show,” she breathed, staring at the view. “Why am I not surprised?”
“It’s the best table in the whole restaurant,” I said. “You were right before, in a way, that this place is booked for months. But this table is the only table that’s booked for years at a time.”
“When did you reserve it?” she asked. I smiled.
“Three days ago.” She laughed.
“Stop bragging,” she teased. A waiter stopped by and topped our glasses with water, and took our order for drinks.
We both ordered wine and our glasses were filled within the minute.
“Everyone loved your new dish,” I said as she examined the menu. Her eyebrows shot up as she glanced at the prices. I had forgotten that this steakhouse even showed their pricing publicly.
“Oh, really?” she stammered and set the menu down. “Maddox, this place is way too expensive.”
I grinned. “Don’t worry; it’s worth every penny.”
“Let me guess,” she tilted her head. “You don’t even see the check?”
I shrugged.
“You’re impossible.” She laughed and glanced at the menu again. “I’m happy that they liked the idea though; are you going with it for sure?”
“Of course,” I said. “And I was hoping you could create the recipe and make the sample dish.”
Everly’s jaw dropped, and she looked at me with those bright green eyes.
“Are you saying I could set a platter that’s going to be served in all of your four-star restaurants?” she asked. The wine was already spreading a pink haze over her cheeks, and she was smiling a lot more than usual.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Our waiter arrived to take our dinner order, and I allowed Everly to go first. Unsurprisingly, she picked the cheapest item on the menu: a peppercorn shrimp scampi. I chuckled slightly as my turn arrived.
“The shrimp scampi will be on the side for us,” I said, and Everly opened her mouth to intervene. “We’ll have two four-ounce Wagyu, Kobe, from the Hyogo Prefecture, if you still have it. Tenderloin,” I said, and the waiter nodded. “Let’s add the Hudson Valley Foie Gras while we’re at it, as well.”
He left, and Everly pressed the back of her hand against her cheek.
“Maddox, that’s like 600 dollars’ worth of steak,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever eaten more than 100.”
“You can’t eat at a steakhouse and not eat the steak,” I said. “Plus, in order to be a great chef, you have to experience it all. How do you expect to prepare 300 dollar steaks if you’ve never eaten them?”
“Well, I never really expected to get that high up in the chain,” she admitted. “A seaside diner that serves fresh fish is about as far as I’ll probably get.”
“I had that attitude once,” I said. “For a semester in college, and then something just snapped, and I realized that I wouldn’t be happy unless I owned an entire chain of restaurants. And now, here I am.” I gestured around us. The water show just over the fence beside our table was beginning to start, a stunning choreographed and complex display of water jets that danced and spiraled in the air to a soft and uplifting tempo. Everly watched it as lights from the show reflected off her face. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to. I drank her in like a warm brandy, and I didn’t think I’d ever get enough of her taste.
“Here you are,” she muttered as the show approached its finale.
Our wine was refilled, a bread basket arrived, and a plate of steaming shrimp scampi helped set off the bitterness of the bourbon that had been delivered to me.
“You didn’t order that,” Everly said as I sipped it.
“No, but I usually do,” I said and instructed our server to send my appreciation to the kitchen.
Everly shook her head and ripped off a piece of a bread. She spread a smooth layer of truffle butter over it and popped it in her mouth. Her shoulders slumped as she closed her eyes.
“Even the bread and butter are amazing,” she said. She quickly repeated the routine and had another bite.
“Wait until you get the steak,” I said.
It arrived shortly afterward, and Everly dove into hers. The cut was perfect, with a juicy pink strip and charred sides, and she made inappropriate moans as she chewed. I tightened the hold on my knife as Everly bit the bottom of her lip. I wondered how long it would take to return to the hotel room.
Our dessert was a sample platter: tw
o cheesecakes, three truffles, and a chocolate bar. We each tried the cheesecakes and a truffle, and ordered the rest to be sent to our room.
“They’ll do that?” Everly asked. “Even though it’s at a different casino?”
“Of course they will,” I said. We finished our meal, and she slipped her hand into mine as we made our way through the Wynn.
“There’s a pirate show, isn’t there?” she asked. “I’ve always wanted to see it.”
“It’s still there,” I said. “But it’s changed quite a bit. It used to be for children, but several years ago it turned into half-naked women battling other even more naked women.”
“And that’s a street show?” she asked, surprised. I nodded. “Well, I still want to see it. Oh, and I remember reading about a volcano? And another water show on the Strip. And what else is there?” She touched the tip of her finger to her chin. I took her hand as led her toward the street.
“We have plenty of time to do everything,” I said. “Let’s start with that pirate ship.”
After several street shows, we found ourselves outside of a casino themed like a castle. Everly had wanted to cross the street toward the street performers, but I had convinced her that there was something to be seen in the castle.
“It’s Abby’s favorite part of Las Vegas,” I said. Everly pursed her lips and stared at the front of the casino. A clock chimed, and two doors opened as an evil queen walked out and stared at the pedestrians on the ground. Her animatronic face turned and scowled at everyone, before returning to the castle. Everly’s eyes lit up, and she asked if we could stay for the next one.
“It’s every minute,” I said. “Why not?”
“You’re going to have me spoiled.” She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. It was quick and appreciative, but it made my desire stir deep inside.
We watched it several more times before walking across the street to watch two groups in a dance off. I was well aware that Everly and I were the best dressed out of the crowd, and I made sure that my wallet was deep in my pocket and that Everly’s purse was in her hand. I had been robbed one too many times in the City of Sin.
We retired to our room after a night of drinking, walking, and gambling. Everly was complaining about her feet, but there was a smile on her face regardless as she stared out the window. I realized then that we weren’t even sure what her room looked like.
She had me unzip her dress, and she shivered as my fingers brushed against her skin. I kissed her neck and held her close, but for a moment, that was all I did. It wasn’t that I didn’t desire her; I wanted nothing more than to taste her and be inside of her, but at that moment, all I wanted was to hold her.
This attraction wasn’t just physical anymore; it was an intimate affection that I had been looking for nearly all my life. And it seemed as if I had found it with Everly.
Chapter Thirty
Everly
Maddox was more affectionate as we returned to Seattle. He caressed my cheek as I took a light nap beside him in the private plane, and he held my hand throughout the entire journey. He always made sure I was taken care of; fed and happy with a blush from wine. I returned his affection, of course. His gray eyes closed and his thin lips parted to release a soft moan of pleasure as I took care of him in the empty cabin of the jet. Things had heated up unexpectedly, and we’d decided to take care of the situation. His strong arms held me as the turbulence helped rock my body against his. Before the plane began its descent, we finished together.
“I’ll see you at the usual time tomorrow?” he asked as he parked in front of my apartment complex. He almost looked worried, as if he wasn’t sure if I would be coming back to him.
“Same time,” I said. “I’ll have to come up with a recipe tonight, though, and I’ll pick up the ingredients on the way.”
“Maybe add some dessert this time?” he suggested. “I would love to learn how to make dessert.”
“I’ll think of something.” I flashed him a warm smile before leaning in to kiss him goodbye. My apartment felt smaller as I entered it alone, and the silence was almost overbearing. Maddox and I had shared plenty of silent moments together, and I was surprised to realize that I missed it. After a weekend of pleasure, I missed Maddox more than anything, and the intimate time with him was better than all that Vegas had to offer.
I considered calling Lacey and gushing about the weekend, but it was already late, and she was most likely asleep. Then I contemplated if I should wake her anyway considering all the times her and Belle had woken me. I decided against it, and exchanged a few messages with Maddox as I got ready for bed. Just thanking him for the weekend and brainstorming meal ideas with him. Conversation was easy with him, and I had never met anyone I had such a strong connection with, especially over food. Not anyone I was romantically involved with, anyway.
I fell asleep with my phone in my hand, the screen on Maddox’s contact image. I woke far earlier than usual, at least an hour before Lacey and Belle would usually arrive, and I decided to head to their house for breakfast instead. I whipped up a batch of muffins and a platter of bacon, and made three giant omelets before leaving my apartment. I called Lacey in the car, and she was awake and alert as I arrived.
“You’re up early!” she said and let me inside. “Did you even sleep?”
“Of course I slept.” Belle walked out of her room and rubbed her eyes. She was in her long blue nightgown with her hair tied up in a messy ponytail that she’d forgotten to take out. “Belle, come help me clear off the table and set up breakfast.” I stopped her and pulled the tie free and then she continued on her way.
“This is a parallel universe,” Lacey said as Belle and I made the table.
“I just couldn’t sleep in any longer,” I said. My phone chimed, and I unlocked it to find a text from Maddox wishing me a good morning. I couldn’t wipe the stupid grin from my face.
“Who’s making you blush?” Belle asked. I rolled my eyes and sliced into my omelet, but Lacey wasn’t planning on letting the question go.
“Maddox?” she asked, one thin eyebrow raised.
“Maybe,” I said. “Oh, who am I kidding? It’s Maddox. It’s just a good morning text.”
Lacey laughed as Belle looked at me with a confused look.
“A good morning text? I haven’t gotten one of those since college,” Lacey said with a dopey grin. “So I guess you guys had a good weekend?”
I looked away for a moment in consideration. “Amazing,” I said at last. The smile plastered on my face should have been proof enough. There were stars in my eyes for him that wouldn’t fade. “It was amazing, Lace. He’s amazing.”
“What did you guys do?” Lacey asked. I opened my mouth and then realized there was still a 5-year-old at the table.
“Belle, would you mind getting me the orange juice?” I asked. Belle nodded and left. I made sure she was out of hearing range before I continued. “We had sex on every single piece of furniture in the hotel suite,” I said. Lacey choked on a piece of bacon and gasped. “And then had the most romantic dinner, gambled a bit, and walked around the Strip. Did you know that pirate show Mom always talked about is basically a strip show?”
Lacey shook her head. “Go back to that first part. You had sex the entire weekend?”
I blushed and looked away.
“Everly, you spent an entire weekend in Las Vegas making love with the richest guy you’ve ever met?”
I shrugged. “And the most handsome,” I said.
“Did you use protection?” she whispered as Belle returned with my orange juice.
“Thanks, sweetie,” I said and nodded in Lacey’s direction. Her shoulders slumped with relief.
Minutes later, we finished up breakfast, and Belle helped put the dishes in the sink. She stood next to me, tall for her age, and dried the dishes as I washed them.
“You and Maddox are dating now?” Belle asked. I momentarily wondered how much she heard.
“I’m not sure,” I a
dmitted.
“I hope you are. Because then you’ll have a kid soon, and then I’ll have someone to play with.” She looked at me with her wide green eyes, the same as mine, and an innocent smile. The cup I held in my hand dropped and shattered in the sink as her words entered my head. Belle gasped and I held out an arm and made sure she was alright.
“Sorry, sweetie, I wasn’t paying attention,” I said and kissed her forehead. Lacey stopped by to check what was going on, and I apologized and carefully picked up the shattered glass.
“You okay?” Lacey asked, and I nodded. But I wasn’t, not really. I hadn’t even considered the idea of having a child, not once, as I spent the most magical weekend with Maddox. But it seemed as if we were slowly becoming serious, so why wouldn’t I have a kid? He and his daughter were a packaged deal.
Belle wanted someone to play with, and if Maddox and I were going to be together, then she would have Abby. And then what? Did Maddox want more children? Would I be forced to live the life I never wanted? Or maybe he wouldn’t want another child and then I’d have the opportunity stripped away. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I was certain it too fast to decide if I’d have children of my own.
“We have to leave for kindergarten,” Lacey said. I shook my head and forced the thought out of my mind. There was no reason to worry about it, at least not yet.
“Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow. Have fun, Belle,” I said goodbye to them both and headed to my car. I needed to go to the grocery store for tonight’s ingredients, but for some reason, I wasn’t able to think about anything else other than Maddox, and his kid.
I decided to keep dinner simple, and purchased top quality ingredients for lasagna, and picked up the more complex ingredients for a lava cake. Maddox hadn’t specified what type of dessert he wanted, and I knew we could never go wrong with chocolate and cake.
I arrived at his house a little early. He answered the door with a wide smile and twinkling eyes; it seemed as if he had been looking forward to tonight as well.
