Into The Night

by Janelle Denison

Just like Nathan and the Ramsey case.

  Before he could get mired in the darker thoughts he’d been resisting for most of the night, Valerie Downing slid onto the vacant bar stool beside Nathan, surprising him with her sudden appearance. Valerie was a casino host at The Onyx, where she catered to patrons’ and players’ whims to keep their business, and their gambling, confined to The Onyx. Her psychic abilities, however, made her an integral part of The Reliance Group.

  Friendly as well as beautiful, Valerie flashed him a smile that lit up her soft brown eyes with threads of gold. “You’re just the man I’ve been looking for.”

  Immediately thinking she was having a security issue with one of her clients, Nathan became alert. “Is there a problem on the floor?”

  She shook her head, her silky brown hair sweeping across her shoulders with the movement. “No worries. This isn’t about work. It’s more about… pleasure.”

  Out of nowhere, Sean appeared on the other side of the counter. “You’ve got my attention.”

  Valerie laughed, the husky sound filled with a wealth of amusement. “You are so easy, O’Brien.”

  He grinned like the rogue he was. “Only when it comes to pleasure.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I need a favor, and I’m hoping one of you will come through for me. Keep in mind what I’m about to ask you to do is for a very good cause.”

  Nathan was immediately suspicious. A quick glance at Sean told him the bartender wasn’t nearly as eager to step up to the plate now that pleasure was no longer the sole focus of their conversation.

  “Good causes don’t come without some kind of personal sacrifice, Val,” Nathan said, and finished off the last of his root beer.

  “A monetary donation is definitely involved, and I’ll need your time, too. About three hours of it.” She glanced from Nathan to Sean, her expression oh-so-hopeful. “Is either of you free tomorrow after six?”

  The question caught Nathan off guard, and he tried to think fast… except he already knew he had nothing planned.

  “You know, I just remembered I have a date tomorrow night,” Sean interjected smoothly, appearing apologetic, but Nathan knew better. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Bummer.” Valerie sounded truly disappointed, then she switched her optimistic gaze to Nathan. “How about you, Nath? Are you free? And before you answer that question, remember that you owe me a favor.”

  He lifted a brow. “I do?”

  She nodded, looking much too confident for Nathan’s comfort. “Remember last week with Trey Blackmore?”

  Nathan groaned, recalling the incident too well. Blackmore was one of The Onyx’s high rollers, a whale who dropped hundreds of thousands of dollars in the casino during his visits without flinching. Yes, the man was filthy rich and an asset to The Onyx’s coffers, but he was also an arrogant bastard who was always trying to bend gambling rules and regulations because he believed he was entitled.

  Just last week Nathan had gotten into a heated argument with Blackmore when he’d once again overstepped his boundaries with one of the pit bosses, and it had taken Valerie interceding to smooth things over. Her job was to keep their whales content and satisfied so they didn’t take their gambling elsewhere, and she’d managed to placate Blackmore’s ego while making sure he conformed to Nevada state gaming law.

  Yeah, Nathan owed her for that one.

  Fine. Whatever she needed, he could handle. How bad could her request be, anyway? It sounded like a fundraiser-type event, and at worst he’d have to attend some kind of shindig and schmooze for a few hours. He really wasn’t in the mood, but for Valerie, he’d help out.

  “Okay.” He would suck this one up for good karma in the future. “Whatever you want, whatever you need, I’ll do it for you.”

  “You are the best, Nathan.” The smile she gave him spilled over with gratitude. “And who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.”

  The sudden mischievous gleam in her eyes sent a ripple of unease through him. “What, exactly, are you recruiting me for?”

  “Actually, it’s for a good friend of mine, who is an event planner. She’s hosting an event where all the proceeds are donated to the battered women’s shelter. There’s just a few itty-bitty details you need to know ahead of time so you understand exactly what’s required of you.”

  There were requirements. Great. “I’d be really happy if a suit and tie weren’t involved.”

  “No, it’s a casual affair. Nice slacks and a collared shirt will be fine,” she said, making him extremely happy with the low-key dress code. “The event is being held at Simply Fondue, from six to nine tomorrow night.”

  He’d heard of the five-star restaurant, located on the Vegas Strip, but had never been there. He didn’t see himself as a fondue type of guy, but he’d endure it for the sake of charity.

  “This is a speed-dating charity event,” she said, her words fast and rushed, leaving no room for interruption. “There’s a cocktail hour, which will segue into the speed-dating game for another hour or so, and a bit of socializing afterward. It’s really easy and simple and fun. And it’s a great way to meet women. Nice women.”

  Sean, who’d been standing nearby drying wineglasses, choked back laughter. “Oh, man, you are so screwed.”

  What the hell? Nathan’s head spun, and not necessarily in a good way. “What in the world is speed dating ?”

  “Just the newest way to meet the opposite sex,” Valerie said, then went on to explain how it all worked. “It’s a fun process that eliminates the awkwardness of meeting new people, or spending hours with a person you may not connect with.”

  He gave his head an adamant shake. “I don’t have a problem meeting, or mingling with, the opposite sex.”

  She delivered a quick, placating squeeze to his arm. “Nobody said you did. And just because you participate in the game doesn’t mean you’re going to marry one of the women you meet.” The sigh that escaped her sounded way too wistful and romantic. “Then again, how amazing would it be to find the woman of your dreams there? What a great story that would be, huh?”

  Nathan cringed. Things were quickly going from bad to worse. His mind filled with images of women frantic to find a husband and ready to sink their claws into the next victim.

  He shuddered at the thought and suddenly felt desperate to find a way out of the commitment he’d just made. “Why do you need me to do this for you? Doesn’t your friend already have people signed up for this speed-dating thing?”

  “She did, but three of the male applicants pulled out earlier tonight.”

  “Smart guys,” Sean said, chuckling.

  Valerie sent Sean a chastising glance before returning her attention to Nathan. “Cindy was only able to replace two of the guys, so she needed one more man to balance out the ratio of men to women and I promised her I’d help out.” Obviously sensing Nathan’s indecision, she rushed on to hook him for good. “It’s only one night, and just a few hours of your time. All you have to do is talk to women and be nice to them. If you aren’t attracted to any of them, no big deal. And if you did this for Cindy, for charity, I know she would be so grateful.”

  Awww, hell. Those expectant eyes gazing at him with such hope did him in. He was a sucker for a pretty face and sweet smile. He blamed his three older sisters for using the same tactics on him and taking advantage of that intrinsic male part of him that wanted to please the females in his life.

  Like attending a charity event that involved dating strange women.

  He couldn’t bring himself to disappoint Valerie. It was only a few hours of his time, and wouldn’t interfere with his TRG case since this weekend was all about compiling information on Preston Sloane and figuring out a strategy before going undercover. Nathan figured the event would be a good distraction from everything else weighing so heavily on his mind.

  He sighed. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

  He’d go to Simply Fondue tomorrow night. He’d meet and mingle with single women and gently deflect any interest,
because he certainly wasn’t looking for a relationship. He’d flirt, enjoy the cocktails and food, and chalk it all up to an interesting experience.

  Then, with his good deed out of the way, he’d concentrate all his time and attention on the Ramsey case. His sole focus in the upcoming weeks would be finding sixteen-year-old Angela and bringing her safely back home to her parents, where she belonged.

  Chapter Two

  “I swear, the things I do in the name of journalism,” Nicole Hutton grumbled in disgust, not for the first time since she’d been handed her current assignment. After two years at The Las Vegas Commentary, she didn’t deserve such a rookie story. “Speed dating, of all things. It’s truly mind-boggling what the good people of Vegas find fascinating, isn’t it?” And she was frustrated because she had to report on such a frivolous event when she was eager to report on a story with depth and substance.

  Fresh from a shower and wrapped in a silky thigh-length robe, Nicole strolled out of her bathroom and into the adjoining bedroom where her friend, Michelle, was stretched out comfortably on an upholstered secondhand lounge chair in the far corner. Michelle, a co-worker as well as her roommate, was newly engaged to a great guy, and that meant Nicole would be searching for a new roomie in the near future. Which sucked big-time, because after two years together, Nicole really enjoyed Michelle’s company, advice, and friendship.

  “Well, speed dating does seem to be one of the hottest trends right now, so I guess that counts for something,” Michelle said, trying to make sweetened lemonade from the sour lemons Nicole had been handed. “Inquiring minds want to know what it’s all about.”

  Nicole rolled her eyes as she sat down on the small chair in front of her mirrored vanity. Keeping her annoyance at the whole situation in check, she picked up a tube of body cream and started rubbing the scented lotion along her bare shoulders and arms. “Fine. I’ll tell our readers what they want to know, and hopefully move on to something more intelligent with my next assignment.”

  Michelle bit her bottom lip, a reluctant look passing over her delicate features before she spoke. “I heard Sharon say if they get a good response to this article in next week’s issue, she’s going to make Dating in the 21st Century a monthly segment.”

  Nicole groaned out loud. She wanted to ask if Michelle was kidding, but knew it was no joke. Sharon, the editor in chief at The Las Vegas Commentary, would undoubtedly put Nicole in charge of the column, and the thought of spending the next six months reporting on current dating trends was enough to make her break out in hives. Which would be a really bad thing right before her speed-dating assignment this evening.

  “Sharon is killing me with all these fluff pieces she keeps tossing my way.” A legitimate complaint considering what she’d been promised when she took the job at the Commentary. “God, will she ever give me something I can investigate and make a name for myself?”

  Michelle sighed, silently understanding Nicole’s irritation and disappointment. “You know how strict Sharon is about having to work your way up the editorial ladder.”

  “I’ve been climbing for almost two years.” Swiveling her chair toward the vanity mirror, she began plucking the hot rollers from her hair. “I think I’ve more than proved myself as a reporter. She knows I’m capable.”

  “You can always sleep with the boss,” Michelle suggested, tongue in cheek. “It worked for Justin.”

  Loose blond curls fell to Nicole’s shoulders as the heated rollers were removed, one by one. She met Michelle’s gaze in the mirror and grinned wryly. “It’s been a long dry spell for me in the sex department, but I’m not desperate enough to go girl-on-girl, and I know that’s not Sharon’s scene, either. So, the whole sleeping-with-the-boss thing just isn’t going to work for me.”

  Michelle rolled her light brown eyes. Then, turning on her side, she propped her head in her hand, her expression suddenly somber. “You’re feeling restless at work, aren’t you?”

  “I just feel… undervalued, and uninspired as a journalist. I’m bored and I want exciting stories that give me a rush of adrenaline and actually make a difference.” She swiped on eye shadow and rimmed her upper and lower lashes with a soft kohl liner before adding mascara.

  Because as things stood, she was sorely in need of a career boost of some kind. She hadn’t spent all those years at Columbia University on a full scholarship to be a minion at a mediocre, socially driven newsmagazine. She’d rather take risks with difficult, uncompromising reporting that kept people up to date on important current issues.

  News was Nicole’s true passion, and she dreamed of being a tough journalist on top of breaking events. A reporter who relished the challenge of discovering deep, dark truths and documenting stories that were shocking, yet so riveting you couldn’t help but read all the sensational, and sometimes scandalous, details.

  When she’d hired on at the Commentary, the new and upcoming magazine’s vision had been different-definitely more in line with Nicole’s personal goals. Somewhere along the way, the editorial input had turned soft, indulgent, and much too complacent for Nicole’s liking. And as tonight’s speed-dating assignment proved, the weekly publication wasn’t taking her career in the direction she’d pictured. And most likely it never would.

  And that meant it was time to reevaluate her current place of employment. But until she found an alternative, she needed a steady paycheck and had a story due on Monday. So, instead of going into tonight’s assignment with a negative attitude, she’d decided to focus on the more positive aspects of the evening. And maybe, while she gathered the information she needed to write her article, she’d have a good time, too.

  After running her fingers through her hair, she headed to her closet and changed into the outfit she’d bought earlier that day. She returned moments later and twirled around in the middle of the bedroom for Michelle’s approval.

  “So, what do you think?” Nicole asked, perching her hands on her slender hips, now encased in a slim-fitting, hot-pink, summer-style dress.

  Michelle’s wide-eyed gaze echoed her surprise. “Wow, you look amazing. And hot. Sizzling hot,” she added with a grin as she sat up on the lounge chair to get a better look at what Nicole was wearing. “I’ve never seen that dress on you before. Or those shoes, for that matter. I’m used to you wearing more tailored outfits for work, not something so blatantly sexy.”

  Tonight was certainly about work, and a bit of fun, too. Hence, the sexy playfulness to her wardrobe. “I found both the dress and shoes on sale at Nordstrom and couldn’t resist getting the outfit for the summer.” It wasn’t something she’d ever wear to work, but she’d find a few reasons to wear the dress again after tonight, because she really did love it. “I didn’t want to go tonight wearing a pair of slacks and a button-down blouse. Talk about boring.”

  Michelle laughed. “Oh, you look anything but boring, especially in those three-inch heels and baring more skin than I’ve ever seen on you in public.” She tipped her head to the side, her gaze turning much too speculative. “In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if tonight is more than just an assignment for you, that maybe you’re finally open to finding Mr. Right during this speed-dating event.”

  Nicole shot her friend an are-you-out-of-your-ever-lovin’-mind? look. “Hell, no, I’m not looking for Mr. Right, or anything serious for that matter.” Her voice was emphatic as she pushed a pair of silver hoops into her earlobes, then followed those up with three matching bangle bracelets.

  Getting tied into a committed, long-term relationship wasn’t on her radar for a good long time. She’d been there, done that. The experience had been more than she’d ever bargained for emotionally, and had nearly destroyed her self-worth, along with her self-confidence. It had taken a long time to recover from the aftermath of giving her whole heart and soul to a man who’d used her as his plaything-and dismissed her from his life as soon as someone younger and just as guileless caught his eye.

  She’d been so naive, so trusting back then, but she w
asn’t that romantic, starry-eyed teenager any longer. She was jaded, she supposed, and toughened by the experience. At twenty-five, she just wasn’t ready, or willing, to risk her heart and emotions on anything beyond building her career as a journalist.

  These days, the only thing she relied on a man for was sex. And even at that, it had been nearly six months since she’d indulged in one of those seductive, tempting, feel-good kind of romps between the sheets. Nicole had made do just fine on her own since then, but the truth was, a vibrator didn’t compare to the real thing. She missed being touched and caressed by strong, capable hands, and kissed by a soft, warm male mouth. She loved the feel of a man’s hard body moving against hers, enjoyed the friction and slow climb to a powerful orgasm that drove him equally wild.

  Though she enjoyed the intimacy of being with a man, she insisted on a friends-with-benefits arrangement, one specific go-to guy for hot but uncomplicated sex. No strings attached, and especially no messy emotions involved. Just mutual, physical pleasure, and no obligations to mess with her head or her heart.

  How was that for dating in the twenty-first century?

  Nicole shook her head on those thoughts and looked on the bright side of things. “I figure if I’m stuck with this assignment, I might as well enjoy myself,” she told Michelle as she double-checked her purse for everything she needed, then pulled out a tube of her favorite lip gloss that tasted like crème brûlée and shimmered with pink undertones.

  Michelle lifted a delicate brow. “So, you’re going to mix business with pleasure, hmmm?”

  “Why not?” After swiping the gloss across her lips, she dropped the tube back into her purse and snapped it closed, then grinned at her friend.

  “God, you are so bad sometimes,” Michelle said with a shake of her head, though her tone was light and infused with amusement. “Well, have a good time, but don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

  “Now, what fun would that be?” Nicole wrinkled her nose at her friend, who’d become much too conservative since getting engaged.