DOUBLE TROUBLE: TROUBLE IN VEGAS series Read online

  She pushed that thought firmly out of her head, feeling guilty for comparing the two. David was not here tonight, and she was the one cheating on him. He deserved better, and tonight, just for tonight, so did she.

  With that happy thought, she opened her legs slightly and Josh’s warm tongue found the inside of her thigh. A shudder ran threw her. “Hurry, please. I’m getting ready to explode.”

  He moved quickly and found her sweet spot with one quick flicker of his tongue. He was gentle at first, tasting, teasing, giving her a little at a time. She squirmed under him, and bucked once or twice. She took his head in her hands and held him between her thighs. She was consumed by pleasure, being lifted higher than she’d ever known before.

  “Josh, oh Josh, please no more. I want you inside of me. Now. Hard. Deep. So far in that I’ll feel it forever.” She repeated his words, and was surprised that she meant them too. Whatever happened after tonight, this was a memory worth making.

  They made love, not once but twice. After he’d rested for an hour, she had crawled to the end of the bed, determined to do to him what he had to her. Inch by inch she had tasted and licked, working her way slowly up his fine legs, touching him and feeling him get hard. She had taken him in her mouth, sliding her tongue over his shaft, again and again. He had bucked once or twice, and tried to throw her off, but she had not wanted him to get rid of her that easily.

  Finally when he couldn’t take another minute of her teasing and tasting, he had rolled them both over and buried himself inside. They had come together in an explosion that rocked her world, and she knew she’d never forget.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The sun was peaking through the windows when she opened her eyes. She’d spent the whole night in his bed. She tried to feel guilty about it, but she couldn’t muster a moment of remorse. She turned her head and watched Josh for several minutes, enjoying the sound of his soft snores, the sight of his handsome face relaxed in sleep. She wondered what it would be like to wake up to him morning after morning, after spending delicious nights in his arms. It seemed too wonderful to be real.

  Sadness filled her suddenly, knowing that as much as they enjoyed each other it couldn’t happen. For one thing, he was a man on the move and didn’t want to settle down. Secondly, he lived in a different state, making any romance between them impossible.

  Long distance relationships didn’t work, no matter how much they wanted them to. She’d go back to Mesa, her teaching job, her apartment, and to the family who loved her, and the man she’d promised to marry. Josh would go back to San Francisco and to his promising career. After awhile memories of this weekend would fade, and they’d slip back into their real lives, and whatever feelings that were blossoming inside would wither and die.

  A sharp pain in her chest made her catch her breath. Rubbing the ache, she wished it away. She had no right to care about this man. They’d only met two nights ago, but she couldn’t stop the feelings anymore than she could stop her heart from hurting. Already it was too late. Nothing would ever be the same. Josh might very well carry on without her, but this weekend had changed her for better or for worse.

  She was not the kind of woman who loved lightly. Nikki had never been the kind to sleep around. Which meant what? That she loved Josh? How could that be so? Love took years to grow, and it wasn’t about sex, or lust, or feeling breathless with desire. It had a deeper meaning than that. Like respect, commitment, sharing common interests and goals. It was about two people who viewed the world the same, had the same values, and wanted the same things in life—a family, children, a home.

  Didn’t it?

  She’d had that with David, yet this dazzling man snoring next to her had somehow slipped inside her heart, creating a barrier between her and the man she’d promised to love.

  She lifted the cover, careful not to wake Josh, and slipped out of bed. Nikki needed to be alone to think. Did Josh want her in his life? And if he did, would she be willing to leave her home and friends behind to move near him? Her heart skipped at the thought.

  Was that even a possibility? What if he didn’t want her? He might be happy to leave her with a kiss, and an empty promise to keep in touch. What did she really know about him, except half the time he made her heart sing, and then sting?

  She grabbed her clothes off the floor and tiptoed into the bathroom to dress. If only she could discuss it with him when he woke up, she’d at least know if they were on the same page. But how could she without sounding desperate, pitiful, and clingy? He was probably only wanting a good time, and here she was thinking about a future.

  Nikki wanted to shower, but was afraid that it might wake him up. Better if she slipped out quietly while he was still sleeping. The ball would be back in his court. If he tracked her down, they’d talk.

  She had her bra and undies on, and was rinsing her mouth with her finger and his toothpaste, when she heard a knock on the door. She couldn’t help but listen. It wasn’t eavesdropping, there was no way for her not to hear the conversation.

  “Hey, what’s up?” she heard Josh say.

  “Hey, man. We were supposed to meet a half hour ago for breakfast.” Nikki recognized the voice. It was his buddy, Cory.

  “Yeah, sorry. Something came up.”

  Nikki thought about the mussed bed and was glad she hadn’t left the underwear on the floor.

  Cory snickered. “Looks like it. Not the bride again, I hope.”

  “Matter of fact it was. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Come on, man. Even you must know that that’s a pretty shitty thing to do. It’s not like you’re serious.”

  Nikki sucked in a breath, leaning her ear closer to the door. What would he say?

  Josh cleared his throat. “As I said, this isn’t your business. But I like her well enough. I don’t think she’ll be marrying that guy back home.”

  “That so?” Cory asked, caution in his voice. “You think you might keep in contact?”

  “Well, it could happen. If she calls off the wedding. Who knows how she’ll feel when she gets home? Or if she’ll tell him at all. She might be just having a good time, her last ‘hurrah’.”

  He used her words! Did he believe she was capable of doing that? Nikki’s heart thundered. After the night they’d just shared—he couldn’t think so low of her, could he?

  “Guess so. But she doesn’t seem the type.”

  Josh cleared his throat. “Well, I can’t read the future. Eventually, I’m going to need a wife.”

  “Yeah. Big companies like to promote married men. It shows stability or whatever. Although in this day and age, it shouldn’t mean a damn thing. Don’t know one CEO that doesn’t screw around every chance he gets.”

  “That’s not true. Sure some do, but I would be surprised if Nishikori messes around. Have you ever met his wife? She’s got balls, that one, and I’m sure she’d have his if he dicked around.”

  “Always an exception to every rule,” Cory said with a chuckle. “Still. You should be looking for someone closer to home.”

  “I wasn’t looking. I didn’t see this coming, but now that it has it might not be a bad deal all around. There’s that big job in London that I put my name in for. With a woman at my side, my chances are significantly higher.” He laughed. “Besides, she’s already got the dress. All I need is a ring. Instant bride.”

  Nikki heard his words, and each was like a slash to her heart. He didn’t care about her; she was only a means to an end. A way to help him up the corporate ladder. Well, she’d like to take that ladder and shove it somewhere that the sun didn’t shine.

  He’d been thinking about his career and how she could help him get to where he wanted to be. Not about her, or how calling of the wedding would destroy her family. Her life.

  She had to get out of there fast. Before her dignity left her. She slipped into her clothes and when she heard Cory leave, she waltzed out of the bathroom.

  “Who was that?” she asked in a cheerful voic
e, as if she hadn’t just heard every one of his betraying words.

  “Cory. I was supposed to meet him for breakfast. Obviously, I had better things to do.” He glanced at her fully dressed. “You leaving so early? I don’t have to be downstairs for another hour or two. We could order up some room service, crawl back into bed. What do you say?”

  “Nope. I don’t think so. This is the last day I have with the girls, and I’m going to make the most of it.” She leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek, downplaying her true emotions, refusing to let him see how deeply she cared. How deeply she hurt. “It’s been fun. But I gotta run.”

  “Nikki…” he looked sheepish. “Did you hear Cory and me? You look upset.”

  “Upset? Don’t be silly. Last night was great. I knew what I was doing and there are no regrets. Tomorrow I’m going home and I have some serious thinking to do.” She walked to the door and opened it. Her shoulders were rigid, and it took great will power for her to keep her back straight and not to cave, not to cry. “Bye, Josh. Thanks for everything. You taught me something about myself, but I’m not sure if it was a good thing to know.”

  Not waiting for a reply, she slid out the door, and shut it firmly behind her.

  * * *

  Josh never should have let her leave. He knew something was wrong. Had she heard his conversation with Cory and jumped to the wrong conclusion? It was nothing other than guy talk. All that talk about needing a wife to get a promotion—what bullshit! The last thing he’d ever do is to marry someone he didn’t love. Marriage was hard enough, he’d seen that with his own parents who had divorced when he was twelve.

  But no way in hell could he share his feelings about Nikki, and tell Cory that he’d fallen hard. He’d be the joke of the town and never live it down.

  Well, he’d leave her for now, let her think it through and when she did she’d realize that he couldn’t fake his feelings. Every time he touched her he was like a teenager all over again. Excited, horny, wanting so badly it hurt. He couldn’t remember it being this way with any other woman, and if it had been, that had been many years ago. She must know that he was as shaken up by this whole thing as she was.

  True, he didn’t have a fiancé waiting back home, but the thought of returning to San Francisco without her left a big empty hole inside of him. To think that his Nikki would go back to her own life, possibly marry this guy she didn’t love, made his stomach sour and his gut ache.

  He cared. He didn’t want her with another man. Not after the first night, and certainly not after the night they’d just shared. He didn’t have any idea why he’d feel this strongly about someone he just met, but the fact was he did.

  When he had a break later in the day, he’d find her and convince her that whatever they had together was real. Until then, he had work to do, and moping around his room wouldn’t get it done.

  A teacher could teach in San Francisco as easily as she could in Arizona. And the weather was better too. He wanted to take it slow. Get to know her, but failing that, he wanted to make sure he didn’t lose her to another man, because he didn’t want anyone else making her smile, or hear her breathing quicken as her excitement grew, or feel her body tighten around him just before she whimpered with pleasure, and shook with the force of her orgasm. He knew her inside and out. And he didn’t want her with anyone other than him. Was that love? It was about the biggest commitment he could make right now. Would it be enough?

  CHAPTER NINE

  When Nikki got back to the penthouse, the girls were already up. They took one glance at her and shook their heads, not looking the least surprised.

  Tears filled her eyes. “I made a mistake, a terrible, horrible mistake.” She sniffed. “I was a fool.” Her breath rushed out on a sob. “He needs a woman to get a job promotion. He didn’t have any real interest in me. Any woman would do.”

  “Oh, honey,” Jennifer wrapped her arms around her. “It’s okay. You know the Vegas rule. It’s there for a reason.”

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I can’t get married now. I have to tell David.” She sobbed again. “He’s going to hate me. I don’t blame him. I can’t believe I did this. I just ruined everything, didn’t I?”

  “I told you you’d made a mistake,” Melanie said, wiping an eye. “But you wouldn’t listen. It was like you were in some kind of trance around this guy. I’ve never seen you so gaga about anyone. Not ever.” She released a heavy sigh then put a comforting hand on Nikki’s back. “I’m sorry too. But maybe David will forgive you and you can still get married and live happily-ever-after.”

  Jennifer snorted. “This isn’t some fairytale, Mel. What man would forgive a woman for this? It’s one thing if they do it, but another if they’re the ones who get cheated on.” She folded her arms and began to pace. “Best thing is to keep quiet about it. No one outside this room ever needs to know.”

  “I can’t do that,” Nikki said with a sigh. “It wouldn’t be right.”

  “If you still want to marry David, it is. Not that I think for one minute you should. You could do better. I’ve told you that often enough.”

  “Jen, he’s not such a bad guy. And I loved him. I do love him,” she said wanting to believe it.

  “You’re a smart girl,” Jen answered. “You’ll figure it out.”

  “I’m not feeling overly bright right about now. I really blew it. And even the best orgasm in the world isn’t worth what I just threw away.” She sniffed and wiped at her eyes again, hating being so weak, so indecisive. It was not the way she used to be.

  “Trust me,” Jen said, “things will be clearer when you see David again. I have a funny feeling that I’ll never be wearing that bridesmaid dress.”

  “I know. He has every right to hate me. And even worse, Mom and Dad will be so disappointed and upset to hear what I’ve done.”

  “Don’t rush into another mistake,” Melanie warned her. “Keep it to yourself until you know for sure what you want to do.” She put an arm around Nikki’s middle and gave her a hug. “You and David have been together a long time, and I’ve seen you go through a few ups and downs. It’s possible that your relationship might survive this, and be better than ever.”

  “No way. I wish I could believe that, but I don’t.” She bit her bottom lip, thinking hard. “Still, it’s probably better not to blurt it out the minute we’re alone. Maybe it is best to wait a day or two and figure it out. I’d hate to think that my entire life was turned inside out for a wild weekend of great sex.”

  “How great?” Jennifer asked with a dimpled smile.

  “Incredibly great, but that’s all I’m going to tell. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a long hot shower and wash this sin away.” She started walking and the girls followed her. “What now?” she asked, and tried to shut her door. They walked right in.

  “We said we wouldn’t ever tell anyone about this,” Jen said with a hand on her hip, “but that doesn’t stop us from hearing all the juicy details, now does it?”

  “I can’t talk about it.” Nikki felt her stomach churn. “It’s eating a hole in my gut. I really thought that Josh and I had something special going on. Boy, was I wrong about him. About everything.” She sucked in a breath and released it slowly. “But I made this mess, and now I have to deal with it. So let me shower, and then let’s go out and have a fantastic day together. It may be ages before we see Jen again.”

  “You sound pretty sure the wedding is off.” Jennifer spoke softly. “But seriously, David is crazy about you. He won’t want to lose you.”

  “We will see about that soon enough.”

  “Oh, one good thing happened last night,” Melanie said at the bedroom door. “I won over five hundred dollars with the chips Gordon tried to give to you. So whatever we decide to do is on me.”

  “Nicely done, Melanie,” Nikki said. “Give me an hour then I’ll be good to go.”

  “Take your time. It’s only seven thirty. Vegas is still asleep,” Jennifer sai
d as she walked away.

  Alone in the bathroom, Nikki allowed herself a good cry, then stepped under a hot shower and tried to scrub Josh’s imprint from her skin, but she couldn’t go deep enough to cleanse him from her soul. She used a heavy concealer to subdue the puffiness of her eyes and the dark circles from lack of sleep. When she finished, she took one look in the mirror, washed her face and started again.

  An hour later, she joined them in the huge living area, and the girls told her they’d booked Swedish massages for ten, facials at eleven, and lunch to follow.

  “Sounds great,” she said with forced enthusiasm. She still felt like a horse had come along and kicked her in the gut.

  “Then we can hit the shops after lunch,” Melanie said with a delighted grin, “and wind down the afternoon with drinks by the pool.”

  “Fabulous. Let’s get started,” Nikki said, making a huge effort to smile and act happy. It was ridiculous, she told herself, to have an ache in her heart and feel this empty hollowness. It would go away soon, she reiterated. After all, she didn’t know Josh well enough to mourn his loss. It was impossible to feel that way about a man she’d only known for less than forty-eight hours. It was the sheer magic and energy of Vegas that had caused this frenetic energy between them. Not any true feelings, and surely not love.

  She rubbed a frown line between her brow that had popped up only this morning. She fingered it for some time, trying to erase it and close her mind and heart. She would not waste this last day thinking about Josh—or the feel of his hands when he touched her, or his mouth on hers, or his body as he ground into her.

  Or how gullible she’d been. How she’d believed him when he’d said he’d like to explore their relationship further, after this weekend. Like most men, he’d probably only used that as a ruse to get her into bed.