one
Kendall
The automatic doors close behind me and a blast of heat caresses my cheeks. Even though I know Las Vegas in the summer has brutal heat, I wasn’t prepared for the sudden onslaught of bright sunlight, hot wind, and the smell of car exhaust. At least that won’t be such a factor once my friends pick me up. I glance at my watch. My plane landed—can you believe it—early, and since I didn’t check any bags, I’m out in the passenger pick up lane sooner than expected. I don’t have a clue how long it will take them to get here from the cell phone lot.
If they’re even there yet. Josh is notoriously late. For just about everything.
My carryon is the largest allowed. It’s got great wheels. Except when I’m trying to keep it in place on the sloped sidewalk. Bracing it with my foot works for a short while but the thing has a mind of its own and sneaks around my toes and inches down the pavement. Of course I overfilled my purse as well and the bulky thing keeps sliding off my shoulder. No crossbody bags are comfortable with my overly curvy body shape so I’m constantly fighting to keep track of my purse.
At least I’m probably giving everyone waiting in the vehicles, and those joining me on the sidewalk, some entertainment.
“Keni, over here.”
My best friend’s standing beside a huge black limo waving both arms over his head.
“Josh,” I shout then chase after my escaping suitcase. Just before it rams into a waiting vehicle, I grab the handle and make apologetic gestures to the grumpy old man in the driver’s seat. When I turn back to the sidewalk, Josh’s arms wrap around my waist and he lifts me from my feet in a huge bear hug.
“Put me down,” I laugh and slap his shoulder. “I’m too heavy and my suitcase is escaping again.”
“Never too heavy, darlin’.” He kisses my cheek and my feet touch the pavement. There’s an odd sense of loss when he releases me to grab the luggage. It’s always been that way. We met in high school, bonded over theatre and chorus, spent every minute together we could.
I’ve always known he’s attracted to men and I love his partner almost as much as I do him.
Still, there are moments, usually after some dickhead dumps me, that I wish Josh wasn’t gay. That he loved me with the same passion he has for Devin.
This invitation to join the two of them in Vegas came at just the right time to save me from wallowing in loneliness and vanilla bean ice cream. With caramel sauce. I keep telling myself I’m not going to get involved with another man who’s only going to break my heart. Too bad I don’t listen to my own advice.
“Come on, Keni. Devin’s waiting and we’re probably blocking traffic. Wait until you see our suite at the Aria.” Instead of dragging my suitcase, he picks it up then takes my hand as we weave through the crowd waiting for rides. “How wasthe flight?”
“Pretty good. The plane wasn’t full and I scored an empty seat next to me. Maybe that’s why we got here early. Less weight made us fly faster.”
He stops and faces me. “I am so glad you’re here.”
“Josh, Keni, hurry up.” Devin stands next to the long, black car holding the back door open. With an impatient wave to get us moving, he disappears inside the limo.
“You rented a limo to pick me up? That wasn’t necessary.”
“No worries. This week is on the company tab, so why not use the company car and driver.”
Josh’s uncle owns a successful marketing operation. Since the deaths of Josh’s parents, his uncle has been teaching him the business. Even made him the heir to the entire estate. I will admit there have been times when having a wealthy friend has made my life more interesting. The fact that Josh is also generous and kind makes him all the more perfect.
Perfect for Devin, I remind myself sternly. The two men belong together.
Josh slides my suitcase into the open trunk then gives me a little push, encouraging me to enter the limo. Devin is seated on the far end of the wide, leather seat and I settle next to him. His grin is softand a bit tentative when he gathers me close for a hug. “Glad you’re here, Keni.”
He releases me after a slightly too long embrace and it feels like he was reluctant to end the contact. Obviously, I haven’t known him as long as I have Josh, and I haven’t quite figured him out. I add this moment to my list of questions and take his hand. Once Josh is seated next to me, I take his hand as well and rest both in my lap.
“Okay, so why the urgent trip to Las Vegas? This doesn’t feel like one of our normal vacations together. Especially with the limo and…wait… you said a suite?”
Josh’s laugh is tight and forced. “At the Aria. Two bedroom penthouse suite. With views of the mountains. But if you’d prefer a view of the strip instead we can try and move to the other side of the building.”
“Mountains are fine. Probably a good thing for this non-big-city girl. All those lights…”
“You’re not getting away with avoiding the strip this time,” Devin says. “There’s a couple of shows we’d like to take you to. Do some of the touristy stuff. Relax and have some fun.”
There is definitely something up with these two. Oh, no. “Is everything okay with the two of you?”
I swivel my head to stare at one then the other. Josh’s dark eyes are wide with surprise. Devin’s light brows are drawn together, almost meeting above his nose. With the different reactions, now I’m really confused. “Guys?”
