“That’s good.” The Escalade pulls aroundthe entry to the Empress. “Cole, we’re here. I’ll see you a little later.”
“Cookie.”
“Yes.”
“No cat fights.”
“No, sir.” I give a short laugh anddisconnect.
CHAPTERTWENTY
I take the elevator with Keaton up to thevilla. When the doors open, Cole is leaning against the railing. He pulls meout and into his arms. “Thanks Keaton, I’ll take it from here.” He caresses theback of his hand down my cheek. “Hi baby.”
“Hi back.” A smile takes over my face.
“You look amazing.” His hand continuesdown my shoulder and side until it settles on my hip.
“Thank you. I don’t even have my dress onyet.”
“Cookie, you don’t need a stitch ofclothing on to look beautiful.”
“Cole.” I blush. “Did they deliver mydress?”
“Yes, I laid it on the bed for you.”
I look Cole over; he looks amazing in histuxedo, but something feels off. “Is everything okay?”
He pulls my body tight against his. “Itis now that you’re home. How about I help you get dressed?” His heart ishammering in his chest. I don’t know what’s going on, but something isn’tright.
“I guess I need something to helpdistract me, since you’re not going to tell me what’s really going on.”
The mayor’s mansion is covered in lights.It has spotlights crisscrossing in the sky and large strings of lights thatline the path up to the house. “Wow,” I move closer to the limo’s window to geta better look. “I guess there’s no such thing as over the top in Las Vegas.”
“I’m not a huge fan of the mayor.” Colescoots next to me to get a better look.
“Then why are we here?”
“A good time.” he tries to smile, but itdoesn’t reach his eyes. “To showpeopleI don’t duck and hide.”
My mouth forms an O. I have a feeling weare here for a few different reasons, and none of them include having a ‘goodtime.’ That doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of this situation. “All right,a good time it is.”
“I’m always up for a good time.” Kitteases, taking a sip of his drink.
I sit back. “I’m afraid to ask what youridea of a good time is, Kit.”
Race laughs. “I know and I’m afraid.”
Kit lifts his glass. “To each his own.”
“Kate.” Cole puts a finger on my chin,turning me to look at him. “I need you to stay close to me this evening, allright? If I’m busy, then find Luke or one of the other guys and stick withthem.”
“Okay,” I smile. Sheesh, he seems soparanoid lately. He’s the one who seems to think everything is behind us.
“Will you dance with me again, Kit?”
“You bet, Sugar, as long as you sell meback that company I want.”
“I told you I would.” I wink at him.Cole’s hand skims down my back, settling on my hip. Make that paranoid andpossessive. I tilt my head, resting it on Cole’s shoulder while the limo inchesalong toward the front of the mansion.
