Tempted by Mr. Write (What Happens in Vegas) (4 page)

Chapter Six

Sheridan leaned back in her chair, admiring Mac’s slender fingers, which were wrapped around his fork as he speared the spaghetti and twisted it on his spoon. She imagined what it would feel like for his hands to be wrapped so protectively around her, and tiny shivers ran up and down her spine.

She was acutely aware of his sexiness, and if the evening led to something more, she wouldn’t say no. And it wasn’t just the wine talking. Although, they’d almost finished the first bottle, and Mac had just mentioned ordering a second.

“Earth to Sheridan?” Mac’s voice filtered into her consciousness.

“Sorry, what were you saying?” She shook her head, hoping her raunchy thoughts weren’t obvious.

“I asked you about the masquerade ball.”

“Ball?” She vaguely remembered reading something about it in the itinerary but dismissed it as unimportant.

“Tomorrow night.”

“I’m not going.” As soon as the words had left her mouth, she realized what a stupid thing she’d said. She was here to work, which meant she couldn’t cherry pick her activities. Not if it meant missing out on an important part of the convention. And she still had to decide how she was going to frame her story. She wanted to find a way to capture the ridiculousness of the convention, without making Mac, or Deidre and the girls, look like fools. “Forget what I just said. Of course I’ll be going. It’s not like I have a choice.”

“It’s an experience not to be missed.” His eyes shone mischievously. Was he now openly flirting with her instead of his clumsy get-to-know-you attempt earlier? She hoped so.

“I’ll take your word for that. I do have to find something to wear, though.” She didn’t think the dress she was wearing or her usual jeans and tanks would do. Why hadn’t she thought to pack her long, black dress-for-all-occasions?

“We’re in the perfect place. We’ll find something here after we’ve eaten.”

He wanted to go shopping with her? Well, that would be a first. She’d never gone clothes shopping with a guy before. Hadn’t wanted to. Didn’t know whether she wanted to now, either.

“Expensive no doubt.” She glanced at their luxurious surroundings. How could the clothes shop be any different?

“Probably.” Mac nodded. “Is that a problem?”

Was it a problem? If she thought about it too much, then yes. Just because she came from a rich family didn’t mean she could afford everything she wanted. Many years ago, she made the decision to support herself and not rely on family money. And when you’re on a journalist’s wage, it’s not easy.

Then again, the office sent her here, so they could pay. And Jane did say this was an all expenses paid trip. The thought of Jane’s face when she had to approve the expense struck Sheridan as so funny that she laughed out loud.

“Nope.” She grinned. “I’ll charge it to expenses. It’s the least they can do. But we can’t go until I’ve had a slice of that gorgeous looking chocolate cake on the dessert trolley over there. It’s been staring at me all evening, begging me to try it. And I can’t let it down.”

It hit her that she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a great time, all down to the sexy man sitting in the opposite seat.

…

“Do you often go shopping with women?” Sheridan’s eyes sparkled as she flicked through the dresses hanging on the rail.

Her whole body language was so relaxed compared with earlier in the evening, and it couldn’t all be put down to the wine, although they had gotten through a lot. Not that she wasn’t great to be with earlier, it was just that she’d seemed tense and uptight. Now, it was like she’d suddenly decided to let her true self come out. And she’d agreed to go shopping with him. Even though he hadn’t given her much choice. Why he’d actually offered in the first place baffled him.

“It’s not something I usually make a habit of, I have to admit.”

For very good reason. The last time he’d gone dress shopping, it had ended very badly, and he’d sworn to never do it again. He’d been with his, now ex, wife, and they’d had the fight to end all fights in the middle of the store. Something he wasn’t proud of. And he’d never been back to the store since. It was over something and nothing. In fact, he couldn’t even remember exactly what had happened to cause it.

“Do you like this?” Sheridan held out a long, black dress with short-capped sleeves, which had tiny gems on it.

“Yes.” He nodded. “Although, what about this, too?” he asked, holding out an emerald green dress that caught his attention.

“I’m not sure. It’s brighter than what I usually wear.” Sheridan ran her fingers over the fabric.

“Try it. This is Vegas. And anything goes here.”

Sheridan laughed. “Okay. You’ve convinced me. I’ll take them both to try.”

She walked to the changing room, and he sat on one of the chairs outside, checking emails on his phone.

“What do you think?”

He glanced up at the sound of her voice, and his chest tightened.

She was biting down on her bottom lip, looking very apprehensive. Totally unnecessary, since she looked so hot in the emerald dress that he had to fight the urge not to pull her down onto his lap and kiss every part of her sensual body.

“Gorgeous.” His voice was thick with desire, and he coughed to hide it. He wasn’t a teenager. He needed to keep his feelings in check when in public.

She ran her fingers under one of the tiny spaghetti straps, untwisting it. “I’m not sure. It seems too…too…”

“Too what?” he asked, his voice all husky.

He was unable to tear his gaze from her porcelain skin and the way the dress hugged every sensual curve of her body.

“I don’t know. Too obvious. Too red carpet.”

“Don’t you like it?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes, I do. I just don’t usually wear anything like this.”

“Well, you should. Come on. Buy it. Live dangerously. And then we can find you a mask to match. There are some over there.” He pointed to the other side of the store.

“One with feathers, no doubt. So I can look even more like a lorikeet.”

“A what?”

“An Australian parrot. They were everywhere when I went to Queensland a few years ago.”

“I’ve never been. But it’s on my bucket list.”

“It’s a beautiful country. You’ll love it. I keep threatening to go back, except work keeps getting in the way.”

“Tell me about it. People might think writing novels is the perfect occupation, but I can assure you it has its moments.”

“Yeah. Same as being a journalist. Our lives are one continual deadline.”

Mac nodded. It was good to be with someone who could appreciate what his life was like.

“Anyway, back to the dress. You don’t look anything like a parrot to me, so stop thinking you do.”

“Good to know.” She smoothed down the dress with her hands. “Okay, I’ll buy it.”

She turned and headed back to the changing room, leaving Mac alone. He walked to the selection of masks and picked them up, one at a time, deciding which would suit Sheridan best. Except he didn’t want her to hide her face or beautiful eyes.

A shiver shot down his spine as one question pounded relentlessly in his mind. How the hell would he say good-bye to her when the convention ended?

Chapter Seven

“Would you like to come up for a drink?”

As soon as Sheridan asked Mac the question, she asked herself just what the hell she was doing. She hadn’t intended to invite him to her room. She was here to work, and somewhere along the line, she’d detoured and was more intent on spending time with Mac. If he wanted to, of course. Though judging by the way he’d been staring so obviously at her body when she was trying on dresses, that was a moot point.

A night of no-strings-attached sex could be just what she needed. When she left, Caitlin had told her to have fun, and perhaps she was right. Sex would help her to unwind. Even if jumping into bed with a guy she’d just met was totally out of character.

“Sure.”

They stepped into the empty elevator, and as they started their ascent, Mac turned and pulled her into his arms. He traced the side of her face with his fingers, sending arrows of desire shooting all around her body. Heat flared up between them, and the air caught in her throat. He was so close. His breath hot against her skin. She was trapped, unable to move as his mouth moved closer to hers. She didn’t want to move. All she wanted was to feel his lips. His hands on her body.

She let out a soft moan and leaned forward, but just before her mouth could find his, the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened.

They jumped apart. Two women stepped into the elevator and stood with their backs to Sheridan and Mac. They seemed oblivious to what they’d just interrupted. Sheridan’s heart pounded and her cheeks flushed. She exchanged a glance with Mac, and his fingers brushed hers, turning her body to jelly. She had to force herself to remain standing and breathe. In. Out. In. Out.

Finally, they reached her floor and they half walked, half ran to her door. She fumbled with the key card so much it was like it had a mind of its own.

“Here, let me,” Mac said, taking it from her.

They pushed the door open and fell into the room. Sheridan kicked the door shut behind them and grabbed Mac by the hand and pulled him toward the bedroom. Standing by the bed, Sheridan paused. Was she doing the right thing? The intimacy of the elevator was behind them, and now it was for real. She hadn’t been with a guy since her ex, who dumped her after being in Vegas. And now
she
was in Vegas about to have sex with someone she’d just met. How ironic. Except this was no comparison, since they were both single.

Mac kissed her gently on the lips, and she banished any worry she had to the back of her mind. She wound her arms around his neck and gently pressed her body into him. Her arms dropped until she could feel his biceps and then farther until they rested on his ass.

Mac stepped back, and Sheridan’s arms fell away. He turned her to the side and unzipped her dress. She tensed in anticipation of his hands caressing her body. He slid the straps from her shoulders, and it dropped gently to the floor, revealing her black lace panties. The expression on his face as he scrutinized her from head to foot flooded her with desire. She moaned, and as her legs gave way, Mac caught her and then placed her gently onto the bed.

Her body thrummed as she watched Mac throw off his jacket and shirt, and pull out a condom from the back pocket of his pants before discarding them, too. He then removed his boxers, and she took a sharp intake of breath. She’d never desired a man so much in her life.

She squirmed as he grazed her center while he threaded his fingers through her panties and dragged them down, nipping the inside of her legs with his teeth as he went. She breathed in his scent, an evocative heady mix of citrus fruit and ginger. She gasped and pulled him toward her, tilting up to meet him. He nudged her legs apart, and he thrust into her. She groaned, contracting her muscles tightly around him. With long strokes, he took her higher and higher until she peaked and waves of pleasure rolled over her. Only a few seconds later, Mac called out and followed her over the edge.

…

Sheridan snuggled into him with her arm resting across his chest, and it felt so right. This had to be the rosy glow he’d written about for so long. He hadn’t even realized it existed, other than in fiction. Of course he’d hoped it might happen, and thought maybe it would once he met his ideal woman, if there was one for him other than in his dreams. Whatever. He had to admit he certainly hadn’t imagined her to be like Sheridan. Which made it even better.

“You’re quiet.” He started at the sound of Sheridan’s voice.

He detected a note of reticence. Did she regret what had happened between them? He hoped not.

He ran his fingers through her soft curls. “Just thinking,” he replied.

“About?”

“Life.”

“Very philosophical,” she murmured.

“Well, I do have my moments.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the top of the head. “I’m on a panel tomorrow. I should go back to my room and do some preparation.” He gave a sigh. “Not that I want to,” he added.

“Stay then.” She pulled away from him and leaned on her arm. Her dark hair hung seductively over her shoulders, and her eyes locked with his, sending a raft of desire through his veins.

“I could be persuaded to.” He grinned and leaned over to touch her.

…

Sheridan stretched her arms above her head and then opened her eyes. Sunlight streamed in through the gap in the blinds. Today was going to be a great day. The thought took her by surprise. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d woken up feeling so happy and content. She turned her head to the side and saw Mac lying there looking right at her. A memory of the previous night flashed before her eyes.

“Hey, beautiful,” Mac murmured. His lips curled into a lazy smile.

Warmth flooded through her. Until panic crept in from nowhere. What the hell was going on? He called her
beautiful
, and now she was completely under his spell and unable to do a thing about it. How could she be sucked in by it all? It wasn’t how life worked. Sex was sex was sex. And now she was feeling like she’d swallowed a library full of romance books. And the worst of it was that she enjoyed the feeling. She couldn’t have felt more on a high if she’d done three hours at the gym followed by a ten-mile run.

“I’m going to order room service. Want something?” She hoped that ordering food and coffee might ease the ridiculous mind games she was experiencing.

“Sure. Then I’ve got to go back to my room to get ready for this morning’s panel. I need to read through my notes. What are you doing today?” He flashed a sexy smile in her direction, which sent spirals of desire coursing through her veins.

A repeat of last night would be good.

She had to stop this craziness. She was there to work. That was all.

I could do both.

She shook her head. It was like someone had taken over her mind and body. She had to get back on task. There was an article to write.

“First, I’m going to speak to the organizers of the convention, take a few pics, get a few quotes, and then hang out and look for people to interview.”

Suddenly, it didn’t seem so important to do a detrimental piece like she had been thinking. She might not read romance or understand its pull, but that didn’t mean other people shouldn’t. She’d tell it like it was.

“Sorry, it’s such a let down.” He reached over and threaded his fingers through her hair.

“It’s not so bad.”

More ridiculous thoughts.

Yet, she meant it.

His eyes widened. “You’ve changed your tune since yesterday. I thought this was the assignment from hell?”

“It is. It was. It still is. I don’t know. It’s a long way from being a political journalist. But it’s not your fault I’m here. It’s not anybody’s fault here, so I shouldn’t take it out on you all.”

She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she was really awake and not in a strange dream, because everything that had come from her lips was so alien. Nice alien. But alien nonetheless.

“Spoken like a real trouper.” He grinned.

“Just watch it, or I’ll kick you out of bed with no breakfast.”

She reached over for the phone, called room service, then ordered a huge breakfast for them both. She was starving.

“Did they say how long it will be?” Mac asked.

“Fifteen minutes.”

“That’s long enough.” He smirked.

Sheridan snuggled back down under the sheets and turned to face him.

…

Mac glanced at his phone. Shit. If he didn’t leave soon, he’d barely have enough time to shower and change. He could always phone down and say he was sick and he’d be at the convention later. That would give him more time to spend with Sheridan. She was the most amazing woman he’d ever met and didn’t want to ever leave her side. He’d keep that thought to himself, though. One night in a Vegas hotel wasn’t a good foundation for a relationship. He’d have to take it slow and not frighten her off. For all her bravado, he sensed it wouldn’t take much to send her running in the opposite direction.

“You better go.” Sheridan smiled at him from over the table where they’d been eating breakfast. She was only wearing a figure-hugging T-shirt, and his eyes were drawn to the outline of her breasts. He forced himself to remain in the chair and not leap over the table to where she sat.

“We could play hooky?” he half heartedly suggested. He didn’t know what he’d do if she agreed.

“Go,” she said, firmly. “We’re not teenagers. You can’t let your fans down.”

“You’re tough.” He shook his head, feigning disappointment.

“I could have told you that a long time ago. I’m the toughest nut to crack that there is.” She folded her arms tightly across her chest and threw him a menacing look. Except it didn’t last long and she giggled.

“Apart from under the sheets.” He smirked.

In bed, there was no hard exterior. She was the most giving, yet adventurous, lover he’d ever had. But it was so much more. They’d talked for hours after. Agreeing, disagreeing. It didn’t matter, because there was an easiness between them that he’d never felt with a woman before.

“If you say so.”

“I do. And tonight we’ll resume where we left off. If that’s okay with you?” he asked with a nod.

“Of course.” Her cheeks flushed.

He left the table and went back to the bedroom where he pulled on his clothes from last night. He stood in the doorway for a few seconds, watching Sheridan as she read the newspaper.

He walked over and kissed her on the top of her head.

“Meet me for lunch later at Barakoa?”

She looked up at him and gave a seductive smile. “You bet,” she replied.

He slipped his hand down the front of her T-shirt and cupped her warm, full breast in his hand.

“It’ll kill me not to be able touch you, but we’ll make up for it later.”