CHARLEE

“How many gallons of water do you think they use to fill this thing?”

Drew shrugs. “Fuck if I know. I’m sure you can google it.”

After filling our bellies, we made our way back to the Strip and decided to walk around a bit to burn off our food babies. When I mentioned that I’ve never had the chance to watch the fountains in front of the Bellagio, Drew had insisted we do just that. As jets of water spray in perfect harmony with the lights, and Frank Sinatra croons through the speakers, something shifts between us. This probably sounds crazy, but it’s tangible, almost. When Drew positioned his body behind mine and pulled me into him, it’s like I could actually hear his thoughts. He wants me. Badly. He feels the inevitability of this thing between us as much as I do—he’s even accepted it—but for some reason, he’s still holding back.

I sigh as the lake darkens, signaling the end of the show. “Absolutely beautiful.”

“I’d say more like breathtaking.” Drew rests his cheek against mine and hugs me closer. “The fountains were nice, too.”

I can feel his smile against my skin as I release an embarrassingly girlish giggle. We’re jostled a bit as people disburse, but Drew cocoons me in his warmth, ensuring I don’t take any hits.

I pull back and turn around to face him. “What should we do now?”

It’s hard to tell with the lighting, but I swear his eyes darken as he cages me against the railing. “What do you want to do, Charlee?”

Okay, I have two options here. One, I can suggest we go back to my room and get naked. Or two, we have some more fun and see where the night leads us. As much as I want to feel his naked body gliding against mine, I also want him so charged up, so desperate for me, that there’s zero chance he’ll back out at the last minute or feel shitty afterwards. I respect his friendship with my brother, but at the same time, I think Brody’s overreacting. Brody cited Drew’s unsavory dating history as the main reason why I should stay away from him. Considering Brody’s past is just as colorful as his—from what I understand anyway—Brody’s being a hypocrite. Also, there’s no doubt in my mind, whether this thing with Drew lasts one night, one year, or forever, that he’ll treat me well. Who knows what the future will hold? All I know is that if I only get this one night with him, I want to make it last as long as possible, and experience as much as possible.

I smile when an idea comes to mind. “How do you feel about doing something adventurous?”

The fine lines around his eyes crinkle as he grins. “Honey, I love adventurous.”

I take his hand and weave our way into the flow of foot traffic. “C’mon, let’s go then.”

He yanks me to a stop, causing the crowd to part around us. “Our hotel is back the other way.”

I flatten my palm against his chest. “Good to know what you were thinking, Big Guy, but I had something different in mind for now.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Are you going to give me a hint?”

I bounce on the balls of my feet as I point north. “We’re going to go jump off the Stratosphere.”

His jaw drops. “I’m sorry...you want me to do what?”

“The Sky Jump,” I explain. “You’re hooked up to a bungee-cord-type-thing and you leap off the building down to a landing pad below. It’s a controlled fall—totally safe. And super fun.”

“If they make you sign a waiver—which I’d bet my left nut they do—then it’s not ‘totally safe’.”

“Aw, c’mon, Drew. I did it the last time I came to Vegas and absolutely loved it. The adrenaline rush is unreal. Besides, you risk your life every day as a firefighter. This is way safer than that. Are you seriously trying to pussy out on me?” 

“I’m not pussying out,” he scoffs. “I’m merely trying to debate the merits of intentionally flinging yourself off a building.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s a controlled fall.”

“Yeah...still not convincing me.”

“Fine. Then you can hang out in the observation area while I jump.” I point to a lineup of taxis at the entrance to the hotel. “Let’s get a cab.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to do this,” he grumbles.

I pretend I didn’t hear him. “What’s that?”

He pinches my side. “You heard me, wiseass. I said I can’t believe I’m going to jump off a goddamn building for you.”

“I thought you were just going to watch me from the observation deck.” I have to bite my tongue to hide my amusement. I knew he’d change his mind if I said I was doing it, with or without him. He’s a bit of a Neanderthal in that respect.

He opens the cab door and gestures for me to get in. “You know damn well that won’t fly with me, Charlee. If you’re jumping, I’m jumping. But you owe me so fucking big for this.”

I smile in victory as he slides into the back seat.  “Don’t worry, Drew. I’ll make it worth your while.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Yeah, we’ll see about that.”