Something Real (Whiskey Men, #2)(23)

I nod, biting onto my lower lip. Geez, just thinking about kissing him has me twitching in my seat. He finally releases me and points a finger to my food. “Eat.”

I nod, picking up the fork and piercing a noodle before bringing it to my lips.

I get through the class, and afterward, Ford and I walk around to all the vendor booths. We stay in the same aisle, each talking to different people.

“Hey.” I turn on my heel, and for the first time today, I see Victoria.

I touch her arm. “Hey, how are you? Everything okay?”

I can’t help but look around for her husband and spot Ford while doing so. He’s stepped away from the man he was talking to and is watching Victoria and me. He looks around, no doubt looking for Jim like I am.

“Oh, wow, everything is great. I know how uncomfortable last night had to be for you and Ford, but I needed it. It’s what finally convinced me that I was doing the right thing. Even though it was mortifying.”

Her cheeks are red, hinting at her embarrassment, but besides that, she seems to be glowing with her decision. “Don’t even think twice about it. I’m so happy for you, and if you ever want to talk, you can call me anytime.”

Impulsively, I lean in and hug her. She squeezes me tightly, and we stand here in the middle of the aisle embracing. When she finally pulls back, she’s laughing and wiping at a tear on her cheek. “Oh, I guess I needed that.” She squeezes my hand. “Lilian, you are a gem. Thank you. I’ll be talking to you soon.”

I nod and watch her walk away. She stops and talks to Ford, and he hugs her as well. She’s blushing like a schoolgirl when she walks away from him.

His eyes are on me, and he weaves through the people to get to me. “You okay?”

I bend one knee, holding my foot up behind me. “I’m good. My feet are feeling it, though. I’m not used to all this walking and standing.”

He grabs my tote bag and slings it over his shoulder.

I smile at the image of him with what looks like a purse over his shoulder. It doesn’t faze him, though. He laces his arm through mine. “Come on. Let’s go.”

I don’t resist, falling into step beside him. “Where are we going?”

“Uh, to freshen up. Then you can pick what you want to do tonight. You’ve never been to Vegas. You want to sightsee, gamble, take in a show, dinner… you pick.”

Without even thinking, I groan. “I’d like to order in and go swimming.”

He punches the button on the elevator, and we wait. I’m sure he probably wants to go out. I shouldn’t be such a stick in the mud. I’m about to tell him we can do whatever he wants, when the doors open. Three women are getting off on this floor, and they’re all dressed up. They are giggling and having a good time until they all get quiet when they see Ford. He releases me as we walk onto the elevator, his hand going to my waist. If he notices the women staring at him, he doesn’t act like it. Instead, he’s watching me. “You pushed yourself too hard today. You shouldn’t have skipped lunch.”

I put my hand to my still full belly. On top of the big bowl of mac and cheese, I ate all three of the peppermint patties. “Uh, if I’d done that, I wouldn’t have gotten the best macaroni and cheese in Nevada, so I’d say I’m winning.” I put my hand on his forearm. “But really, we can go out. Give me a few minutes to get ready, and we can go paint the town.”

He leans down, leveling me with a look. “I thought you wanted to stay in.”

I shrug, avoiding his gaze. “It’s fine. You’re right. I haven’t seen Vegas, and I’m sure you don’t want to be holed up in a hotel room all night.”

The elevator stops on our floor, and we walk off down the hallway. Ford has my tote with my key card, so I wait for him to unlock the door with the card from his wallet. As soon as we’re inside, he sets my tote down on the chair and turns to me, his hands to my upper arms. “Don’t do that.”

I shake my head not understanding. “Don’t do what?”

He brushes my hair away from my face and searches my eyes. “You’re always doing what other people want. For the first time, you need to do what you want. There’s no expectations. I’ve been to Vegas plenty of times. You get to pick what we do.”

I shake my head. “Ford—”

He cuts me off. “Nope. Seriously. Look me in the eyes.”

I tilt my head back to look at him.

“Good.” He nods approvingly. “Now if you could do anything right now, what would you do?”

I blow out a breath. “Are you sure about this?”

He nods, giving me a look as if he’s daring me not to obey. “Fine. If I could do anything right now, I’d take off these shoes….”

He doesn’t hesitate. He drops down to one knee and reaches for my foot, lifting it to slide my foot out of my shoe. “Ford, you don’t have to—” I start, but he doesn’t listen. He lifts my other foot and removes that shoe as well.

He rises to his feet with a satisfied smile on his face. “Now what?”

Oh God. I wish I could tell him what I really want right now. I’d love for him to pick me up and carry me to the bedroom. My heart flutters in my chest when I name the next best thing. It’s no match, but still good. “Swimming… and then room service.”