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LEYLA DENNIS
We clinked glasses, and our conversation flowed effortlessly. Merrick was an architect attending a builder’s conference in Vegas. He spoke about permits and schematics, and I listened, captivated by the passion in his baritone voice.
“So, what brings you to Vegas looking this good all alone?" Merrick inquired, his gaze lingering on my lips.
“It’s my best friend Maya’s bachelorette weekend, but unfortunately, she and my other friend Tasha’s flights both have crazy layovers, so neither of them will be here until the morning.”
“Well, in that case, I’m glad I can keep you company.”
“Me too.”
“To unexpected encounters,” Merrick toasted.
“Here, here,” I replied.
We moved to a cozy corner booth when the lobster bisque and fries arrived. Our fingers brushed as we dipped our spoons simultaneously, as if in sync.
“You know, I almost stayed in my room and ordered room service. I’m glad I decided to come down,” I admitted.
“Life has a way of serving up surprises.”
“Yeah, like meeting you twice in one day.”
Merrick leaned closer. “Maybe it’s not just chance.”
“Well, in that case, how about a drink? Since you suggested what food, this will be my treat,” I offered.
His lips curved into a half-smile. “That’s a generous offer. You plan on getting anything stronger than that glass of wine?”
My fingers traced the rim of my half-empty wine glass. “What did you have in mind?”
Merrick signaled the waiter over to our table. “Two shots of Hennessy, please,” he ordered.
My eyes ballooned. Me and dark liquor were known to be a wild mix, but I wasn’t going to back down. A fine-ass man was in my presence, possibly the finest I’d ever seen. I wouldn’t let him slip away because I was a lightweight.
“Oh, and a side of Coke, please,” I added before she walked away.
Merrick chuckled. “Oh, I see you’re one of those who have to chase their liquor, huh?”
I smirked. “I think we’re all chasing something—love, goals, salvation.”
“And what are you chasing?” Merrick inquired, tracing circles on my bare shoulder.
His gentle touch made my heart flutter. I hesitated, my gaze intense. “Tonight, all I’m chasing is this Hennessy,” I replied with a soft chuckle. “And what about you?”
“A connection. Someone who sees beyond the surface, who craves… depth.”
My breath caught. I wondered how deep he could go. As I parted my lips to reply, the waitress returned with our shots and soda. We clinked glasses—a silent bond forged in the amber liquid. I wondered what secrets lay hidden behind his dark brown eyes. Perhaps we were both seeking an escape, if only for the night.
“So, what’s your story?” I quizzed.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, where’s your girl or wife?”
“Ain’t no story behind that.”
“Looking as good as you do, I find that hard to believe.”
“And why is that?”
“You just don’t strike me as the type of man who sleeps alone at night.”
“Then what kind of man do I strike you as?” he probed.
I surveyed him before taking a sip of my caffeinated beverage. “Let’s just say you don’t have a problem getting pussy.”
Merrick clutched his chest as if he were offended. “Damn. You never heard the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’?”
I dipped my chin. “Yeah, I have.”
“Then don’t judge me until you get to know me. Besides, you would know if I was lying.”
I cocked my head to the side. “How?”
“Because if you look into someone’s eyes long enough, they’re going to tell you something.”
“And what are mine telling you?” I asked, stationing my eyes on his.
Merrick smirked. “That you find me interesting.”
“Then what are your eyes telling me?” I countered, not ready to give in although his baritone voice made my spine shiver.
“That you know that I’m not lying.”
My lips twisted to the side. So, let’s say I do find you interesting? It doesn’t mean you don’t lie.”
“I have no reason to lie to you.”
“Is that so?”
“Absolutely.”
I shrugged. “You might be one of the first, then. It seems like nowadays all men do is lie and cheat.”
“There you go again, projecting and shit. Who the hell hurt you, woman?”
My eyebrow lurched toward my slicked-down edges. I’d been cheated on so many times by the opposite sex I’d considered switching teams altogether. “So, you’re telling me you’ve never cheated?” I asked.
He swung his head in a no. “Nah, I’m not saying that. But just because I fucked up in the past doesn’t make me a bad dude. Now, open is the only way I like to be.”
I shrugged and shifted in my seat. “I guess.”
“So, you’re lil’ miss perfect, huh?”
“I didn’t say that.”
He nodded. “Exactly. And for that, you gotta take another shot with me,” he declared.
“I’m sorry, but if I have another shot, you’re going to be carrying me out of here.”
“C’mon, Leyla. Just one more shot. It’ll put some hair on your chest.”
My brows snapped together. “Why in the fuck would I want that?”
“Oh, there she is. She’s getting feisty. I like that shit,” he joked.
I playfully rolled my eyes, my faux lashes fluttering toward the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. “Shut up.”
“I’ll shut up if you take this shot with me.”
“Fine. One more shot.”
COMING DECEMBER 31ST!
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