Damon shrugged. “Just making a point. Last night at dinner—did she say anything about herself? Nothing really. I don’t know if you two exchanged life stories before, during or after the sex, but the woman is strangely tight-lipped. The entire time I’ve been around her, the most I’ve learned is she’s a single child, never been to Vegas before, and she wanted to spend some money.”
“Not everyone feels the need to spill their entire life stories at first opportunity.” Only his friend’s comment made Jim consider harder. Nope, he didn’t know much about her, but was that lack something he needed to change if she was only a temporary diversion? “She’s definitely got enough money to spend.”
“She’s not keen on lots of people being around,” Damon went on quietly. “It took a while before I got her out of her camouflage, and then twice on the walk here, I thought she would bolt.”
Oh brother. “I thought you told me to go find someone to take a vacation with.”
“I did. I just think you need to enjoy yourself, but stay alert.” His friend’s concerned expression twisted into a sneer. “I volunteer to help keep an eye on her.”
Damon had a death wish at times. Jim shouldered past him, not bothering to move out of the way, and the contact between their chests sent the other man sprawling to the floor, his good-natured grin still firmly in place.
A mystery was afoot, but Jim had two more pressing issues. He needed to see her to be sure she was okay, and second, he had to keep convincing himself she was just a short-term distraction.
The door to the change room opened a crack, and his anticipation rose as she stepped out.
He wanted to see her dressed in silk, with fabric that would cling to those wonderful curves he had enjoyed so much last night. Something in a deep emerald green, with a plunging neckline worn with dagger-like heels. He wasn’t sure if he would cover her with diamonds or find a more modern mineral to grace her neck. Anodized titanium, or even something made from copper.
A quick flash of Lady Luck shot by his vision, replaced with the picture-perfect postcard of a shyly smiling Lillie.
She twirled a lock of hair in her fingers as she blinked innocently. Stone-washed jeans lovingly cupped her butt, a hint of decorative stonework running down one leg. She wore a long-sleeve T-shirt, the green colour he’d imagined her gown should be. The V-neck was cut low enough the smooth upper swells of her cleavage teased him. She held a sturdy leather jacket in her left hand, most of it draped over her shoulder.
“Hey.” Her smile brightened.
Jim fought the urge to show his aggravation. She’d crawled out of bed and left him, and that just wasn’t right. Instead, he went for control. “I like your outfit.”
She twirled, bringing the jacket around to clasp it in front of her with both hands. “Damon said I needed jeans and a jacket. I got some other things already.” She flipped a hand toward the cash register. “But this is nice too.”
Jim turned an accusing eye on his friend. “Damon said you needed that outfit, did he?”
Damon held up his hands in protest. “Don’t go getting the wrong idea. Trust me on this one, bro.”
That was asking an awful lot. He closed the gap between them so he could brush a kiss against her lips. “Good morning.”
She flushed. “I—”
He tugged the jacket from her fingers and held it out. Lillie turned smoothly, sliding her arms into the sleeves and coming to a stand still as he slipped the fabric over her shoulders and left his hands resting there.
They were facing an enormous gilded mirror, and he leaned over her shoulder to tug the jacket into position so it framed her perfect breasts.
He hummed with approval. “That looks good on you.” His lips were directly beside her cheek as he brushed their cheeks together. “Would you like to spend the day with me?”
So much for his declaration of being Mr. Bossy. Yes, he still wanted to be in charge, but ordering this woman around would be like trying to catch a gazelle by shooting off fireworks.
Lillie placed her hands over where he was holding her jacket together under her breasts, his thumbs brushing their soft underside. She didn’t say a word for a moment. Just looked at him, glanced momentarily at Damon, then met Jim’s gaze and silently nodded.
He wanted to jump up and do a backflip, but that wouldn’t have been very dignified. “Anything special you want to do?”
Lillie turned excitedly. “Yes. There’s a show I want to get tickets for, and there’s a restaurant that got a super review, and I want to learn to dance.”
Jim smiled and nodded all the way up to the last one.
“Oh, and Damon said he had something planned for part of the day too.”
Jim turned to examine his friend. “Damon seems full of good ideas today, doesn’t he?”
The wolf only grinned, stepping well out of Jim’s arm reach. “Wow, look at the time. I have somewhere I have to be.”
“Strange, but convenient.” Jim’s possessiveness was well satisfied as Lillie snuck her fingers into his. The warm touch of her small hand settled him.