With His Love (For His Pleasure, Book 16) Read Online Free PDF Page B

packed light.”
    Red and Jeb exchanged a quick but friendly handshake, and then Jeb leaned in and hugged Nicole. “It’s been way too long,” he said, softly.
    “It has,” she agreed.
    “And I’m sorry I haven’t been over to see your baby. You know, it’s just been…difficult…with all of the family drama.”
    “You don’t have to apologize or explain yourself,” she told him. “You’re here with us now, that’s the important thing.”
    “Damn straight.”
    “Patrick didn’t come with you?” Red asked, as the three of them started for the street exit.
    “He’s back at The Paragon,” Jeb said.
    As they walked outside, Nicole was shocked by the heat. It was as if she’d been smacked in the face by a wall of hot air, and the sun was so bright that she had to immediately put on her sunglasses. She was also starting to sweat.
    Luckily, Jeb had parked curbside, so they got their bags in the car and got inside where it was cool from the air conditioning that had been running the entire time.
    Jeb drove, and Red sat in front, while Nicole sat in the backseat and stared out the window at passing scenery. They were on the highway and apparently headed towards the Las Vegas strip. There were palm trees flanking the sides of the road, and the sky was clear and blue. Everything seemed to be reflecting bright sunlight, including the buildings.
    When they’d left the East Coast, it had been mild and a little overcast. This climate was a huge difference, and Nicole wasn’t sure what she thought of it.
    Jeb and Red were talking about their friend Patrick and the Paragon Hotel and Casino that he was opening up. “You’re going to be amazed when you see what he’s doing out here,” Jeb told his brother.
    “I can’t wait,” Red replied. “Everything I’ve read and researched tells me this is a winner, especially now that he’s locked up an exclusive deal with the UFF.”
    “Sure, that’s huge. But then, it’s not the only thing he’s got. There are going to be parties with A-list celebs in the nightclub that he’s built adjacent to the hotel—it’s called Aftershock. Fine dining at the Coliseum—did you see that he got David DeGrasso to be the Chef there?”
    Red nodded. “I heard. He’s doing all the right things.”
    “And having you on board is just another thing that will help to make this venture successful.”
    “Well, that assumes he’s already on board, doesn’t it?” Nicole asked.
    Jeb glanced at her in the rearview mirror, and Red looked back at her. Neither of them answered.
    “We’re just considering it,” she said. “Right?”
    “Right, of course,” Red replied. “I haven’t signed a contract or anything.”
    “And you didn’t say yes, either, did you?”
    Jeb looked in his rearview again. “Sorry if I said anything that made your nervous, Nicole. I’m just enthusiastic about this. I’m really hoping Red joins me out here—Red and you and the baby, of course. I mean, I sold my practice in order to come out here and be part of it, so obviously I believe in everything I’m saying.”
    Nicole was clenching her fists, she realized. She let go and tried to smile. “I’m just a little cautious about committing to anything without taking time to really consider all the options. We have Riley to think about now.”
    “Absolutely,” Red agreed. “Do you think I’m not considering what’s best for my daughter?”
    “I never said any such thing.”
    “You alluded to it, though.”
    “Not at all.”
    The car fell silent. Jeb cleared his throat. “Hey, there’s the Paragon over there,”
    he said, pointing to an enormous tower that looked like it was still a few blocks away. It was gold, sparkling, and surrounded by a huge reflecting pool and enormous fountains on either side. The Paragon Hotel And Casino was scrolling around the top of the tower, along with the date of the grand opening.
    As they got closer, Jeb started talking again. “What’s really cool right