All Bets Are Off (Vegas Kings - Alexander)

The Penthouse

They took two sets of elevators and went past the scrutiny of three security guards—all of whom greeted Alexander by name—before they reached the intended floor. When she stepped inside Alexander's apartment, she was dazzled, and she'd assumed by now she had stopped being surprised and awestruck.

It looked like something out of a magazine, chic and modern, with giant windows looking out on the city. He'd been telling the truth, they were up even higher than at the restaurant and the view was stunning. All his furniture was white, the decor as well but accented with black and gold. A bar stretched along one side of the massive main room. There was a pool table and a gigantic TV. Despite being swank, the place had a masculine feel to it. It was indeed a bachelor pad.

"This is really where you live?" She slipped her flip-flops off and walked carefully across the white carpet. She crept over to the windows to check the view. "And you live here alone?"

"It's my place, yeah." He took his shoes off as well and joined her. "I do, but my parents have a penthouse on the other side of the building. I'm not too far away from family."

She stared out across the city. The Strip glowed in the distance. The mountains were closer here, a dark undulating line against the star-splashed sky.

"This is amazing." She turned to him. He was pulling his blazer off.

His body was mouthwateringly gorgeous. With the blazer off, and his muscles straining at the tight silk of his shirt, she could really make out his definition. This man spent some time in the gym.

"You want something to drink?" he asked.

"Just some water." She resisted licking her lips.

"Wanna check out the balcony?"

"Heck yeah, I do."

He got her a mineral water, made himself a drink, and they walked out on the balcony. It was huge, easily the size of her parent's whole porch, with chest-high railings. Even out here, the furniture and decor looked like it came straight out of a high-end catalog.

"This must be the life." She leaned on the railing, looking out. The wind was cooler up here and tugged at her hair and dress. "I always wondered how the other half lives." She sipped her water.

He leaned next to her, so close their shoulders touched. "I don't pay for this place. Don't get me wrong, I work. I do all kinds of jobs for my dad, but to be honest what he gives me is more of an allowance than a paycheck. I didn't really earn any of this, I was just born."

She shrugged. "I washed cars at my dad's dealership last summer, and he gave me an allowance too. Now I'm a part time caffeine mixologist and delivery specialist."

He arched an eyebrow. "Sounds fancy."

She laughed. "I'm a barista."

He nudged her. "If you don't mind me saying, your ex is a piece of crap, cheating on you. You're funny and clever, on top of being beautiful. I don't know how any guy could do you wrong like that."

She looked at him, surprised, and met those intense eyes of his. She held his gaze. "Well, I don't see how in the world you're single. And how I'm up here instead of the thousands of girls who would probably cut off their left hand to be standing here with you right now."

Was that the right thing to say? A bit too dramatic?

"Because you wouldn't." He smiled faintly and sat his drink aside. "That's why."

Silence fell, just the wind stirring between them. He turned toward her. Her heart was in her throat. Did she want this? Yes. But could she do this, have no-strings-attached sex with some beautiful stranger, not worrying about feelings or relationships or any of that messy stuff?