CHAPTER NINETY–NINE–A Decision That Can’t Be Reversed
Ryan nodded, his eyes twinkling. “It’s a rush, for sure. But remember, the house always has an edge. The key is to know when to walk away.”
They played a few more hands, with Ryan offering tips and explanations along the way. Laura found herself enjoying not just the game, but the closeness it afforded them. Every time Ryan leaned in to whisper advice or congratulate her on a win, she felt a spark of electricity between them.
After about an hour at the blackjack table, Ryan suggested they try something else. “How about roulette? It’s mostly luck, but it’s a lot
of fun.”
They made their way to the roulette table, where a small crowd had gathered. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the wheel spun
“So how does this work?” Laura asked, watching the ball bounce around the wheel.
Ryan explained the betting options as they watched a few spins. “You can bet on single numbers, groups of numbers, red or black, odd or even. The riskier the bet, the higher the payout.”
Laura nodded, feeling a surge of boldness. “Let’s go big. I want to bet on red.”
Ryan raised an eyebrow. “You sure? That’s a pretty big bet for a beginner.”
Laura grinned, the excitement of the casino getting to her. “Come on, where’s your sense of adventure?”
Ryan laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. Red it is.”
They placed their chips on red, and Laura held her breath as the wheel spun. The ball bounced and skittered, finally coming to rest…
“Red 32!” the croupier announced.
Laura let out a squeal of delight, throwing her arms around Ryan’s neck. Without thinking, she pulled him in for a kiss. It was brief but intense, fueled by the adrenaline of their win.
As they pulled apart, both looked a bit stunned. Laura felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, but she couldn’t stop smiling
“I guess red really is our lucky color,” Ryan said, his voice a bit husky.
They cashed in their chips, deciding to quit while they were ahead. As they walked away from the table, Ryan’s arm found its way
around Laura’s waist.
“So, what next?” he asked. “Another game, or should we check out one of the bars?”
Laura leaned into him, feeling warm and happy. “A drink sounds perfect. I think I need to catch my breath after all that excitement.”
They found a quieter bar off the main casino floor, settling into a cozy booth. As they sipped their drinks, Laura found herself studying Ryan’s face. He looked younger somehow, the lines of stress that had been etched there just days ago now softened by laughter and
relaxation
“What?” Ryan asked, catching her stare.
Laura smiled, reaching out to take his hand across the table. “I was just smiling again.”
was just thinking… I’m really
really glad we did this. It’s nice to see you
Ryan squeezed her hand, his expression turning serious for a moment. “I don’t think I could have gotten through this without you, Laura. You’ve been… well, you’ve been amazing
The intensity of his gaze made Laura’s heart skip a beat. “That’s what friends are for, right?”
Ryan’s thumb traced circles on the back of her hand. “Is that what we are? just friends?”
The question hung in the air between them, loaded with possibility. Laura took a deep breath, feeling like she was standing on the edge of something bie
“I think,” she said slowly, “that we might be something more than that. If… If you want to be.”
Ryan’s face broke into a smile that made Laura’s heart melt. “I think I’d like that very much.”
As they leaned in for another kiss, softer and more deliberate this time, Laura felt like she’d hit the jackpot in a game far more important than any casino could offer.
The pulsing beat of the music enveloped Laura and Ryan as they entered the high–end nightclub. The space was a sea of moving
bodies, flashing lights, and the electric energy of a Vegas night in full swing
Ryan’s hand found the small of Laura’s back, guiding her through the crowd. “What do you think?” he half–shouted over the music. Too much?”
Laura shook her head, a wide grin spreading across her face. “It’s perfect! I feel like I’m in a movie!”
They made their way to the bar, Ryan’s arm protectively around Laura’s waist. As they waited for their drinks, Laura found herself swaving to the music, her body instinctively moving to the beat.
Ryan leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear. “You look incredible tonight Have I told you that yet?”
Laura felt a shiver run down her spine at his closeness. “Only about a dozen times,” she laughed. “But I don’t mind hearing it again.”
Their drinks arrived – something colorful and fruity for Laura, a whiskey neat for Ryan. They clinked glasses, sharing a smile that felt both exciting and comfortable at the same time.
“So,” Ryan said, taking a sip of his drink, “do you want to dance?”
Laura raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t take you for much of a dancer, Mr. Callis.
Ryan shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, Ms. McKenna. Care to find out?”
He held out his hand, and Laura took it without hesitation. They pushed their way onto the dance floor, finding a spot where they had just enough room to move.
At first, their dancing was a bit awkward, both of them trying to find their rhythm. But as the music flowed and the energy of the crowd swept them up, they began to relax. Laura found herself moving closer to Ryan, their bodies in sync.
As a new song started, Ryan pulled Laura flush against him, his hands on her hips. She wound her arms around his neck, their faces close enough that she could feel his breath on her cheek
“You’re full of surprises,” Laura said, her lips close to his ear. “Where did you learn to dance like this?”
Ryan chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Would you believe me if I said I took lessons in college?
Laura pulled back slightly, looking at him with wide eyes. “No way! Seriously?”
Ryan nodded, looking a bit sheepish. “I thought it might impress the ladies. Turns out, it’s actually pretty fun.”
Laura threw her head back and laughed. “Well, consider me impressed, Mr. Callis.”
They continued to dance, losing track of time as one song blended into another. Laura found herself getting lost in the moment, in the feeling of Ryan’s body against hers, in the pounding rhythm that seemed to match her heartbeat.
During a particularly upbeat song, Ryan spun Laura out and then pulled her back in, dipping her low. As he brought her back up, their faces were inches apart. For a moment, they just stared at each other, both a little breathless.
Then, as if drawn by some invisible force, their lips met. The kiss was deep and passionate, fueled by the energy of the club and the growing tension between them. Laura’s hands tangled in Ryan’s hair as his arms tightened around her waist.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Ryan rested his forehead against Laura’s, a soft smile playing on his lips.
“Wow,” he said, just loud enough for her to hear over the music.
Laura nodded, feeling a bit dazed. “Yeah. Wow.”
They stayed on the dance floor for a while longer, but the nature of their dancing had changed. It was more intimate now, less about the music and more about being close to each other. Ryan’s hands never left Laura’s body, and she found herself constantly seeking contact with him.
As the night wore on, they eventually made their way to a quieter corner of the club. Ryan pulled Laura onto his lap as they sat in a plush booth, his arms wrapped around her waist.
“Having fun?” he asked, nuzzling her neck.
Laura smiled, running her fingers through his hair. “More than I ever imagined. This whole trip has been… incredible.”
Ryan nodded, his expression turning a bit more serious. “Laura, L… I want you to know how much this means to me. Not just the trip, but… you. Being here with me, helping me through all of this.”
Laura cupped his face in her hands, looking into his eyes. “Ryan, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. You know that, right?” Instead of answering, Ryan pulled her in for another kiss. This one was solter, sweeter, full of unspoken emotions.
