Betting On Love by Cheris Hodges Page B

“You know, I’d sleep a lot better with you in my arms tonight.”
    A slow smile spread across her lips. “You know you’re not going to sleep tonight,” she said.
    â€œYou’re going to keep me up?”
    â€œAnd you’re going to love every minute of it,” she said as he unlocked the door to his suite.
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    It was 6:00 a.m. and James didn’t want to get out of bed. Jade slumbered in his arms, naked. He ran his finger down the length of her arm. What were they really doing? Was this going anywhere once he left Vegas? James knew all too well how women made choices in the heat of the moment that they regretted later. He had seen Kenya do it. What if Jade did the same thing? When she arrived in Atlanta, would she run back into Stephen’s arms if he said the right things?
    James didn’t like the thoughts he was having. Jade had stirred something inside of him, and he was looking forward to exploring it. Still, he had a nagging feeling that once the fantasy became reality, things were going to change. He eased from the bed in an effort not to wake Jade. But his efforts were in vain.
    â€œWhere are you going?” Jade asked.
    â€œTo shower. I didn’t mean to wake you up,” he said.
    â€œIt’s all right.” Jade got out of the bed and walked over to James. “I’m just glad you’re not trying to sneak out of here without saying good-bye.”
    â€œYou know I wouldn’t do that,” he said. “Want to join me in the shower?”
    â€œDid you really have to ask?” she said as they raced to the bathroom.
    After taking a long shower that was more erotic than cleansing, James dressed and sent his luggage downstairs. Jade rushed back to her hotel to change so that she could ride to the airport with James.
    When she arrived at her room, she wasn’t surprised to see Serena waiting outside her door.
    â€œI bet I know where you’re coming from,” Serena said as Jade slipped her key card in the lock.
    â€œI’m sure you do,” Jade said as she opened the door. “What do you want?”
    â€œI guess I owe you an apology. Who am I to question your judgment? But know that I was just trying to look out for you and—”
    â€œSerena, I’m fully capable of looking out for myself. But if the shoe was on the other foot, maybe I would’ve done something similar. Still, James seems to be a good guy.”
    â€œAnd so did Stephen. All right. I’m going to stop going there, because you know what they say. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?”
    â€œActually, no. James and I are going to see each other again. Remember, his mother still lives in Atlanta.”
    â€œOh, yeah, that’s right. So you and this man who you have slept with for four days are going to have a long-distance relationship. Just how do you think that is going to work out?”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter what you think, because this is my business, my life.”
    â€œFine, but I hope you don’t end up hurt again, Jade.”
    â€œYou know what, Serena?” Jade began. “All men aren’t all bad. I feel that something about James is different.”
    â€œWhatever.”
    â€œI don’t have time for this. I’m riding to the airport with him,” Jade said. “I need to change my clothes.”
    â€œDon’t let me stop your fun,” Serena replied sarcastically, then walked out of the room.
    Jade shook her head. Serena might not admit it, but she had some issues with men. Jade wondered who had hurt her friend so badly. But she wasn’t going to spend too much time thinking about Serena’s issues. She needed to get ready so that she could head to the airport with James.
    In the back of her mind, she had to wonder if this thing with James would end today, when she waved good-bye to him at the airport terminal. What if James had another life in Charlotte and he was