Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29845 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 149(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29845 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 149(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
“Then a couple of my friends are coming by for hair and makeup,” Bridget adds.
“You’re serious?”
“Serious as a heart attack, baby. Now, I have to go out for a bit but I’ll be back.” I kiss her and leave her in Bridget’s capable hands.
I head out to the casino where my tuxedo is hanging in my office. I haven’t worn it in years. The Palace holds this gala every year, but until now, I’ve deliberately taken that night off. This is the first time I have a beautiful girl to show off, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to give her the little surprise I’ve been planning.
I try on the tux and, surprisingly, it’s still a perfect fit. I guess being married to my job all these years has kept me in shape. I put the suit back in the bag and carry it out to the car. After a shave, a haircut, and a stop at the jeweler, I’ll be back to see what Cassidy has chosen for the event.
After closing the door, I hear the chatter of the women in the kitchen doing Cassidy’s makeover and wonder if leaving the wine out was the best idea. Peeking inside, I see Cassidy laughing along with them. Figuring I shouldn’t interrupt them, I head upstairs to hang up my suit and read my emails while I wait for them to leave.
After two hours, I get a text from Cassidy that reads, “I don’t want you to see me until I’m all dressed and ready to go. What time are we leaving?”
It’s nice that she’s taking this so seriously, so I agree and reply, “Meet me at sundown, baby.”
I tap my foot and check the time as I wait for my girl to come down the stairs. She’s taking so long that I begin to wonder if she’s talked herself out of coming with me. Then, I see her and she’s like a dream.
She’s wearing a tight, floor-length royal blue satin gown that’s slit all the way up her left leg. Just the right amount of cleavage spills over the top. I’ve never seen her in heels and it’s sexy as hell. I can already feel my erection growing.
“You look amazing, baby.”
She spins in a little circle and grins. “You look great too. I’ve never known anyone who owns a tuxedo before.”
“Our ride is waiting, so if you’re ready, let’s go.”
She takes a deep breath and holds her stomach. “Are you sure I’m ready for this? I don’t want to do anything to embarrass you.”
“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. I’m just worried about all the guys I’m gonna have to fight off you.”
“Now, that’s silly. I only have eyes for you, Daddy.”
We walk outside and she practically leaps in the air. “A limo? Really?”
“We have to make an entrance, don’t we?”
She skips down the walkway to the driver who’s waiting beside the open door.
“The champagne is chilled, sir,” he tells me and I slip a hundred-dollar bill into his hand before climbing in beside Cassidy.
I pour the champagne and hand her a glass.
“Here’s to a great evening with my beautiful baby girl.”
The ride is so smooth that it’s over before I know it. The driver opens the door, and I step out onto the red carpet the Palace has put out for the evening. I take Cassidy by the hand and lead her past a group of photographers who flash photos of us.
“Why are they taking our picture? We aren’t celebrities,” she asks.
“They don’t know who we are. Besides, you’re the best-looking girl they’re going to see tonight. Why wouldn’t they want to take your picture?”
She blushes and bats those pretty eyelashes at me.
“Whoa,” she exclaims as we enter the casino. “I’ve never been in a casino before.”
“We’re going to the ballroom upstairs.” I usher her past the slot machines and card tables to the winding marble staircase.
“You work here?”
“Sometimes. I also have an office down the street.”
“Impressive.”
I wish I could tell her it’s as impressive as she thinks, but the truth is, my job is to take care of the seedy underbelly that gets drawn to this place like moths to a flame. It doesn’t have to be that way. I guess I’ve just always liked being the heavy. Maybe now that I have someone else in my life to be responsible for, I’ll leave the dirty work behind me.
The ballroom is filled to capacity with big spenders and celebrities alike. Cassidy stares in starstruck disbelief as I lead her to our table in the center of the room. The waitress comes over and greets me. “Good to see you here, Chris. I thought you’d bail like last year.”
“I thought my girl might like to see how the upper crust lives.”
She smiles at Cassidy. “You look like you fit right in. You’re very pretty.”