Total pages in book: 13
Estimated words: 12091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 60(@200wpm)___ 48(@250wpm)___ 40(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 12091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 60(@200wpm)___ 48(@250wpm)___ 40(@300wpm)
Graham doesn’t know what he’s in for at his best friends’ Vegas wedding, but when he steps inside an elevator with a gorgeous stranger, he doesn’t expect to lose power and get trapped together.
Caleb is amused that Graham doesn’t know who he is let alone follow professional hockey, because Caleb sure as hell is familiar with Graham and his online cooking show.
With nothing but time on their hands, talking leads to confessions, touching, and kissing, and suddenly the minutes they have left just doesn’t feel like enough.
PLEASE This short story was first featured in the limited edition print version of the Vegas, Baby Anthology.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
1
GRAHAM
I straighten the lapels on my tux and wait patiently for my best friend, Jace. Any minute now he’ll appear alongside his fiancée dressed to the nines for their Vegas wedding. No doubt the Venetian ballroom cost a pretty penny, but the hotel feels like a dream. Almost like you’ve been transported to an Italian countryside with their old-world fixtures and painted ceilings. It’s easy to ignore the rumbles of thunder and cracks of lightning from the storm raging outside when all you see above you are gold sconces, fluffy clouds, and blue skies.
The gondolas are a bit much but seeing Jace and his soon-to-be husband, Rob, riding on one last night was pretty epic. Even more so while a hunky guy sang to them in Italian. I didn’t feel a tug in my gut at all. Besides, me and relationships don’t really mesh. I’ve tried and failed one too many times. Jace says it’s because I always choose unavailable men, but I don’t buy that. If someone wants to be with you, they’ll put in the time and effort.
Jace’s parents are all smiles from the front row. The hotel provided just enough bright white chairs for the intimate ceremony. I give them a thumbs up as I consider the post-nuptial plans. The reception takes place immediately after the vows, and then we have a couple more days of sightseeing, gambling, and delicious food until I’m back home to Seattle.
The speech I need to deliver at the reception will come easily enough. These two are meant for each other. More than likely the guests will be too busy eating from the delicious menu I helped Jace and Rob select to listen to me blather on about our friendship. I’m a bit of a foodie, so I was more than happy to help them settle on the chocolate buttercream cake as well.
Jace got all choked up choosing the two grooms as a topper, so I already know he’ll be crying during the vows, and again after I hand them the rings.
My back straightens almost painfully. “Holy shit, the rings! How could I forget them?”
My gaze swings wildly around the room noting that some of the seats are still empty. I think I have just enough time to retrieve them from my room before the ceremony starts.
“Be right back,” I whisper to Jace’s parents, then turn and hightail it toward the hallway, trying not to alarm anyone as my panic builds with each step.
The moment I get to the lobby I jog at a good pace heading toward the bank of elevators. Any sweat that accumulates from my harried state will be worth it if I get those rings. One of the elevators stands open on my approach.
“Hold the door!” I yell to the person inside, and given his raised eyebrows, I’ve startled him. Despite wariness crossing his features, he still thrusts his arm out to stop it from closing, giving me enough leeway to sprint inside.
I bend forward to catch my breath as the doors shut. “Can you punch fourteen?”
“Sure thing,” he mutters, and I lift my gaze to see a long finger on a large hand make the button light up.
When our eyes meet, my heart kicks up a notch noticing his shaggy chestnut hair, tall stature, long and lean muscles, and broad shoulders. He averts his eyes, obviously not interested in a conversation, and I get it. I wouldn’t want one with me either. Not while I’m a sweaty, disheveled, gasping disaster.
I straighten fully as we start to climb, and I count the seconds going by, hoping I get back downstairs before Jace even notices. I blow out a sigh of relief when the elevator slows as it approaches my floor.
All at once we’re jolted forward as the elevator comes to a hair-raising, screeching halt. “What the hell?” The lights above us flicker on and off for only a couple seconds before we’re thrust into total darkness. My hand reaches out to grip the wall for leverage.