accessories, but not much else.
“I wasn’t planning on going in,” I whispered to him.
“How else are you going to see the place?”
Fair enough.
I didn’t make eye contact with any of the silent associates. I hoped they knew Marco and weren’t about to call security on us. Since the store wasn’t large and the bags all looked the same after the first few, it didn’t take long before I was done browsing. “Ready?”
“You haven’t seen everything.” Marco led me through an entryway that opened into another minimalist room. Only that one had something far more interesting on the white display shelves.
Shoes.
Purses weren’t my thing, and a year ago, I’d have sworn shoes weren’t, either. But that was before I’d known how it felt to wear a pair of killer heels or the comfort of shoes with support.
Some of the shoes displayed were so ugly, I couldn’t imagine anyone would buy them. There were others that were so gorgeous, I couldn’t imagine how expensive they were.
I looked longingly at a pair of sexy and edgy black heels with studded straps. I tore myself away from them, and Marco followed me out past the still silent associates.
No Pretty Woman moment happening here.
The next store was filled with display cases of watches. Watches were even less of my thing than purses, so we didn’t spend long in there, either.
We spent even less in the perfume store that gave me an instant headache and convenient mart with overpriced bottled drinks and candy bars.
I made up for my short time at the other shops when I stepped into a dress boutique. Some of them were gaudy or formal. Others were clearly intended for a Vegas wedding. But mixed in were some gorgeous pieces that ranged from cute sundress to sexy cocktail dress—including my lacy magenta one from the night before.
This explains how he sends me clothes so fast.
I took my time, my brain going crazy with inspiration I hoped I’d remember.
Once I was finished, we left and bypassed a men’s wear store, ritzy suitcases and travel items, and an entire store dedicated to blown glass.
That one was beautiful, but I worried I’d trip and knock everything over like dominos.
We rounded the atrium before Marco announced it was time for lunch. Going for food court Mexican—a good taco was a good taco—we sat in the crowded dining area and ate.
I had a mouthful of queso when Marco handed me his cell as it began ringing. “For you.”
Swallowing, I hit accept and put it to my ear. “Hello?”
“I texted you, Juliet.”
At the firmness in Maximo’s tone, butterflies raved in my belly and my clit throbbed.
Shit. I still wasn’t used to carrying a phone again.
“I forgot my phone in the room,” I admitted.
“It stays on you at all times from now on. Understood?”
“Yes, Daddy,” I said with only a moment’s hesitation. My gaze darted to Marco, but his expression gave away nothing.
Maximo’s tone softened. “Are you having a good day?”
“Yeah, it’s been fun.”
“I’ll be back for dinner. Plan what you want.” I could hear the smile in his voice when he added, “Just no hookers, blow, or roulette.”
My eyes on Marco narrowed to a glare.
Snitch.
Movement caught my attention, and I glanced over as a large table of people stood, others rushing to take their place. In the midst of the chaos, I could’ve sworn I saw my dad’s friends—well, former friend—Mugsy Carmichael.
Caught between wanting to hide in case it was him and wanting to confirm that it wasn’t, I froze. A pit grew in my belly and blood rushed in my ears at the thought of explaining why I was there.
It’s not him.
Just another wannabe gangster. Vegas is filled with them.
He may have spent more time in casinos than a nun in church, but it was still unlikely Mugsy Carmichael would be at Moonlight. It was even more unlikely he’d be in the food court area and not parked at a poker table until he ran out of money.
I knew that.
But it didn’t stop my panicked mind from racing.
Keeping my head tilted away but my eyes alert, I searched for the man. But whoever he was, I’d lost him in the crowd.
“Juliet, are you there?” Maximo asked.
“Sorry, I think you cut out.”
“I said I have something planned for later tonight, so don’t overdo it.” There were muffled voices in the background. “I’ve got to go. Miss you, little dove.”
He clicked off, but I kept the phone pressed to my ear for a few long moments.
Maximo misses me.
To be fair,