Page 30 of Choosing the right Man

Chloe

The flight to Vegas passes in a flash. The team’s excited to arrive. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day as we want our presentation to go smoothly. There’s nothing for us to do until morning, though. Dell convinces Mason to take us out for a night on the town. I think that’s a very bad idea, but the rest of the team is in, so I am too, unless I want to stay behind alone. That’s not an appealing thought.

A large Hummer SUV picks us up from the airport and takes us to the hotel that’s building the conference center. It’s off the Vegas strip and is stunningly beautiful with a long circular driveway lined with fountains and a giant lagoon. The amount of money coming into this desert town boggles my mind.

I’m smashed up against Mason’s side for the thankfully short ride to the hotel, and I’m barely able to breathe. His arm is flung over the back of the seat as he leans over me to speak to Dell, who’s chatting about which of the shows are the best to see. He hasn’t seen the Michael JacksonOneshow, and everyone agrees it’s a must-see.

As much as I want to see a show, I’m unable to participate in the conversation because every time I inhale, all of the air I takein is full of Mason’s scent. He doesn’t seem to be distracted by being pressed so close to me; it’s as if his leg touching mine isn’t noticeable. I certainly can feel every inch ofhisbody.

I practically bolt from the limo when the back door opens. I trample over bodies, but everyone’s so gleeful about the trip no one seems to think anything of it. I catch Mason’s eyes, a knowing awareness in his expression telling me he’s noticed more than I realized on our ride.

It’s best if we stay as far from each other as possible. Too many things can happen late at night when we stay in the same hotel. My only consolation is knowing he’ll most likely be on a different floor from the rest of us.

“Why don’t we meet back in the lobby in one hour? We’ll have dinner, and I’ll see about show tickets,” Mason tells our group.

The team enthusiastically agrees. A hotel host meets us so we don’t have to go through the usual check-in process. We’re simply handed our keys, and we all scatter. We aren’t grouped together, and we all have our own rooms, which is nice. I ride up the elevator with a few people in the same tower, and then we part ways.

The hotel staff split us this way so we get different perspectives from the vast building. We can see how far away the conference center is from different wings. This is all a part of the planning process. Which towers will be best to book guests in? What is more important to the attendees? A view? Easy access? Casino access? All of these things are important to work out beforehand. Do they want to build a skybridge from the closest tower so attendees won’t have to go through the lobby? I personally vote yes to that one.

An hour should be plenty of time to get ready before heading down, but it isn’t. I fuss over what to wear. Should I bring out the only dress I brought or save it for if we do something withclients? Should I wear one of my business suits? Is it casual? I don’t know.

Dell said it isn’t a work night and we shouldn’t run into any clients. But I stare at my hanging clothes for at least ten minutes, trying to decide. I wear business clothes all of the time and I don’t want to waste my one dress if it’s a relaxed night, so I settle on a pair of jeans and a comfortable sweater. A T-shirt might be a little too casual. I’m self-conscious as I take the elevator back to the lobby with only a couple of minutes to spare.

Dell’s already here but no one else has made it yet. I let out a relieved sigh when I see him in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt with an alien on it that says “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” I can’t help but laugh.

“I was agonizing about what to wear. I should’ve asked if it was casual or not. But I only brought so many clothes,” I say as I look at his shirt.

“Hey, it’s gonna be a fun time, not a work night, and I plan on losing a few hundred bucks at the blackjack tables so I’m dressed for comfort,” he assures me.

“I could’ve worn a T-shirt I guess,” I say, hating how much time I spent agonizing over the decision.

“No way. That sweater is hot on you. I never thought I’d see you in pink, but it’s perfection,” he says.

“Pink is my favorite color, but I try to keep my work clothes professional and neutral. I’ve noticed some of the girls wear more colors, though, so the next time I go shopping, I might spice up my wardrobe,” I say, anticipating doing just that.

“Good for you. I’ve been fighting for casual Fridays for a while, but the boss man is afraid I’ll come to work in something like this,” Dell says with a laugh. “He’s probably right.”

“I hope we work together forever, Dell. You’re a hoot.” I laugh.

“Dang straight I am. People don’t laugh enough, and that’s boring. I decided long ago not to take life too seriously. There are too many heart attacks in the world, and though some might say it’s all about food, I disagree. I think stress is the number one killer. Don’t get me wrong, I take pride in my work, and I definitely like being the best at whatever I do, but life’s too short to let stress get to you, or to take yourself so seriously. Work hard and play even harder. That’s my motto.”

“I’m going to start taking life lessons from you,” I tell him.

He nods as if that’s the most brilliant thing I’ve ever said.

“I wouldn’t do that,” Mason says as he approaches.

“I’m hurt, boss,” Dell says. Though he’s not at all.

“Dell might come up with a few brilliant mottos, but he also comes up with ones like what’s on his shirt,” Mason warns.

“Hey, baby, it’s Vegas, and we all know the rules here,” Dell says with a waggle of his brows.

“Just remember that nothing is free, and the house always wins,” Mason warns.

“Yeah, I learned that the minute I put a diamond on my beautiful wife’s finger,” Dell says with another laugh.

The rest of the team arrives, and we walk through the casino to a beautiful Italian restaurant. We’re seated at a large table and have two servers. Wine is chosen, along with a slew of appetizers and entrées. We’re all going to waddle from the place, I’m sure.

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