Page 42 of Strip Search

My heart sank. “What’s the matter?”

“Apparently there’s a gas leak in the club.”

“Oh no.”

“I don’t fucking buy it, but they had to clear out the bar and I’m hemorrhaging money until I can get there and yell at the inspectors for shutting me down.” He tossed the phone into the middle console with disgust. “I’m sorry. I know I promised you a night out.”

“That’s okay,” I said. “Take me back to the Wynn. I’ll order some room service and we can rent a movie when you’re done with this mess.”

He quirked an eyebrow at me. “Are you sure?”

“Well, I suppose we could watch porn, but I got to be honest, I get bored and want to fast forward to the good parts.”

“You’re perfect, you know?” He stroked his thumb down my cheek.

“Far from it, and I might jump you before you get time to eat so maybe have a sandwich before you come over.”

“I’ve got to keep my strength up.”

I was disappointed, but I’d live. To be honest, I was pretty tired. I had hit the ground running—dancing—ever since I landed. It wouldn’t kill me to take it easy tonight. Miles pulled right up to the cul-de-sac entrance to the hotel and kept the doors locked while I kissed him goodbye. I could certainly get used to having him in my bed for the rest of my time here. When I was sure he was as hot and bothered as me, I shifted back to my own seat. He unlocked the door and the doorman held it open for me.

“1492,” I said as I exited the car.

“The year Columbus discovered America?”

“My room number.” I let myself look my fill of him, uncaring that we were holding up people who wanted to get into the hotel.I wanted to take a picture of him. My lover. Just to prove to myself when he was gone that I didn’t dream him up.

“I’ll see you later,” he said.

I floated up to the room, remembering the feel of Miles against me. I felt like dancing, but honestly, my feet were killing me. When I got up to my room, I ran a hot bath. Dumping a whole container of the complimentary sweet bath salts into the tub, I shucked off my clothes and put on the fluffy white robe and slippers they provided. Bliss. I flipped through the room service menu trying to find something that would keep for a couple of hours if Miles was delayed. I wound up picking two club sandwiches and subbed the fries for pasta salad.

After I placed the order, I put on the television music channel. The bath was calling my name. The quick shower I had taken at Dalton’s was just to clean up instead of soaking into my overworked muscles, so the bath was going to feel decadent. The smell of lavender was making my eyelids heavy. I had to hold it together at least until room service got here. I might as well check my e-mail, so I didn’t get avalanched next week.

I didn’t want to think of Lisa, but she crept into my thoughts anyway. I was debating whether to let her know I was hot on her trail, but I didn’t want to spook her into hiding. Three weeks ago, she met a gray haired man, quit her job and moved out of her apartment in Las Vegas. Two weeks ago, she was working in a brothel slinging drinks after an unsuccessful run at trying to be a dancer. Was she living with him or did he convince her that she could dance horizontally instead? I stopped clicking through my e-mails when I realized I wasn’t comprehending a word of what I was reading. I called Lisa on the off chance that she would pick up. She didn’t. I wanted to tell her I knew she worked at the brothel, but again, I didn’t want to scare her off.

“Stop being a selfish bitch and call me.”

I probably shouldn’t have said that, but I was pretty damn mad at her.

Staring at my phone, I wanted to call Miles, but I didn’t want to come off as needy. Just because I was on vacation, I shouldn’t expect him to drop his responsibilities. And yet, it felt so damn good to be the center of attention and number one in someone’s life—even if it were for just one day.

It had been a pretty good day. I got to dance. I made some cash. I got laid. I blew a guy in his muscle car. And if I were lucky, I’d get the chance to roll around on the mattress with him this time.

I called him. The animal attraction was dialed up to holy shit between the two of us, but I wanted to get to know him. I knew that was stupid. I was leaving in a few days. You didn’t date a vacation fling, you took all the good stuff and left out all the drama.

I got his voice mail too.

“1492. Knock hard if I don’t answer, I’m getting sleepy. But I still want you.”

That sounded trashy and sweet.

Scrolling through pictures of him on the Internet, I couldn’t believe this tough guy was all mine.

“For the week,” I reminded myself and stretched myself out in the hot water.

Bathtubs were the best for fantasies. While I lay there soaking, I let myself dream that I’d auditioned for a Las Vegas show. Like my off-Broadway deal, I would be content to start small in the chorus and work my way up to lead dancer. I kicked up a few times, splashing water everywhere. Wincing, I shifted position. I was still a little sore from my time at Dalton’s and then being wildly fucked in Miles’s office.

I wondered what he was doing now and if he was thinking of me. I wish he had picked up.

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