Page 24 of No Harm No Howl

“How embarrassing,” she said out loud. “He must think I’m a total dork. Geez. Well, it’s a good thing I’m not letting this … whatever it is … go any further than a working relationship. I’d hate for a guy I was dating … especially a shifter … to think I was that big of a coward that I had to hold his hand when I was afraid.”

What kind of restaurant are we going to?Gia texted Russ after she had settled in and gotten her suitcases unpacked. She wanted a quick shower to freshen up and wash the rest of the anxiety off of her.

Casual. Very casual. We’ll go out for a nice dinner later, but let’s keep it simple this afternoon.

Sounds like a plan. See you in a bit,she replied and headed for the luxurious shower that had been calling her name since she’d walked in the door. Her room … more like a suite … was amazing. More than amazing. It had taken her breath away. Her house wasn’t even this nice.

The first thing she had done was jump on the king-size bed and melt into it. Careful not to get too comfy and fall asleep, Gia had gotten up immediately and unpacked. Now, it was time to hit the ridiculously oversized, all-glass shower with multiple rainfall heads. It was big enough for four adults to shower with her at the same time.

I can think of one person I’d like to shower with,her wolf said.

The steam from the hot water filled the room immediately. She moaned the second the water hit her back. She ignored her beast’s snarky comments, closing her eyes and letting the water pour over her achy body.

Damn it!

Her wolf had gotten the idea of a naked and wet Russ into her mind, and the images refused to budge. They played in a loop, driving her batshit crazy.

“So much for a relaxing shower,” Gia growled.

Quickly finishing up, she stepped out and toweled off before getting dressed and dealing with the soggy mess that was her hair. She may have looked like a zombie when Russ picked her up this morning, but she refused to look that bad if they were headed out on the town for lunch.

“I’m in Vegas, baby. I’m going to enjoy it and look good doing it if it’s the last damn thing I do.”

When putting on the finishing touches of her makeup, her phone dinged.

Ready when you are.

I’m ready.

“Perfect timing,” she said. Grabbing her purse and keycard, she opened the door and saw Russ waiting for her.

“Wow. You look great,” he said as his eyes traveled down her body and back up again.

“Thanks. So do you.”

The bells and chimes of slot machines began to grate on Gia’s nerves the closer they got to the lobby.

“Are you a gambling man?” she asked, genuinely curious if sitting around slot machines was something he enjoyed.

“Not at all. In fact, the worst thing about this city is all the casinos. I like to get out a bit and see the sights … the natural scenery. What about you?”

“Same. The noise from all the machines is driving me crazy,” she admitted.

“Let’s take the car and drive around today since we have time to kill. Is that okay with you?” he asked.

“That sounds wonderful, actually.” And it did. She needed to be away from the city, crowds, and noise just so she could hear herself think.

* * *

They stoppedat a little diner just outside of town for burgers and shakes. It was a cutesy old-time diner that was nothing more than a longstanding, shiny metal trailer. The interior had been done in red and white.

“I think that was the best burger I’ve ever had,” Gia said.

“I love that place. Now, on to sightseeing. I have a few places that I love to visit each time I come out here.”

“I trust your judgment,” she said, enjoying the drive. The terrain was so different from her home. Yards were decorated with sand, palm trees, and weird-looking shrubs. There were no evergreens or grass to be found. The weather was hot and dry, with the sun beating down on them. Gia had never been more thankful for air conditioning in her life.

“Good. I think you’ll like the places I want to show you.”

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