4. Sean
SEAN
A scotch in hand, I’m leaning against the bar in the Adonis lounge when I sense her presence.
Turning toward the entrance, my eyes lock with the seductive, mint-green ones staring back at me.
I raise my glass slightly in recognition as my gaze moves over the rest of her body in rapt appreciation.
Damn, she looks hot in the low-cut, cobalt-blue minidress.
It shows off her long, slender legs and mouthwatering cleavage to perfection.
Setting my drink down, I walk toward where she’s already fending off others, who are practically salivating. There’s something about her energy and magnetism that draws virtually everyone to her at first sight. Reaching Lowri, I pull her in for a hug, whispering in her ear, “You look magnificent.”
“Thank you for the dress. I’m surprised you remembered my size,” she comments with a playful glimmer in her eyes.
“I remember everything. It’s unfortunate that tonight will be spent planning the party for Evan.”
Chuckling softly, she says, “You’re moving fast with the charm. You haven’t even bought me a drink yet.”
“Excellent point,” I state, wrapping my arm around her waist and escorting her across the lounge to the sofa I’ve reserved in front of the small stage. As we sit, our dedicated server arrives with a bottle of Cristal, presenting it for my approval. “Lowri, is champagne acceptable?”
“Champagne is always acceptable.” She smiles.
Raising my glass, I propose, “A toast to our love-blinded friends who, for better or worse, are heading down the relationship path.” We clink glasses and drink.
“Better them than us, right? I wanted Cassie to have a little fun in Vegas. I never expected her to decide she was in love. As we talked about last time, I can’t imagine being in a serious relationship at all.
Who would have thought they would fall for each other so quickly? It’s only been about five months.”
“Their whirlwind romance caught me by surprise too. They appear happy, but their idea of bliss isn’t ours. Like you said, settling down is definitely not for either of us.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Regardless, we’re supposed to be planning this last-minute party. Christian said he handled the invitations. You and I are planning the entertainment and food. Is that correct?”
“Yes. In his email, Evan said that Cassie loves magic shows, so I’ve arranged for three magicians to audition for us tonight. We can select the best one for the party. How does that sound?”
“Entertainment and you for company will make for a perfect evening.”
“That’s only the beginning.” I wink at her.
“Confident, aren’t you?”
“Always.”
“Have you forgotten our no-repeat agreement?”
“No, but let’s not dwell on that now.”
While we wait for the first act, we chat about changes I’m making to the hotel, her legal work, and Cassie and Evan’s lightning-fast romance.
She’s starting to tell me about her plans for a cruise to Mexico when the lights dim further, and the emcee announces that the Night of Magic will begin with Seymour the Great.
I cringe, and Lowri whispers, “Why does that name sound like a magic cat?”
Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I pull her closer, remarking, “I don’t know. Based on the name, I doubt he’s the next David Copperfield.”
I’m not wrong. The act was trite. He pulls a rabbit out of a hat, makes a watch disappear, and levitates a playing card among other even less notable tricks. “Let’s hope the next performer shows at least a modicum of originality,” I say as we politely applaud.
“Fingers crossed,” Lowri says as the server refills our glasses and leaves a small bowl of nuts on the coffee table in front of us.
We watch Edwin the Magnificent bend a spoon, “magically” reattach torn pieces of a newspaper, and pour water into a hat, making the liquid disappear.
“You must be kidding,” I murmur. “What was my entertainment director thinking when he chose these guys to audition for the prince’s party?
It would be generous to call them average.
” I groan, grabbing a handful of my favorite spicy cashews, crunching them in frustration.
“We still have one more. Let’s see how he does,” Lowri says as she squeezes my thigh, sending a ripple of warmth up my leg. Down boy. Not now.
Thankfully, the third performer impresses us.
As he leaves the stage, Lowri says, “He made the choice easy. What’s our next task?”
“Picking the location for the party. We could have it here, but the Olympic Torch Bar is likely a better choice. They should have appetizers and signature drinks ready for us to sample.”
“Let’s go. I could use something to eat after all that champagne. My head’s already buzzing.”
I could use food too. I don’t remember having anything for lunch.
With Lowri’s arm hooked through mine, we exit the lounge, walk past the Sportsbook, which is the Athena’s center for sports betting, and climb the Grand Staircase. Along the way, I enjoy the envious looks from onlookers wishing they were me.
We’re immediately escorted through the dimly lit Olympic Torch Bar where flickering seashell candles at the cocktail tables give the guests a warm glow.
The doors are open to the balcony, where they roped off a private area for our tasting tonight.
Guiding Lowri to the glass wall, we lean on the rail, gazing at the Aegean and watching hordes of people walk up and down the Strip.
“We’re here in time for the Olympic games. Have you seen the opening ceremony?” I ask.
“Not yet. You kept me busy with other activities the last time I was here.” She winks.
“I don’t remember any objections, but you can watch the show tonight.”
Within seconds, trumpets blare, brightly colored lights flash, and the outdoor Olympic stage on the left side of the Aegean lights up. A toga-clad couple light the torch on top of the Olympic Tower at the end of the outdoor stage nearest us to kick off the show.
We watch the performers reenact ancient Olympic games, mesmerizing the cheering crowd.
My gaze darts back to her. The wind blows her hair forward, hiding those gorgeous eyes.
I’ve resisted as long as possible. Reaching up, I gently push a loose strand behind her ear, letting my finger softly trace the outer edge.
I feel her shiver next to me as I’m pulling my hand away. My smile broadens at her reaction.
Not wanting to push too fast, I turn back to the show.
When a pair of wrestlers topple into the water, Lowri asks, “Was that supposed to happen? Are they ok?”
“It’s all part of the act,” I say as a server arrives with a scotch for me and a French martini for Lowri .
“They make it look incredibly real,” Lowri says as we sink into the comfy swivel chairs at our table for two, sipping our drinks.
Our glasses are almost empty when Scott, the manager, approaches. His presence better mean that food is on its way because even I’m a little lightheaded at this point.
Scott says, “Welcome to the tasting. We have three signature beverages for you to sample, along with various appetizers for your approval.
“I can’t wait to try them.” Lowri beams giddily as a server approaches, depositing the first drink and appetizer onto the table.
“Let’s get started,” she says as she reaches for a cucumber cup filled with crab. Taking a bite, she moans, “Mmm. That is incredible. Cassie will love these.”
I stare at her moist lips and listen to her sounds of pleasure, wishing we were upstairs in my apartment.
Then she lifts one of the cucumber creations, urging me to try it.
Nudging it into my mouth, she brushes her finger across my lips, sending a shock of electricity through me.
Lowri pulls her finger away quickly, leaving me to catch the appetizer before it lands on my lap.
“Sorry. It slipped,” she says, blushing slightly.
My guess is she felt the sizzle too but won’t admit it—at least not yet. My goal is to abolish our ill-conceived no-repeat rule while she’s here. We can reinstate the rule after she leaves. By then, we’ll have each other out of our systems and be ready to move on.
“No worries. Those are great. We’ll need plenty of them because I could eat a dozen by myself.” More if she agrees to keep feeding them to me.
By the time the next drink and appetizer arrive, we’re laughing, extremely happy, and slightly inebriated. We’re not driving, so who cares?
When she tries to feed me this time, her aim is a little off. Sauce ends up coating my mouth and chin. No problem. She wipes it off with her index finger and uses her full, red lips to suck it clean.
Fuuuck.
Maybe another drink will quell my rapidly rising desire to fall to my knees and worship her with my tongue.
Then again, there’s no reason not to do that.
Or is there? I’m not thinking straight. Wait a minute.
We’re in a restaurant. Am I getting drunk?
No. I can hold my liquor. I never get drunk.
Did I have breakfast today? Hmm. Better have another appetizer.
I scoot my chair closer to Lowri at the same time the server reappears. My sudden movement causes the new set of drinks and food to fly over the edge of the railing.
Scott hurries over, saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll replace those immediately. While you wait, we’ll get you another drink.”
“That’s nice of him. I hope they hurry with the food. My head is starting to spin a little,” Lowri muses, slightly slurring her words as she reaches to caress my hand.
“Here, drink some water. That should help,” I say, handing her a glass.
She takes a long drink and clutches her throat. “That wasn’t water. That’s vodka.”
Finally, I spot the server walking toward us with the last round of appetizers and drinks. I don’t waste any time. The moment the plate is in front of me, I load my fork with a sizeable taste.
Shit.
The first bite was so spicy my eyes are watering. Lowri’s not any better off. Her cheeks are bright red, and she’s gasping. We simultaneously grab the nearest glasses and down the drinks.
When we can breathe again, Lowri rests her head against my shoulder.
With each drink, we’ve relaxed even more.
Her reaction to my touches and her closeness signal she also wants to pick up where we left off last time.
Since we’re both well past tipsy at this point, we may have to wait until tomorrow though.
“We still have one other venue that’s a possibility for the party. Let’s check it out now,” I enunciate slowly, trying to avoid slurring my own words.
“Where is it?” she asks.
“It’s a private part of the Omega, our rooftop nightclub.”
“Okay. Let’s go. I wouldn’t mind a little dancing tonight.” She teeters, losing her balance when she shimmies her hips as she tries to stand.
I groan as she tumbles into my chest. She’s going to be the death of me, but man will it be fun.