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Chapter Sixteen
When Claudia’s eyes drifted open, she was underneath a thick layer of cover. She rolled to find the other side of her bed vacant. A closer look revealed a note neatly folded with a chocolate rose on the pillow top. Sweet treats early in the morning. I could get used to that. Claudia reached for the note flipping it open.
Good morning, chérie. We have a full day ahead of us, so get dressed. Your clothes are laying across the chair next to the door. DON’T step out in a sexy ass dress like the one you had on last night or we will never see the Las Vegas sights.
Claudia couldn’t help but roll her face into the sheets and laugh. It was true, they never made it shopping last night, and there were plenty of sexy dresses where that last one came from. She peered over to the clothes on the chair. A pair of jeans was the first thing she saw. Another wave of giggles bubbled from her and Claudia tossed the covers over her head and sighed. It didn’t get past her that they never made it to round two, but she would solve that little problem soon enough. Her cell phone chimed with an incoming text message. Claudia’s arm shot out of the cover and felt around for the device. Pulling it underneath the sheets, Claudia opened the message from Samiyah.
Having a good time, I suppose, since I never received a call from you.
Claudia typed back.
Seeing as how I was ambushed you shouldn’t be looking for a call from me.
The response came fast.
Oh please, don’t act like you wouldn’t rather be with him instead of me.
Claudia giggled.
True. But you still wrong for setting me up. I wasn’t prepared to see his sexy ass. I was looking regular girl.
Another bing.
Ha! I’m sure you were fine. You can thank me later.
Claudia twisted her lips.
I probably will. Lol.
Claudia sent a smiling emoji behind her last text and tossed her phone to the side. Peeling back the covers, she slipped out of bed and strolled to the bathroom. “Okay,” she said to herself, “Let’s try this again.”
Jaden and Claudia didn’t have to venture out to go shopping. The Palazzo Hotel held the Grand Canal Shoppes; a destination on the Las Vegas Strip. The Venetian inspired shopping center provided 160 trademark stores and prime luxurious brands with more than a dozen five-star restaurants. As they strolled down the brick lamented pathway, Claudia wondered how she’d missed this part of Las Vegas on her girls trip. But then, they couldn’t afford to stay at a hotel like this, and she wouldn’t dare take a trip into the high-end emporiums.
“This canal is beautiful,” she said.
“Would you like to take a ride?” Jaden pointed to the gondola. “We can window shop and relax if you’d like.”
“That would be blissful, but I probably should grab some clothes, since I only packed enough for a day.” She turned to him stopping their forward progress. “You didn’t say how long we’ll be here, what did you have in mind?”
Jaden traced the outline of her face with his fingertip. “How long would you like to stay, chérie?” His voice was mellow and inviting.
“I supposed we couldn’t stay forever?” Claudia gave a sheepish grin.
Jaden laughed out loud. “Unless you’re willing to relocate your family and sell your part of S & M Financial Advisory, then I don’t think we can.”
Claudia pushed her lips out turning them up.
“What?” he said.
“I’m thinking about how long it would take to move.”
Jaden laughed. “I could have your things packed and ready within three days.”
Claudia’s brows shot up in surprise. “Three days, huh?”
“Three days,” he repeated.
“How would you pull off such a feat?”