Page 18 of Vegas Duology

“That sounds perfect,” she said, and if it was possible, at that moment I wanted her even more.

I knew the perfect place to take Lexi, and I didn't waste any time in case she changed her mind.I led her outside, into a cab and in a few minutes we were seated across from each other in a red vinyl booth.

The minute the huge hamburgers and baskets of fries were put in front of us, I realized I was much hungrier than I thought.I took a few big bites, satisfying the growl in my stomach.And I wasn't the only one enjoying the meal.I took my time chewing and watched Lexi.

"What?"she asked and wiped a dribble of ketchup off her chin.

I took a sip of my soda in an attempt to conceal my smile.She was so damn cute, even when her mouth was full.

"I was just watching you eat," I said."I can't remember the last time I've seen a beautiful woman with such a good appetite."

"That sounds like such a line."She laughed and popped another fry in her mouth."I've never been afraid of eating.Besides, this is fantastic."

“I'm glad you’re enjoying it.They’re the best burgers in town.”

She glanced down at her half-eaten meal.“Oh, I don’t think there’s any doubt that I’m enjoying it.”Her eyes sparkled.She might have been flirting with me but it was so unlike the women I was used to, the ones who threw themselves at me.Lexi's flirting was subtle, almost like she didn't know how.It was sweet and I wanted more.“So you must date a lot?”she continued.

“I don't.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“It's true.Usually the type of women I meet are here for a good time, not really a long time, if you know what I mean?”

She swallowed another bite and asked, “What about women who live here?”

“You really want to know about my dating life?”

She smiled and nodded.

“Okay, but it's very boring.I work most of the time, have no interest in a fling with a tourist and haven't found a local woman who's interested in anything serious.So, that's about it.”

Lexi took a sip of her drink and I watched her eyes change.The sparkle was replaced by something else.

“Go ahead,” I urged.“Say it.”

“What about me?”she asked.“Why are you sitting here with me then?And, since I'm asking questions I normally wouldn't, are you going to tell me how you knew so much about me?"

I took a moment to chew on a fry.I decided telling the truth would be the best route."I don't actually know a lot about you,” I said.“I found out your last name because I work at the hotel and I have friends at the front desk who owed me a favor."

"And the pool?How did you know I was swimming yesterday morning?"

"Friend who works security."

"Let me guess, he owed you a favor too?"She took a sip of her drink but I could see the start of a smile.

I shrugged."What can I say?I'm a helpful guy."

"So,” she said, letting me see her grin, “what is it that you do at the hotel that has so many people indebted to you?"

I swirled my straw before answering.It's not that I was embarrassed of my job, but I could do better, I knew I could.And a spot in guest services wasn't really going to impress a woman like Lexi.She looked like she was used to a comfortable lifestyle.Not that she was pretentious in any way.In fact, compared to most of the women I'd met, she was a rare and compelling combination of classy and down to earth.She wouldn’t be impressed with my job.

“I work in guest services," I said and looked down at the table, trying to muster the courage.After a moment, I pulled myself together and looked up, trying to appear more successful than I was.“I help people with parties, events and things.It's not much now," I continued, "but I'm working hard and hopefully in a few years I'll move up to management."

"I'm sure you will," she said.Her voice was soft and she looked so genuine that I wanted to hug her.

I felt my body relax again.Was it possible that even after just meeting me, she believed in me?It’d been too long since anyone believed in me.

We ate in silence for a few more minutes.I don't think I'd ever seen a woman devour a burger the way she did.Juices dripped down her chin, which she wiped off before dropping the napkin in the basket on top of the fries she couldn't finish.I took a swallow of my Coke and she looked up, catching me staring.