Page 6 of Vegas Duology

Leo smiled again and the simple action had the effect of making his already handsome face absolutely deadly.I was happy to be submerged, because I could feel my entire body heat up.

“You’re going to have an awesome time,” he said.“Honestly, it’s a great club.”

“I’m sure it is,” I said.“I know we’ll have fun.”What I wanted to say was that it would be great if he were there, but even I knew that would sound pathetic.

"Do you want me to put these somewhere for you?"Leo waved the tickets.“Unless you’re ready to get out?”

I wavered.I’d enjoyed talking to him, a lot.Definitely more than I had enjoyed talking to any other man in recent memory, but I wasn’t quite ready to abandon my swim.Besides, he looked like he was dressed for work.It crossed my mind to ask him what he did at the hotel but before I could, he spoke.

“Should I just put them with your stuff?”

I shook my head, trying to remember what he was talking about.“Oh, yes.That would be great.”I pointed to the chaise where I’d left my things.“Thanks again, Leo.I mean it.Nicole will be so excited.”

He pushed up from his crouching position so his face was in the shadows again.I put a hand up to shade my eyes, but I still couldn’t make out his features.

"It was my pleasure, Lexi.Oh, and don't forget to give them your name at the door tonight.You’ll be on the list.”

He didn’t make a move to leave right away, and I searched my brain for something else to say, anything.

“Have a good day,” was all I could come up with.

I had to force myself not to dunk my head under the water.I could not believe those words came out of my mouth.

“Thanks,” Leo said and I was glad I couldn’t see his face.“I should get going.Enjoy your swim.It looks like it’s paid off already."

I watched him tuck the tickets under my towel before he turned and waved.Then he was gone, up the stairs back to the casino floor.I pulled my goggles back down and dove under the water, extinguishing the blush that burned on my cheeks at his last comment.It was only after I reached the other end that I realized I'd never asked how he'd known to find me at the pool.

"Oh, the sun is burning my retinas," Nicole moaned as we stepped outside and into the waiting taxi.

"It's the desert, Nic.It’s sunny and hot, remember?"I nudged her as I slid into the seat beside her."Premium Outlet Mall, please," I told the driver before turning my attention back to my friend."Besides, shopping was your idea."

"Not so early, though," she whined and pushed her oversized sunglasses further up her nose.

"It's two in the afternoon, Nicole.It's not my fault that you were up drinking all night.”

“Of course it’s your fault.You should’ve dragged me back to the room with you when you went back.”

I gave her a look.“Right, 'cause you were ready to go to bed?”

After the show, Nicole and I walked down the Las Vegas Strip, laughing and joking.We stopped in front of the Bellagio to take in the fountain show, and it was amazing, but it was more fun people watching.One of our habits since college, we would make up elaborate life stories for people, creating dialogue and situations that sent us into hysterics.I could have stood there all night, but Nicole had other plans.She dragged me into the casino, where I lost at least a hundred dollars at the craps table, but she was on a roll and clearly wasn't going anywhere.

"I'm done, Nic.I'm going to bed," I said, stifling a yawn.

"No, Lexi.Stay.Please?I'm winning here."

"I know, I know.But I'm done."

"Woo hoo!"Nicole yelled as the ball landed on her number, again.She whipped around and grabbed me in a hug."You’re my good luck charm!”

“I’m sorry, Nic.I am.But I’m going to fall asleep on my feet here.”She let go of her grip on me and pulled away.“Let me rest, and tomorrow I’ll be ready for an all-nighter.”

She eyed me and asked, “Promise?”

“I promise.All night, as long as you want.”I knew I would regret that promise later, but I really needed to get some sleep.I’d worry about that later.

Nicole broke into a huge grin.“Okay, Lex.Get some rest.I won’t be too late.”

Hours later, I woke for a moment when she came back to the room.It was three-thirty.