Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
The woman smiles. She’s probably around my dad’s age, fit and elegant, with an easy poise that I envy. “It was a beautiful wedding, despite the last-minute disruption.”
I flush. “I apologize for that.”
She waves away the rest of what I was going to say. “It wasn’t your fault. That young man was completely out of line; I wasn’t entirely sorry when Kai knocked him down.”
I blink. “You know Kai?”
“His brother works for me.” She holds out a hand. “Clare Hoffman. I own Belle Epoque Resort.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Alexandra Arden.” Thorn works for a fancy resort? Doing what? I’ll have to ask him.
“A pleasure. Have you done many weddings?” she asks.
“Quite a few, yes, though not here. I came to Vegas just for this; my father was the groom. My weddings don’t normally have that kind of excitement,” I add, part of me still feeling the need to apologize.
“I’m sure they don’t. The reason I ask is that my resort is a popular spot for weddings and other events, and I wondered if you might be looking for a job. But if you live out of state …”
She lets her voice trail off, giving me time to think. I never imagined myself living in this town again, but her offer, and its fortuitous timing, seem like fate playing its hand. It will at least be a temporary solution while I make new plans.
“Actually, a change of scenery sounds like a good idea,” I tell her. Not having to worry about running into Scott will be worth the hassle of moving. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to stay, though.”
“We can keep it short term for now.”
“That works, then.”
Clare smiles broadly. “Excellent. We have an unused guest room; it’s a bit too close to the kitchen. You’re welcome to stay there as long as you need to.”
“That’s very generous. Thank you.”
“Not at all. Your skills are just what I need to take the resort to the next level. Between you and Thorn, Belle Epoque is going to be in demand.”
I’m dying of curiosity now, but I smile and try not to let on. “I’m excited. I could use a few days to get settled before I start, though.”
“Of course. The room is available as soon as you need it. I’ll let the front desk know to expect you.” She extracts a gold-embossed business card from her tiny satin purse and hands it over. “Give me a call when you’re ready to start. I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise. Thanks again.”
Clare exchanges a few words with Thorn on her way out; I follow her path to where the men are waiting for me. “What was that about?” Thorn asks.
“She offered me a job.”
Three pairs of eyes pin me in place. “You’re staying in Vegas?” Gage asks.
“For a little while.”
Their expressions set an entire kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttering in my belly.
“That calls for a celebration,” Kai says. He pulls out his phone, dials, and has a brief conversation in Spanish.
I was semi-fluent when I was younger; I’m pretty rusty now, but I remember enough to get the gist. He’s telling his mother that I’m coming to dinner, and asking her to make my favorite dessert: pineapple upside-down cake.
It was my favorite back then, anyway. I haven’t eaten it in years, but it gives me all sorts of feelings that he remembers.
“Ready to go?” he asks me.
“Yep, let’s do it.”
As one, the men each pick up a piece of my luggage, so all I’m left with is my purse. A girl could get used to this.
Outside, in the parking lot, the sun is already low in the sky, and the air has a bite. Las Vegas in early November is still warm during the day, but the temperature drops off quickly at night. I wish I’d gotten a sweater or jacket out of my luggage, but I don’t want to act like a wimp by stopping to dig one out.
Kai leads the way to a glossy black sports car. “You bring the luggage,” Gage tells him. “Lexy can ride with me.”
The two men exchange a long look, but Kai doesn’t speak, just pops the trunk. I feel a bit put out by their maneuvering, but I don’t object, because this will give me the chance to talk to Gage privately.
Maybe that’s why he arranged it.
Gage drives a different make of sports car; his is silver and just as sleekly impressive. Thorn, for his part, straddles a motorcycle. I didn’t notice any tattoos on him, but he’s wearing long sleeves.
I smile at Gage, who’s holding his passenger door open, and climb in, settling onto the soft leather seat. He shuts me in and circles around to his side while Kai and Thorn drive away.
My butterflies start up again as Gage pulls onto the road. I can’t let my encounter with Kai ruin my friendship with the other two men. They all matter to me.