"Why an additional salon for dogs?"
“Before the hotel opened, our research showed that guests at this income level expect elevated pet amenities. Paws Las Vegas wasborn. Some prefer their pets at their side. Most drop them off here to be thoroughly entertained. Let’s begin the walk-through.”
Anita gestures us forward. “We’ll start at check-in, where the real VIPs arrive.”
The lobby looks like a boutique airport lounge built for dogs: glass counters, digital sign-in screens, attendants in golden paw-print vests. One of them offers a Siberian Husky a chilled cucumber towel.
Snorty growls softly in envy.
We pass an arched viewing window. “This is our fitness wing,” Anita says. Then she opens another set of doors. “This is our hydrotherapy pool.”
It’s a softly lit space with temperature-controlled saltwater. Classical music plays low. I watch a black Lab float, eyes closed, like he’s in total Zen.
“And here’s our canine playground,” Anita says.
Snorty yips at the sight of puppy zip lines, tiny treadmills, and brightly colored climbing structures.
"It’s all vet-approved, entirely optional, and ridiculously popular,” Anita says.
Snorty sniffs the air with sudden intensity.
“What’s that scent?” I ask, curious.
“Oh. Your Frenchie must be smelling the Bark Bar and Bone Tasting Room, just ahead. Want to stop for a treat?”
“Tempting, but we’re on a tight schedule.”
“I’ll walk you out. And Snorty can take home a goodie bag, of course.”
But as we exit the Spa, I find myself looking both ways for that man in black.Who was he?And why was he hiding?
CHAPTER 24
MADDIE
As I enter the rehearsal studio, I spot Prince Michael and Rio deep in conversation on stage.
I had wanted to go over and greet Rio with a kiss. But even from a distance, their body language bristles with tension.
“Hey, Maddie,” says Keith, jumping up from a chair near the soundboard. “Let me help you with that bag.”
“Thanks,” I say, nodding toward the corner. “By that chair is fine.”
As Keith grabs the giant Paws goodie bag from my shoulder, a cascade of colorful dog toys tumbles out from it across the floor.
Snorty wriggles free of my arms and bounds toward the toys like he’s just hit the canine jackpot.
“He’s a cute little fellow,” Keith says. “And you’re not so bad yourself.”
“You had to think about that one, didn’t you?” I tease.
I’m not usually flirty, but something about Keith’s accent makes it easy.
“Well, fair’s fair. When you walked in with that buttoned-upblouse and glasses yesterday, you didn’t look like any girl Rio’s ever dated.”
“And today?”
He looks over my outfit I'm wearing now. Fitted jeans, and a geometric Hanae Mori top that skims my collarbone and bares my shoulders.
