“So,” Alex said to the other women, “tell me what you all do when you’re not partying in Vegas.”
Dana listened as her friends regaled him with stories about their work. When Jessica mentioned her flower shop, Alex was able to share anecdotes from his own floral designer at Vice. It was clear he had his hand in all aspects of the business, and his knowledge tickled Jessica.
Bea talked briefly about her art classes. Alex nodded, asking her opinion about a couple of hot art exhibits in the LA area. Clearly impressed he could carry on a conversation about modern art, Bea smiled when it became clear they shared some favorite artists.
Dana marveled at the way he could direct a conversation without monopolizing it. He was unlike any hotelier she’d ever met, and she’d met a few. Most of them were arrogant, wanting to talk only about themselves and their latest achievements. Alex certainly could have extricated himself from the conversation any time he wanted and sauntered off to find more “important” company but he seemed to be enjoying himself.
He certainly seemed much happier than when he was sitting on that couch, a subject of interest for the pretty people.
He kept looking her way, offering her shy grins. Each curl of his lips made her want to beg to see that brilliant wide smile again. In fact, when Bea teased it out of him with a couple of jokes, Dana secretly rejoiced.
Aside from being smart and well-read, Alex was just too beautiful.
The more she sipped her Golden Oblivion, the bolder she grew. Before long, she was able to return his heated glances. As the other women chatted, their voices faded. Locked in a bubble with Alex, she couldn’t have been more spellbound if he’d spiked her drink.
Covet was working its magic on her.
Anise didn’t seem to be languishing under the same spell. She’d noticed the way Alex hung close to Dana and the way he looked at her. Worse still, Dana suspected her sister had noticed the way she looked at him.
Guilt prickled the area between her shoulder blades. She should have told Anise about Tommy, but the timing had always seemed wrong.
Of course, Anise was jumping to conclusions. Dana would have done the same thing.
She had to fix this, and soon.
When Anise drank her last sip of Golden Oblivion, Alex smiled. “I’m glad you enjoyed the drink. Can I top it up for you?”
“No, thank you.”
“So, Anise,” he said. “What do you do for a living?”
“Sales.”
Alex waited for her to elaborate but she didn’t. “What kind of sales?”
“Real estate.”
“Ah.”
When the silence once again hung heavily, Dana spoke for her sister. “My sister is modest. She wouldn’t tell you herself but she’s amazing at what she does. In fact, she was the top broker in her company last year.”
“That’s great,” said Alex. “Congratulations. You must really understand the market.”
In any other situation, Anise would have appreciated the praise. This time, she merely nodded.
Bea polished off her Golden Oblivion. “I think maybe I could use a top up on that drink, Alex.”
“Of course.”
Anise chose that moment to break her relative silence. “Actually, Alex, if you don’t mind, I think it’s time we hit the dance floor. Right, ladies?”
“You bet. I want you to have fun. The DJ will be here until morning. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the fortune teller while you’re here.”
“A fortune teller?” Jessica’s voice rose. “That sounds fun.”
“She’s doing readings in the small room next to the entrance,” said Alex. “We also have one of the top illusionists arriving shortly to do some tricks for the guests. And when you’re in the club, please make sure Viola gets all your orders. I’ve asked her to take good care of you tonight. Food and drinks are on me.”
“That’s very generous of you,” said Bea.
