He had already turned his attention back to the computer screen when I left them to it. I went off in search of Emily, wanting to see how she was doing. With an hour to kill, I wanted to spend it with her, seeing the resort as she did and answering any questions she might have.
27
Emily
“It looks very similar to the setup in New York,” I remarked as Edwin led the way through the various showrooms.
“That’s my understanding,” he said with a wide smile. “I have not seen it for myself, so I can’t confirm nor deny.”
I patted my cheeks, realizing they hurt from smiling so much. Edwin was one of those people who could keep you grinning with his commentary and his quirkiness.
I’d learned quite a bit about Edwin Melrose in the hour I’d been in his company. At the ripe young age of sixty-six, he’d spent the majority of his career working on the gaming floor at a handful of casinos along the strip. He’d retired two years ago, hoping his wife of forty years would do the same. She hadn’t yet, which had spurred him to find something else to do. When he saw the ad for Delta June’s, Edwin opted to come out of retirement for the chance to work here. In the short amount of time I’d spent with him, I found him friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about all things Vegas. I knew he would be an excellent addition to Delta June’s and had told him as much.
“What’s next on our list?” he mused before lifting a finger into the air. “I was thinking—”
His sentence cut off as we were coming out of the largest of the main floor showrooms when I saw Kieran strolling toward us.
The man was sin on a stick. He looked good no matter what he wore, but when he donned one of his finely tailored suits, I feared I would drool. Until yesterday, I’d only seen him in casual clothes. I’d also had the pleasure of seeing him naked, and truth be told, I preferred him in the buff, but the black, pin-stripe suit was a close second.
Instantly, I smiled, turning toward him, welcoming him to join us.
“Good morning, Edwin,” Kieran greeted the older man with a smile. “How’s Elise?”
I watched Kieran, entranced by his pleasantness. I’d noticed he and Knox treated all of their employees that way. They seemed to know personal details about the people they’d hired. Enough they could inquire as to how they were. I wanted to have that type of relationship with my employees. I just wasn’t sure I had the mental capacity to keep it all straight.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. O’Rourke.” Edwin shook his proffered hand. “She’s divine, as always. Thank you for asking.”
“I hope I didn’t interrupt.”
“No,” Edwin answered easily. “Not at all.”
Kieran turned his full attention to me. “Enjoying your tour?”
“I am.” I glanced at Edwin briefly. “I have a very knowledgeable guide.”
“Thank you, Miss Campbell.” Edwin peered up at Kieran. “Shall I leave her in your capable hands?”
“That would be appreciated,” he answered, placing his hand on the small of my back.
Edwin took his leave, strolling in the opposite direction than Kieran guided me, Edwin’s harmonious whistle slowly fading away.
“We weren’t finished,” I informed him, though I was certain he already knew that.
“I may not know who built the first convenience store on the strip or how many T-shirts were bought by tourists in a given year, but I’ve got a fair share of knowledge to impart.” He peered down at me. “If you trust me, that is.”
I chuckled. “I trust you, Mr. O’Rourke.”
“Careful, love. That’s the sort of sassy talk that might result in me getting you naked.”
“Promises, promises.”
Kieran cleared his throat. “What do you think so far?”
“About you getting me naked?” I teased.
He groaned softly. “About Delta June’s.”
I forced myself to focus, wanting to prove to him that I was dedicated to learning all that I could while I was here. “I’m not sure which I like more,” I admitted. “I love the Broadway vibe of the New York showrooms, but this is incredible. Was it your idea or Knox’s to go with the old-Vegas, gangster vibe?”
