Chapter 2 June’s POV
I finally mustered the courage to go get my belongings from the apartment I shared with Declan after Cassie encouraged me to because I was reluctant. Thankfully, he wasn’t home so I picked up everything that belonged to me and left him a goodbye note on the table.
The trip to Las Vegas was an eventful one, all thanks to Cassie. She was a chatterbox and so there were no dull moments with her. We pulled up in front of a magnificent hotel and dragged our suitcases along, got to the reception and met the receptionist.
“Good day Ma’am, how may I help you both?” The receptionist asked with a charming smile.
“I’m Cassandra Edwards and here’s Junie Bennet. We have a reservation here.”
“Hold on a sec while I confirm, please,” she typed on her computer, and then handed over a key card to Cassie. “Room 202. Welcome to Vegas and you both enjoy your stay”
“Thank you,” we both chorused in unison.
“I’m free as a bird, this trip was needed especially for me,” I said as I jumped on the bed like a ten-year-old.
“You can say that again baby girl. Welcome to Las Vegas,” Cassie said, smiling.
“I can't wait to explore this beautiful city and forget all my worries,” I grinned from ear to ear.
“I know right, sweetie? Let's shower and rest because it's gonna be a long day tomorrow.”
The day finally came, we had a complimentary breakfast and got ready to unwind. The sun reflected on the glass windows of our room. Laughter echoed inside the suite as we discussed and chattered away. I zipped my dress, spun dramatically in front of the large mirror, felt indifferent about it, and sought Cassie’s opinion.
“What do you think? I feel it’s too much,” I asked, fluffing my curls and checking myself from every angle.
She sat cross-legged on the bed in a silky dress, sipping champagne directly from the bottle, raised her head, and opened her mouth in awe.
“Girlie, in Vegas? There’s no such thing as too much. You look stunning and hot.” She gave me a chef’s kiss.
I grinned. I only needed that assurance from her and it worked. My mini dress fitted perfectly, hugging my waist just right, thereby revealing my curves, and my stiletto heels made me feel taller, bolder too, like someone whose heart wasn’t smashed a few days ago by a lying, cheating ex.
Cassie stood to fix my necklace.
“It’s our time to explore. New experiences, new men. Declan who?” She said with a snap of the finger in a bid to mock him.
“Declan never existed,” I smirked, my voice, smooth and low.
“That’s what I’m talking about!” She clinked her bottle against my champagne glass. “Let’s hit the strip. I’ve been dying to see the fancy chandelier bar which was recommended.”
The Chandelier bar at the cosmopolitan glittered and it felt like a dream. The massive strands of crystals dangled from the ceiling, catching the lights and creating a dash of magic. It was a beautiful sight to behold. A purple glow lit the room as soft music blared from the speakers. Every corner smelled of cocktails, lavender and expensive cologne, in fact, it all smelled of luxury.
We both slid into the velvet stools at the bar, still giggling from the walk we had through the casino. Cassie ordered a lavender Martini, while I ordered something sweet and strong.
“I feel like I'm in a music video,” I whispered into her ear, my eyes wide as I glanced around.
All of a sudden, Cassie nudged me with her elbow.
“Look to your right…slowly”
I turned. There he was, fair, tall, and breathtakingly handsome. He had a toned body and biceps to die for, his lips had a pink shade and I imagined kissing them. I was mesmerized by his looks already. I’d been taught that everyone was unique in different ways but this man took that expression to another level entirely. I imagined him naked and the thought alone made me wet.
“Focus Junie…Focus!” I muttered under my breath.
“Here’s your chance girl. It's very obvious that you like him so use this to your advantage,” Cassie said.
He leaned against the bar a few stools away, wearing a fitted white shirt on a pair of black slacks. His jawline looked sculpted, he was just too perfect. As his gaze met mine, I felt a sudden rush of butterflies in my belly.
I got up, adjusted my dress which was rumpled, and walked majestically to the bartender in a bid to order a drink and strike a conversation with him too. This was my chance and I was going to use it wisely.
“I need a shot of tequila mixed with lime,” I spoke softly to the bartender.
“Give the lady whatever she wants, bills on me.”
I turned, and it was him, his voice was baritone.
“Thanks,” I said with a charming smile.
“I don't think I've seen you here before, you seem new if I'm not mistaken,” he said.
“Yeah, I’m on a vacation and I must say, the city isn't bad at all,” I quickly added.
“Welcome to Vegas… I’m hoping you enjoy every bit of it,”
“That's the plan…What’s a handsome young man doing here, sitting all by himself?” I asked slowly with a smile.
“Just chilling after a hectic day. It's something I do often.
He leaned closer, his voice smooth and low.
“You keep looking at me like that, and I’ll start to think you want something.”
I licked my upper lip slowly, and deliberately. There was a sudden rush of tension rising within me. The drink I took was making me feel tipsy and horny at the same time.
“Maybe I do,” I said with a wink, ignoring his arrogance.
“Drink up then, let’s get out of here.”
Like an obedient toddler, I nodded, picked up my glass, and gulped its contents at once. Took my purse, staggered a little and signaled Cassie who was in her own world of flirting with another stranger.
The night had only just begun and I was going to make good use of it.
