Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
He stared at me and burst out laughing.
“I never thought about those legs that way, Aldo. But I think you have.”
I stood.
“Fuck off.”
His laughter followed me out of the door.
I got in my car and took a drive. Roman stared at the Falls to calm himself. I drove. I wound away from the Falls and into the park, pulling over in a secluded spot and parking. I walked to an empty bench and tugged off my jacket. I sat, stretching out my legs and crossing my ankles. I drew in some long breaths and rolled my shoulders, letting the sun and quiet do their job. After a few moments, I felt better. I ignored the buzzing of my phone and concentrated on the peace. The park would be busier soon, with tourists and locals flocking to the area for picnics and fun, but right now, it was fairly deserted.
My phone buzzed again, and I answered it.
“Roman.”
“I was pulling your leg, Aldo.”
“Is that a fact?”
“I saw how you looked at that woman. I wanted to see how you reacted. I was right.”
“The subject is not up for discussion. She is an employee.”
“We don’t have a nonfraternization clause.”
“I am her boss’s boss. That is an HR issue screaming to happen.”
“But you like her.”
“I don’t know her.”
“You still like her.”
“Unless you need me, I’m on a break.”
“A break?” he laughed. “That’s a first.”
“Do you need something?”
“No.”
I hung up. He would hate that, but he deserved it.
And he was right. I liked her.
What a fucking complication.
On my way back to the hotel, I stopped by the apartment building Violet was now living in. Brian and Fran were outside, tidying the yard. The building was well maintained, and I knew they took great pride in it.
Brian shook my hand.
“Thank you for helping Ms. Nelson.”
He waved me off. “She seems great. A bit down on her luck.”
Fran shook her head. “I took her some linens and a pillow last night. She was just going to sleep on the sofa with nothing.”
I didn’t like that idea. For some reason, the thought of her being without bothered me.
“Thank you.” I reached into my pocket and handed Brian some cash. “First and last.”
“We can wait.”
“No. When she tries to pay, tell her it is handled. I’ll speak with her.” I paused. “But don’t say anything to her right away.”
They exchanged a glance but said nothing. Brian handed Fran the cash. “You can record that, hon.”
She took the money and went inside. I shook Brian’s hand again. “Next time you’re coming for a night, let me know. I’ll get you a table at the buffet on the house.” They loved the buffet.
“Thanks, Aldo.”
“If Ms. Nelson needs anything, let me know.”
He nodded. “I will.”
The next night, I was tired. The casino was packed, the noise level growing increasingly louder as the hours wore on. Laughter, conversation, the machines, the crowds. All of it swelled, rarely dying down. The casino was always busy, but the weekends in the summer were the craziest. Tourists, locals, and VIPs poured through the doors constantly. And Saturday evenings were the busiest of them all. Roman and I had been walking, shaking hands, overseeing any issues, helping to set up private games, doing everything we needed to do to make sure our VIPs were happy. They spent a huge amount of money here. It was obscene.
We also made sure the regular people simply enjoying a night out were satisfied. Drinks, snacks, upgraded food, complimentary parking. I issued it all, knowing a few free things and some preferential treatment would bring their hard-earned dollars back again. The hotel was booked solid as well, although I knew some of the rooms would barely be used. Many of the serious gamblers wouldn’t leave the casino until the early hours of the morning, or even later.
I glanced at my watch, not surprised to see it was past midnight. I was hungry and needed a break. Normally, I would order something and head to my office, but tonight, I found myself outside Rolling Dice. It was quieter but still busy. I stood for a moment and watched, my gaze focused on one thing.
Violet Nelson.
Today, she wore the uniform with the polka-dot skirt and the tight T-shirt. It left her legs bare, and even in sneakers, they were sexy as hell. She moved around the tables, filling coffee cups, taking orders, carrying a tray like a pro. Wanda saw me and came over. “Mr. Ricci.”
“How is she doing?” I asked, trying to appear casual.
“She is a godsend. She showed up early last night, menu memorized. I showed her around and explained the software, and an hour later, you’d think she’d been here a month. The cooks love her, the other staff think she is great, and the customers agree. Her tips are amazing.” Wanda laughed softly. “She tried to give some back last night because she thought there was a mistake. Even with the kitchen portion taken out, her tips were bigger than anyone’s. I suspect it will happen again tonight.”