Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
“Girl, please. I think you read too many romance books.”
“I bet you twenty bucks.”
“You’re on.”
****
“Petra, I was supposed to meet Mr. Wilbanks down there five minutes ago.”
“Go without me. I promise I’ll be down there shortly. I can take the elevator by myself.”
“Fine. Don’t take too long, or I’ll have to send a search party for you,” he growls, and then his strong footsteps make their way toward the door, leaving me in the hotel suite alone. We have a two-bedroom suite that’s the size of a large apartment. It must cost a fortune, but I’ve learned that Mr. Shaw is more than rich; the man is wealthy.
Finally, I wait two more minutes and then grab my things. I’ve been ready for twenty minutes, stalling because I didn’t want him to tell me to change or disinvite me if he saw my outfit. Most of the women here will be wearing something similar. In fact, I saw one of the ladies here earlier, and she was already dressed in a tiny cocktail dress that barely covered her ass.
Now that I think about it, I better hurry before they latch on to his side. What if Val’s wrong and he’s not interested in me like that?
Building up the bravery, I leave the room and take the elevator down to the lobby. “Hello, Miss. Can I help you?” I’m greeted by a man in a nice hotel suit. He clearly takes an interest in my looks but still keeps a professional distance. I’m sure it’s normal to be surrounded by beautiful, half-clothed women all day in Vegas.
“I’m looking for the Expo drinks hour.”
“Yes, down here in this hall.” I follow him as he leads the way. The door’s open, and I’m greeted by another gentleman in a matching uniform.
“Hello, Ma’am. Your name?”
“Petra Novak with Shaw Enterprises.”
“Sorry, there must be a mix up. We have you listed as Petra Shaw, Shaw Enterprises. We can have it fixed in the morning.” They hand me my lanyard. Damn it. I slide it over my neck but turn the name tag around so it’s facing inward.
“There’s no need to bother,” Jack growls, turning my badge around. “It’ll keep the perverts off my assistant.” I blush and duck my head.
A woman in a nice red dress with a slit down her right leg appears, and I’m shocked at how beautiful she is. She smiles and says, “I doubt it will do much good because she’s not wearing a ring and she’s stunning, but who knows. Good luck. Maybe try wearing a potato sack. Then again, on you, dear, you’d probably still be stunning.”
“Thank you,” I answer.
“Yes. I’ll look and check to see if we still make those burlap sacks,” Jack mutters. “Excuse us.”
We turn away from the table, and Jack is about to lead us toward the exit when an overweight-looking man with a full head of gray hair says, “Hello, Shaw. I’m glad you finally found me. At first you were too busy with Miss Rice, but it seems you’ve brought your own little beauty with you. Petra Shaw?”
“A mix-up with the name tags. I’m Petra Novak, his assistant.” I wave my bare hand. “Happily not married, but I do have a boyfriend back in Chicago.”
“It’s a pity. I have a son somewhere around here who gets his genes from his mother’s side. He could use a beauty like you on his arm.”
“Mr. Wilbanks, I believe you wanted to discuss a trade deal.”
“Yes, please do talk. I’m about to get a drink.” I step away from Jack and head straight to the bar. The drinks are linked to our ID cards, so I order a margarita and stand at the bar while I wait. Turning back, I steal a look at Jack and the man. Jack has purposely turned his body to get a better view of the bar from here.
“So, you’re here with Jack Shaw. That’s a first that he’d bring his assistant on a trip, and how convenient of you to have your name tag botched. I know he’s not married and I have my eyes set on him, so you can just find yourself another guy.” I see her lanyard reads April Rice, and I want to kick her. She’s pretty, of course, with a killer body that men drool over, and like Wilbanks says, they were probably making plans to hook up later when I walked in.
“Good for you. It’s nice to have plans. Although this one isn’t up to just you, so I’d be careful what you say. My boss takes his reputation seriously, and if you’re going to announce an engagement before he does, maybe you should let him know.”
“We’re not engaged, you little twit.”
“Whatever, then get out of my way.” I take my drink and walk off toward the two men when a third joins, and he’s handsome. Not as handsome as Jack Shaw, but then again, there aren’t many men in the world that could rival Jack’s looks.