The Game Room

by Annabel Lucas

  Tess nodded at Shane and gestured to the car.

  “I need a few minutes to wrap this up.” She whispered, not wanting to interrupt the call.

  “Of course. Take your time.” Shane said slipping by to load her shopping bags into the car.

  Shane fussed with the bags adjusting them so the dreamy dresses inside wouldn’t be wrinkled more than need be. Joe hustled over to assist with the bags.

  “Successful shopping trip?” he mused.

  Shane laughed. “Absolutely.”

  Joe cast a worried glance toward Tess. “She doesn’t seem happy.”

  Shane nodded in agreement. “I was thinking the same thing.” Shane noticed the way Joe looked at Tess and had to smile.

  “Do you want to wait in the car?” He asked. “Out of this heat?”

  “Yes, please.” She said and slid in when Joe opened the door.

  “Tess requested some snacks for you both.”

  While they had been shopping, Joe had retrieved sweet wine and chocolate covered strawberries.

  “Mmmm. This looks yummy.”

  Joe smiled. “Tess thought so too.” Shane’s stomach rumbled and she found herself caught between wanting to taste the delicacy before her and retaining her good manners with her more than generous friend. Joe had poured two glasses of wine and Shane allowed herself a single sip. The wine was ice cold and delicious.

  A moment later, Tess blew into the car almost as hot as the desert heat that followed behind her. Her eyes were stormy, lips drawn into a tight line.

  Shane thoughts immediately turned to Micah as she touched Tess’s arm.

  “What’s wrong? Is Micah okay?”

  “Oh,” Tess’s expression softened at Shane’s worry. “No, no. Micah is fine. No new news, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

  Relief flooded Shane’s chest. She was more attached to Ryan’s stand in for a father than she’s realized.

  Tess continued on, “He’s doing well, still in good hands. The nurse called about an hour ago with an update.”

  So, the news wasn’t about Micah, but Tess was still stressed out. Shane waited for the rest of the story. She noticed her hand still lay against Tess’s bare arm. Her touch of concern lay a little too long. She wondered if Tess noticed as she drew her hand back into her lap.

  “It’s Anthony. He’s not coming tonight.” Her eyes shimmered with tears that refused to fall. “I understand his dedication to his job. I live the same kind of life he does, and I appreciate the importance of taking care of responsibilities.” She shook her head. “I’m just beginning to see that he doesn’t see me as one of the things he needs to take care of.”

  Shane opened her mouth to protest,

  “But I thought-”. Tess nodded and continued.

  “It’s been this way between us for a while. We work well together. That part is exceptional, actually. It’s just that the romantic things tend to fall aside. Almost like it’s the last thing on his mind.”

  Shane nodded. She understood. Anthony was a rising star in the food industry. He was under constant scrutiny and pressure to meet the public’s demands. As much as he wanted to take time to spend with Tess, if there was a fire burning in his day to day business, he’d have to be the one to put it out.

  It was an understanding that came easily to Shane. She didn’t need Tess to explain it.

  “Things have gotten old quickly. And if I’m being honest, I’m not used to being pushed aside.” Tess looked at Shane again, her face indignant. “Ever. Let alone again and again.”

  Shane noticed that Joe had been quiet while Tess spoke. The fire that burned in her eyes now was anger at being cast aside, not tearful remorse. He tested the waters.

  “Tess.” He said her name softly.

  She was silent but looked up in acknowledgement. Joe watched her from the rearview mirror.

  “If you were my girl, I’d never let something else steal my attention.” He winked at her, and she smiled.

  “Ever.” A blush rose in her checks casting out the fury that had been present a moment before. “Are you still in the mood for retail refreshments?” he asked in a cheerful voice.

  Her lovely lips curled into a smirk. “Now, how could I say no to that?”

  His laugh boomed in the car. “I’m so glad to hear that. Dig in.” Two hours and two bottles of wine later, Joe returned them to the hotel.

  Shane slid out of the car,

  “Joey, what time will you be back?” Her body felt liquid and warm. They’d all bonded during the drive, and now he was Joey.

  “How long do you ladies need?” he asked as he laid a steadying hand on her as he handed her the Boutique shopping bags.

  Tess sat in the back seat, long legs dangling as she checked her watch. Shane doubted Tess could see her watch with how tipsy they both were.

  “Our reservation is at seven. What time is it now?” She widened her eyes and held out her wrist in an attempt to read the time.

  Joe laughed, clearly amused. He lay a reassuring hand on her.

  “It’s close to 5. How about I roll back around about 6:30 to pick you up. Sound good?”

  “Perfect, actually.” She said, and Shane noticed his hand lay on her friend just a beat longer than necessary. Shane had to force down the smile that begun to creep across her lips.

  “Okay, enjoy the rest of your afternoon.” He said and slid into the driver’s seat. Between the wine and listening to Tess’s tell her all about Anthony, she’d forgotten to say thank you for all the beautiful things. Oh god, what terrible manners.

  “Tess,” Her voice came out in a slight whine. “You shouldn’t have bought me that dress. I was going to pay for it.” She leaned against her new friend and felt Tess lean back. Soft and warm as always.

  “It was so nice, but…” Shane paused, searching for the words. “too much. It’s too much.”

  Tess squeezed her arm, still pressed against her side. “I didn’t buy you that dress.”

  Shane’s mind lagged behind the words, thick with the afternoon wine. “What?” She asked, confused.

  Tess laughed, amused. “I bought you the dress…and the shoes.” She paused, “And all the pretty little things that go underneath.” As Tess spoke, her lovely lips curled into a smile. “I thought you’d like it.”

  Shane flushed. “Like it? Yes.” She laughed, feeling breathless. “I love it. Thank you.”

  “You are very welcome.” Tess replied. As they spoke, they made their way through the crowded lobby. With Tess, Shane felt like they were the only two people in the room.

  “Shane?” Tess’s voice dragged.

  Shane’s laughter was her response. “Tess,” She replied dragging out the s.

  “Let’s go get ready in my room. Tell Ryan we’ll meet him back down here in an hour.” It was an instruction, but her voice turned up at the end with the inflection of a question.

  “Okay.” Shane agreed, as she slipped her phone out of her purse to text him. Her ability for independent thought seemed to have taken its leave. She struggled to type the message.

  “Just text him from my room. Here, honey, help me carry. Okay.” Again, instruction with the inflection of a question.

  Shane complied eagerly and slid her fingers into the bulk of the Boutique shopping bags. “This way.” Tess said, directing Shane to a different bank of elevators. As she spoke, Tess linked her arm though Shane’s.

  “Oh,” Shane paused so she could follow instead of lead. “I didn’t realize…”

  Tess nodded, “Yeah, this is the way. I’m in the penthouse suite. Up top.”

  “Well, that’s fancy.” Shane teased.

  The bellman guarding the elevator bank to the penthouse suites was different too. Tess smiled at him and he nodded as retrieved their elevator.

  A moment later, they were ascending to the top floor of the hotel. Floors clicked by with only the flick of golden number after golden number as indicators. They landed well below floor 69, as it had been in her
dream. Shane felt a giggle rise in her belly.

  “What?” Tessa turned, her golden hair falling in silky strands that framed her face. Her tawny eyes drowsy with wine.

  “Oh, it was just-”.

  Something inside her stopped her with a whisper. The sober Shane; The we’re-going-to-have-to-work-with-this-client Shane. The elevator chimed their arrival. It was just enough distraction to break Tess’s expectant gaze.

  Shane stepped out into the hallway beyond the elevator doors. The door to the penthouse stood at the end of the hallway. The space had an untouched feel, decadent and new. Shane wondered how often the hotel booked the penthouse for guests. They both stumbled towards the door.

  Tess fumbled with her purse for a moment before she found the penthouse keycard. She waved it clumsily, in front of what Shane guessed to be the scanner. The door eventually complied and opened inward.

  Shane followed Tess into the cool, dark room. The penthouse suite was a relief from the desert heat and the afternoon drink. Suddenly, her body felt too tired. The shopping bags slipped from her fingers, landing softly on the thick penthouse carpet.

  She felt the girl’s presence for only a moment before Tess made contact. Shane jumped and let out a nervous giggle. Definitely didn’t see that coming.

  In the cool dim room, the golden girl pressed into her. Her soft curves against Shane’s. There was a pause between them; a second that a question was asked and answered. They both knew what would come next.

  I kissed a girl and I liked it. The sentence began to play on a loop in Shane’s head.

  And then, it happened. The kiss was like no other. Tess tasted like strawberries and wine, and her breath carried the hint of chocolate. Shane let herself be kissed, her lips exploring the edge of desire.

  Tess’s fingers curled around the curve of Shane’s hips. Shane reached back, pulling her in as she wrapped her arms around Tess’s narrow waist. She accepted the gift of the kiss, unsure of the next step from this place in the dark.

  Tess broke the kiss for a moment, breathless. Shane could feel Tess’s heart beating against hers, their bodies entwined.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that since I saw you in that dress. Actually, I’ve been wanting to do that since I-”

  Shane didn’t hear how the sentence ended. She pressed her lips against Tess’s mouth again and this time, she felt Tess’s tongue slip between her lips, gentle and probing. Shane felt her desire rise because she could not stop liking to kiss this girl. It felt so good, so right. Her hands found their way up and into Tess’s hair and Shane deepened the kiss.

  More, more. She wanted more. Shane breathed into the kiss, acutely aware that they were melding into each other.

  Ohh goddd. She did not want to pull back, but she remembered bearing witness to Ryan’s kiss with this golden girl and wondered how he would feel about this kiss.

  “Tess,” Shane pulled back, breath coming quickly. Her heart pound too loud in her ears. Tess pulled her back in and it was harder to pull away this time.

  “Tess,” Shane broke the kiss again. “Tessa.”

  It was a nickname she’d only heard Ryan use. Shane said it now as her hands were roamed over the other girl’s body, her own body not wanting to listen to the words as they fell from her lips.

  “Tess.” Shane said more firmly. This time, her hands responded. It seemed that they finally could hear her. They landed low on Tess’s waist, pressing their bodies together gently, ever so gently.

  “Wait.” Shane kissed her again, wanting to make her understand. Tess’s lips settled on hers again, this kiss a desire to connect, to stay in the moment. Hmmmmm. Shane felt Tess breathe into her, soft and sweet. Tess pulled back then, honoring her new friends request.

  “Should we get ready?” she asked.

  Shane laughed. “Yes.”

  “Joey is going to be back in like an hour. Want to shower?” Her eyes had adjusted enough now to see Tess’s tawny eyes sparkle with the invitation.

  “Yes,” Shane said slowly, her head nodded approval. “but I think I should go back to my room and shower.”

  Tess nodded. “Of course. Here, let’s get your things for you.” Tess knelt before her, running her hands through bags, feeling her way through the new purchases. Shane was acutely aware when Tess found her bag, her hands would be all over the lacy corset, silk stockings and lovely sheer dress. Tess found the bag and knelt before her.

  “Here you go.” She was holding up the bag as she stood up. “And this one has your shoes.”

  Shane blushed, feeling awkward and embarrassed. “Ahh, shoes.”

  Tess laughed, “Armani, no less.”

  Tess stood before her. Shane was close enough to feel her breath. Her body flushed with desire. She knew now what kissing Tess tasted like and if she was being honest, she wanted another taste. Tess hovered for a moment, close enough to return to the kiss they had begun- an unspoken invitation.

  Shane’s body ached to lean in, to betray the instruction her mind kept repeating. Pick up the fucking bag and let’s go. Instead, she plunged ahead. She didn’t know what to say but wanted to express her desire without disregarding her feelings for Ryan.

  “Tess.” Jesus. I can’t stop saying her name.

  Shane felt Tess’s hand on hers, and Tess spoke, finding the words Shane couldn’t bring herself to say.

  “I had such a great time today.” She squeezed Shane’s hand. “I can’t wait for tonight. I don’t even care that Anthony isn’t coming. I guess,” She paused and took a deep breath. “I just needed to realize he wasn’t really what I wanted, anyway.”

  Shane blinked, taking in what she’d just heard.

  Tess was still talking. “So, I’ll see you and Ryan downstairs around 6?”

  “Yes,” She spoke and felt her body responding with relief and something else. Regret? “that’s perfect. I know he’s looking forward to it.”

  Shane could feel Tess smile in the darkness. “I’m looking forward to it too.”

  Shane stepped onto the elevator and descended to her floor before making her way to her hotel room. She showered and primped; scrunching her hair into curls. Shane pulled a chair up to the hotel mirror to create a makeshift vanity and spread her make-up out before her.

  She pushed aside all thoughts of the kiss. Getting ready was a ritual she loved and tonight held the promise of something completely new. Her hands went through the motions. She rubbed lotion on her shaved legs and moisturizer to her face before she carefully applied her makeup. She selected a shimmery shade of eyeshadow that would draw out the iridescent indigo of her eyes. Black always enhanced the hidden shade. Dark curls and the dark dress should do the trick. She wished more than once that she had Sophia’s agile fingers to help her into the corset and stockings. Finding her way into it the same way Sophia had earlier that day proved difficult.

  When Shane turned to see herself in the full-length mirror, she was not disappointed. The effort was worth it. She took in her silhouette in the cup-less corset. The lacy undergarment drew her waist in, emphasizing her hips and flat belly. The curve of her ass was lovely and the straps from the silk stockings clung to her thighs in a seductive manner.

  She slipped into the Armani pumps just to test the impact of the sexy undergarments and heels. She watched a slow smile slide across her face. Damn. She mouthed at the girl in the mirror. Never been so sexy.

  Shane retrieved the dress and slid it over her mane of hair. She let the dress slip down around her midriff. It gathered at her waist and then, with a little encouragement, slithered down the length of her body. The slit up to her thigh encouraged any onlooker to look. Shane slid her own hands into the top of the dress to adjust her breasts just as Sophia had done. When she finished, her nipples were erect from her own caresses and adjustment. It was pretty clear she wasn’t wearing a bra.

  From across the room, she heard her phone vibrate in her purse. It had to be a message.

  She hurried to retrieve it and found it was Ryan
. “Coming?”

  She sent back a happy face. “Coming.”

  “Meet me in the lobby. Can’t wait.”

  “Me neither.” She replied.

  Shane glanced at the girl in the mirror and smiled. Have fun tonight. She turned to go but turned right back, light dancing in her eyes. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

  CHAPTER 5

  Drive

  N ight in the hotel was a lot different daytime. The amount twenty or thirty somethings out on the town increased drastically, while the people dressed in business attire has dwindled to almost nothing.

  Thank god. She was ready for a night in the city. Even if it was Monday, it certainly didn’t feel like it. It felt like a Saturday. This trip had been so off, and today was the first day she’d felt on.

  Shane felt his eyes on her before she saw him. Then Ryan was moving across the room to her like a predator to prey. His dark eyes intent on reaching her before she ventured into the crowd. He had always been sexy. Tonight, he was magnetic. She wanted to touch him as soon as she laid eyes him and she felt his need mirror her own.

  He was dressed in a black button-down shirt, black slacks and black shoes. The top two buttons of his shirt were open, revealing the hollow of collarbone and a delicious tan. He carried that casual I’m-not—even-trying aura that drew women in like flies. She knew his secrets. She was one of the women. Shane licked her suddenly dry lips. If she’d been wearing panties, they would’ve been damp.

  “Hey sugar.” He said. And there he was, moving in to hold her. His hand was on her waist, feeling its way to the small of her back and down where his fingers felt the curve of her ass. He kissed the corner of her mouth, then placed another kiss on her temple. Wanting and waiting.

  He spoke into her tumble of curls. “You. Are. Breathtaking.”

  She smiled, pleased with the feedback.

  “Really?” She smiled as his breath tickled at her ear. “You too.” She whispered back.