"This location was built back in the early days of Las Vegas. For a time, it was mobster central," my realtor said as we approached the front of the building. The style and the tiredness of the building showed its age.
What I didn’t understand was why a building that was mobster central would be empty and rundown. "Seems like a place like this would have some historical interest. But what I'm seeing here looks like it's been abandoned for a while."
"Some of that has to do with people wanting to be closer to the center of things as well as the economy. For all the tourist money that comes into Las Vegas, clubs and restaurants come and go on a regular basis here."
"Those are the only two reasons?" There had to be more to it.
She opened the door to let me in. "Well, the building also has some disturbing history. Some say it's haunted. Others feel like it just has bad juju. The truth of the matter is that once the casinos and other clubs went in, this location suffered. No one who has bought it has been able to make it a success. With that said, the past incarnations have been a restaurant, bar, and liquor store, but not a club."
It was never a good idea to invest in a location that had a history of bankruptcy. Particularly over fifty years of it. But I was intrigued by the history of the building and of the idea that it could be haunted. Its terrible history meant I could probably get a really good deal on it as well.
The inside was even more rundown than the outside suggested. In the corner, a dusty neon sign sayingDesert Oasiswas propped against the wall. I’d definitely need to get an inspector in to check out the structure and systems of the building. But what I could see with my eyes only needed a good scrub and cosmetic fixes. Any place Sam and I bought would undergo renovations, so the work needed here wasn't a big issue.
"The history is a little disconcerting, but I actually like this place. I’d like to get as much information on it as I can."
"I would be happy to pull together information about the building’s history, if you’d like."
"I would like that."
"I have two other locations for us to look at, but I’ll keep this one on the list."
The next location was automatically out because it was smack dab next door to an all-inclusive casino resort. The next location wasn't perfect as it was very close to the Bellagio Fountains. But the realtor pointed out that many people come to the fountains who are not staying at the Bellagio, and the building itself was pretty good, so it went on the list as well.
I got to the hotel at just before three and decided I would get some exercise before my date with Amelia tonight. After running five miles on the hotel gym’s treadmill, I returned to my suite and took a shower. As the water washed over me, I imagined having Amelia there with me, seeing all that gorgeous red hair, wet and sticking to her creamy, smooth skin. Of course, my dick rose to the occasion, and I considered giving him some relief but then opted not to. He’d just have to wait till later tonight.
Once I was dressed, I gave my mother a quick call just to check in. She reminded me for the umpteenth time not to forget about Thanksgiving. She asked about Sam, and I only gave her the basics. I figured all the craziness with Kate was for Sam to tell her about, not me.
When I got off the phone with her, I considered calling Sam again, but to be honest, I didn't want to hear if things had gone wrong. I felt a little guilty about that, but I had a night with Amelia to look forward to and I didn't want to be bogged down by my brother’s disappointment.
When it was time, I headed down to the lobby, my excitement growing with every second I came closer to seeing Amelia. I felt like a fucking kid on Christmas morning about to discover what Santa left under the tree. It was a good thing that I was going home tomorrow. Otherwise, this could be a real problem.
When I got to the lobby, she was already there waiting for me. She smiled brightly, and I smiled back, pretty sure I looked like a lovesick loon. No. Not lovesick. Not that.
When I reached her, I pressed my hand against her back and pulled her close, giving her a quick kiss. "You look great." I wasn't kidding. She wore a sexy dress that was somewhere between blue and green that looked amazing with her red hair and ivory skin.
"You don't look so bad yourself, slick."
I didn't think I looked any different than usual. I wore a pair of charcoal gray slacks and a white shirt. I omitted the tie but did wear a jacket.
"Do you know where you want to go tonight?" she asked.
"I was thinking I’d take you to the Roarke."
She fanned her face. "Ooh, la-la. Someone wants to spend big money tonight." She leaned a little closer to me. "But you don't have to spend a fortune to get lucky tonight, just so you know."
My dick twitched to life at her flirty, sexy words. I laughed. "Good to know."
"I hope you don't mind. I didn't drive. I got a rideshare here and figured I would take it home whenever our date finished."
I nodded. It was probably a good idea. I imagine she spent a fortune in parking last night. Perhaps I should've offered to have paid for that.
We ordered a car, and a few minutes later, we were in the backseat heading toward the restaurant. The Roarke family was world-famous for their upscale restaurants. They also had amazing clubs located around the world.
Amelia glanced over at me. "Are you going to brag about how you're connected to the Roarke family?"
I felt my cheeks heat. I wasn't sure whether I was embarrassed that she knew of my connection or worried that she thought I was trying to show off. "How do you know about that?"
"You don't think I didn't do my research on you before I had sex with you, do you?"