Tempo (4 page)

He looks through the folder as if searching for something.

“Why don’t you have a master suite?”

“That’s a good question. I don’t really have an answer
, but my best guess is that a master suite is the intimate place shared by two people. I would want to take my partners wishes into consideration when I design this space. I currently have no partner so it’s irrelevant at this point in my life.”

“No boyfriend, fiancé, dating buddy?” he asks.

Shocked by his personal interrogation, I open my mouth to speak, but only a stutter breaks through. “N-no, I don’t have anyone.” Looking up at the seatbelt indicator I see that I am free to move about the cabin. I fidget with my seatbelt trying to release it. It pops open. I quickly stand and make my way to the bathroom. I feel light headed and dizzy, no doubt the result of too many glasses of champagne. In the restroom, I look myself over in the mirror and splash my face with water. I just visually undressed a man I don’t know and I shared some intimate details of my life with him. The girl looking back seems happy in spite of the mans intrusion into her personal life. Reliving the easy banter I was having with Michael I commit myself to enjoying the remainder of the flight. Smiling at the girl in the mirror, I decide that it’s time for her to move on with her life.  As I leave the bathroom, the smart girl whispers:
I am so ready to move on!
Thinking I may have lost my mind I head back to my seat. Sliding into 3B, Michael asks if I’m all right.

“Perfect, I couldn’t be better,” smiling like a kid in a candy store.

John stops by to see if we need anything, feeling a little chilled I ask for a blanket. As he turns to leave, I stop him to ask one more question.

“After several glasses of champagne, and no breakfast, is there anything you can bring me to snack on?”

John looks at me and replies, “I have warm nuts.”

He obviously didn’t see the humor in his statement. Unable to control myself, I laugh so hard that I snort which makes me laugh even harder. Looking around I can see that the passengers in front and behind my seat are also laughing. Looking over at Michael, he is barely able to control himself. Glancing up, John shakes his head and leaves to retrieve my blanket and nuts.

Fed and warm, I curl up on my side, and look at Michael. His profile is perfect; his lips are full and kissable. I thought his eyes were brown, but I can see now that they contain golden flecks. He is so beautiful!

Feeling my gaze on him, he turns and smiles at me. The shock of someone offering me what sounded like an invitation to devour his warm nuts was too much for me to contain. Things that normally wouldn’t be funny become hilarious when you haven’t had any sleep, but it felt so good to laugh. Trying to fill the quiet, I decide to pry some personal information out of my sexy seatmate.

“So, I feel I am at a disadvantage. I have shared a lot of information about me, what about you?”

“What about me?”

“Tell me something about yourself.”

“There isn’t much to tell.”

Rolling my eyes, I egg him on. “Oh come on, you can divulge something.”

With furrowed brows, Michael appears to be contemplating. “I own a vineyard, now it’s your turn.”

“My turn, no fair! This isn’t about me right now, it’s about you, but a vineyard sounds cool.”

“Life isn’t fair Karlie, it’s your turn.”

Biting my lip and considering what to tell him, I blurt out “I have never flown before.”

Laughing, Michael makes a face of fear and grabs the armrests trying to mimic me. “Really? I would have never guessed.”

Watching him tease me, I smile. Our conversation stalls and I can feel the lack of sleep begin to catch up with me. The champagne, and late night have won. I drift off to sleep; my final thoughts are of his kissable lips.

He doesn’t speak, but pulls me to him. My head falls on his strong broad chest. I inhale his scent. He smells of fresh air and citrus with a hint of something more. Warmth spreads through me.  His arm drapes over me and pulls me closer, I reach up to steady myself and spread my hand over his chest.  I raise my head to nuzzle his neck, planting small kisses where my lips can reach. I hear a sigh. Was that him or me? Encouraged by the sound, my hand begins to explore him, caressing his chest, I feel his nipple harden and hear an audible gasp. I memorize each curve. Slowly, my hand finds its way to his stomach; his core is strong. My fingers manipulate each band of muscle. Through his shirt I can feel the hairline leading me to his sweet spot. Slipping lower I can feel him pulsing, my palm slides over his mass. I am shaking!

“Karlie! Hey Karlie! Wake up!”

Feeling my body shake, I open my eyes only to realize that I have fallen asleep on Michael. His hand is on my shoulder gently shaking me awake. Lifting my head to apologize, I suddenly remember my dream. Bolting upright, I look into his eyes and my worst fears are realized. I have just molested a complete stranger. My eyes dart to where his thighs touch and the confirmation is long and strong. I can see the outline of his erection straining against his jeans. Looking back to his face I see the gleam in his eyes. My mouth falls open
, but no words come out. Michael looks down at himself. Raising his gaze to my eyes he smiles. “Some dream huh?”

Reaching for my seatbelt, I pull and tug
, but it won’t come undone. The sound of frustration is apparent in my mumbling. Finally, I release the belt and dash for the bathroom. Safely inside, I look around the small space. It’s a small box much like the coffin I would like to crawl into and die in. How could I do that? Oh my God I am never drinking again.
He is so hot though, the muscles of his chest are so firm. His…
What the hell are you thinking? The man’s a complete stranger. I will grant that he is good looking and charming but that’s all.

Looking at the wall I notice that the seatbelt sign has been illuminated. The rumble of the plane engine has changed. I can hear John make an announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. Please turn off all electronic devices until we are safely parked at the gate. Thank you.”

I am not leaving here. I couldn’t possibly go back to my seat. There is no way I am going to face him. Lowering the seat cover of the toilet, I collapse on top with my face in my hands. What am I going to do? The tapping at the door startles me. “Excuse me, you will have to take your seat now.” Knowing that I must face him, I stand slowly, unlatch the door, and take my walk of shame. Arriving at 3B much too soon. I avert my eyes and try not
to look at him, but my peripheral vision catches a glimpse of him grinning. I am horrified, the heat rushes to my face and I feel as if I may die of embarrassment right here in seat 3B. Buckled up, I steady myself for the landing. Like before, I assume the death grip on the armrest and hold on for dear life. Thankfully, Michael doesn’t hold my hand to allay my fears. The man has probably contacted the police who will be ready to arrest me when I exit the plane. I can see the headlines now:

“
Interior Designer Arrested for Molesting Fellow Passenger On Flight to Las Vegas.”

A sudden bump tells me the landing gear was released. Jumping slightly at the sound, I plot out my quick escape. I begin my exit mantra: buckle, bags and bolt! Finding my ears plugged, I open and close my mouth in an attempt to release the pressure. After several tries I feel my ears finally pop open.
I am not able to look to my right due to my humiliation. I look to my left and see the trees and rooftops whiz by as the aircraft makes its final descent onto the waiting runway. There is a mild rumbling as the tires kiss the tarmac. A loud rush of air giving pressure to the
brakes allows the plane to slowly make its way to the gate.

“Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to McCarran International Airport. Local time is two-thirteen and the temperature is 94 degrees. For your safety and comfort, we ask that you please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about. Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought onboard with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight. Thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice day!”

The moment I see the seatbelt light switch off, I hop up, grab my
carry-on, lower the overhead, grab my bag and bolt for the door. Behind me I hear the roaring laughter of a man. Walking down the gangway I wonder if I will I be greeted by the police.  Biting the right side of my lip I continue to make my way into the airport. Once inside, I look around and see that no one has come to arrest me. I exhale the breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding. The blood rushes to my head. I stop to get my bearings. The bells and alarms ringing from the slot machines placed throughout the concourse distract me momentarily. Glancing back I see that Michael is emerging onto the concourse. Looking at the arrivals board I see that my baggage claim is number five. I see a large arrow pointing toward baggage and hightail it in that direction. Thank goodness the airport is well laid out and marked, this makes it easy for a first time flyer to find her way. Taking the escalator down to the ground floor, I am anxious to locate my bag and transportation. I just want to get out of here!  Reaching the end of the moving staircase, a sign with my name catches my eye. A distinguished looking man stands at attention holding a sign with Karlie McKenna printed on it. Walking over to the man, I introduce myself.  “Hi, I’m Karlie but I have bags to pick up.” The man starts walking toward the carousel. “No problem, if you just tell me what they look like I would be happy to grab them for you.”

Luggage in hand we head out of the airport and I am guided to a waiting Lincoln Town car. Looking up I see Michael climbing into the car in front of mine. Turning my way, he gives me a salacious smile and enters his car. My face burns red with embarrassment as I slink into the backseat.

The Four Seasons Hotel is amazing. I have never stayed anywhere quite so lovely. Once when I was a kid, we stayed at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. It had an old world feel, which is in sharp contrast to the Four Seasons.  Entering the lobby a young man runs to retrieve my luggage from the driver.

     “Checking in?”

     “Yes, my name is Karlie McKenna.”

Walking into the lobby is an experience in itself. The marble floors shine like diamonds. A round foyer table sits in the center holding a giant floral arrangement. The sweet smell of lily scents the air. The massive arrangement must have every flower known to man. I recognize Hydrangeas,
Orchids, Gerbera Daisies, Iris and Gladioli. The bare, curly wood branches give the arrangement height, leading your eye to the most beautiful chandelier and trey ceiling imaginable. Dragging my eyes away from the beauty above I head to the front desk.

     “Welcome to The Four Seasons Hotel, my name is Eve and I am happy to serve you.”

     “Thanks Eve, my name is Karlie McKenna and I will be checking in today.”

Looking at her computer, Eve taps on the keys rapidly. Burning up the keyboard she makes the necessary keystrokes to find my reservation. Eve grabs my key and waves for the bellman.

     “Ms. McKenna, you will be staying on the 39
th
floor. It has some of the loveliest views of the strip. Your room number is 3915. Joshua will be taking you to your room. If there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable please don’t hesitate to call on me.” As Eve hands me her business card, Joshua approaches with my bag. Walking to the elevator reminds me of my own elevator man. I wonder how Earl is today?

Entering the elevator, Joshua outlines the services and amenities of the property. There are two pools, one on the grounds at The Four Seasons and one at Mandalay Beach. Apparently guests at The Four Seasons have access to everything the neighboring property called Mandalay Bay has to offer. There is a fitness center that contains state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength-training equipment. The property has two restaurants, four lounges and of course around the clock room service. If I am in need of any pampering I should visit the full service spa where I can pretty much have any service from haircuts to massages. Am I really at work? Exiting the elevator on floor 39, I follow the bellman and my bag to room 3915. Unlocking the door, he steps aside to let me enter first. He speeds around the room, turning on lights and opening curtains. I am in awe, as I probably have the best view of the Las Vegas Strip possible. Turning back to the room, I gaze about me.

“Nice, huh?”

“Oh, it’s magnificent! Is this a regular room? I can’t imagine them all being this grand.”

Joshua smiles “No this is a suite and the grandest views are located on the 35
th
to 39
th
floor. The only room nicer than this would be the corner suite, which is located at the end on each floor. Is there anything else I can get for you?”