Falling Free: What happens in Vegas... (The Fall Series) Read Free

for my new wardrobe. I barely
recognized myself.
    This was much more than I had
bargained for, and I felt awkward in my simple cotton dress and summer sandals,
or maybe I felt awkward in my new movie star make-up and hair. Either way it
was a conflicting combination, and I hoped the new clothes would help me feel
complete. I was transforming into the person I would be for the next five days,
getting into character. It was just what I needed. This must be what Barry
meant when he said he had a surprise for me, and even though everything about
the man angered me, I was grateful. I couldn’t imagine being just a girl from
Northern Michigan with her messy ponytail and sundress in the midst of this this
over-the-top city, especially if I was to be seen on the arm of Parker
Blackwell the world poker star. I’m sure a man like him was used to nothing but
the best.
    Nancy stood by the door waiting
for our arrival. “Follow me, ladies.” She spoke with authority. “I have several
things ready for you to try on. What size are you, honey, I’m guessing about a
five?”
    “Yes, a five,” I answered as Alex
and I followed her to the back of the boutique. When she opened the door
several groups of neatly arranged ensembles hung from large shiny racks. My
eyes studied the colors and textures of the sexy evening dresses with bare
backs and plunging necklines, casual skirts with camisoles, bikinis, and lingerie.
There was too much to take in.
    Nancy went directly to a rack and
removed a little black number that would change my definition of the little
black dress forever. “Shall we start with this one?” She smiled.
    I felt like a princess as I
shimmied in and out of one designer label after another. The shoes were
amazing, too, although my feet hurt a little after trying on countless pairs and
walking across the room for each inspection. After the tenth pair I began
wondering how the hell I would ever wear a pair all day. By the time we were
finished I was pretty sure I could tell the Jimmy Choos from the Pradas, and I
was pretty sure I knew exactly how it felt to be a celebrity.
    My stomach was growling as I walked
out of the dressing room wearing my ensemble for the day. “You look stunning,”
Alex gushed and motioned for me to turn around in a circle to give her the full
view. “Perfect. Mr. Blackwell is upstairs waiting for you to join him for
dinner.”
    Mr. Blackwell was waiting.  I
swallowed hard at the thought. The moment of truth had arrived, and I was
finally on my way to meet Parker Blackwell on his turf, deep inside his Las
Vegas lair. Suddenly I didn’t feel so hungry after all.

 
Three
    BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
     
    I watched as the little red light
blinked across the numbers marking each passing floor. As the elevator shot up,
so did my anxiety level. Alex stood quiet and composed, staring straight ahead.
I wanted to ask her a million questions. What should I do? Where would I be
staying? What if I changed my mind? But instead I stood quietly while my mind
imagined the possibilities.
    When the doors opened she finally
spoke, “Mr. Blackwell stays in the penthouse suite when he’s in town. I think
you’ll find it very comfortable.” She handed me her card. “You may call me
anytime day or night, although I think Mr. Blackwell will take care of
everything you need. He’s very generous.” She stopped and grabbed me by the
shoulders lightly. “I know you’re nervous and probably wondering exactly what
to expect. Here’s what I can tell you, he’s competitive and always plays to
win. He likes to have things his way, but he’s also a gentleman, and will expect
you to behave accordingly. Do you understand what I’m saying? Remember, he’s
one of our best clients. I’ll be here to take you to the airport on Thursday.”
    I stared at her blankly as she
described her highly revered client, obviously unaware that I already knew all
about “Mr. Blackwell”. Before I could reply she opened the door,