letting the clerk know that she’d come back later.
When they tired of shopping, they returned to the Wynn to get ready for the evening. In the past, dinner and a movie would have been a fine date. But Micah wanted to surprise Gisele, in a good way, and do something exceptional.
Aria Resort fit the bill, so he’d reserved a room for the night. The resort was in CityCenter, a city within a city. The hotel rooms were in several high-rise towers around a high-end mall called Crystals, with several water and ice features in the main area.
Consistent with the city theme, other boutique hotels were part of the enclave, along with residential condos. Dressing for dinner included comfortable shoes, because exploring the vast mall required a lot of walking.
Even with all the exercise, it was a great place for a date. The architecture was eye candy, a massive glass and steel structure with unique buildings that leaned to the side as if they might topple, making them as much art as architecture. It was overflowing with hotels, restaurants, shops, and art.
Gisele was excited to stroll through the art galleries at the entrance of Aria, including a place famous for bronze sculptures depicting the human form. “That reminds me of Abby’s show,” Gisele said. She pointed to sculptures of Cirque du Soleil performers that looked like flying gymnasts caught in midair, then frozen into bronze.
“Those are amazing.” Micah held her hand, glad that she was enjoying herself.
Micah led her to the Aria hotel. He had an overnight case with items they’d need for the one-night stay. As soon as he stepped inside, he was mesmerized.
“Wow, this is spectacular,” Gisele said. She looked up, gazing at the water wall at the entrance. It was a wall of rushing water that reached all the way to the ceiling, with ribbons and arcs of water creating a dazzling display.
“The sound is so tranquil.” She laced her arm through Micah’s. “It instantly transports me away from the franticness of the city.”
Artwork was displayed throughout the three-story lobby, and the décor was composed of foliage, flowers, wood, and stone. They took time to go up to their room to drop off the suitcase. Gisele gasped with delight when the curtains automatically opened as they entered.
The evening was working out just as Micah had hoped. It was a mini vacation, away from the impending confrontation, and outside the purview of their tormentors. He was pleased to see that Gisele had worn the gold necklace he’d given her. The tiny pendant of the boxing gloves glimmered about her neck.
Before they went back down, Micah held her in his arms. He kissed her softly on the lips, and Gisele folded against him. It was tempting to skip drinks, dinner, and just give in to the overpowering urge to take her to bed.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
Gisele’s eyes sparkled. “Yes, very much. This is all so romantic .”
“There’s more to come,” Micah said, his voice raspy. “We better go down before I decide to spend the rest of our evening in this luxury room, with you naked and starving in my arms.”
Micah dug his hands in her hair and kissed her deeply, tasting her sweetness. The touch of her lips and the feel of her in his arms made him want her unbearably, and his body responded. Lest he give in, he released her. Gisele felt good in his arms, and Micah looked forward to later.
They went to a downstairs lounge, where they sank into a leather sofa and imbibed in specialty cocktails. Gisele talked about pleasurable memories she had from her youth, and of plans she had for her career. Micah listened attentively, and when she pressed, he shared some entertaining stories about the fight circuit.
The waiter brought refills, and Micah was soon lost in Gisele’s company, nearly forgetting about dinner. But his stomach rumbled, reminding him that he was hungry. He’d made reservations at a restaurant offering classic French cuisine.
Micah had a healthy