pushing his chair in.
Dana looked at him quizzically. “I thought we already got lucky.”
“No, silly, lucky as in lady luck. You have such a dirty mind.” Cody smiled.
“Ha, ha.”
Cody shook imaginary dice in his hands. “Wanna go play a little in the casino?”
“Sure.”
Arm in arm they left the restaurant and hit the hotel casino. The Paradise Island Resort spared no expense on their biggest attraction – a full Las Vegas-style Casino. Bright white running lights framed the entrance. Around them every game of chance sparkled with the temptation of a big win. The room was alive with the sounds of ringing machines, spinning slots and the oohs and aahs of great wins and losses.
“So what do you like?” Cody asked, surveying the field.
“I like to play the change machine...I break even every time.”
He laughed. “Very clever.”
They hit the blackjack table and within twenty minutes had lost all their chips.
“Now that was entertaining,” Cody joked.
“Yeah.” Dana looked at her watch. “I hate to say this, but it’s late and I have to be up really early...”
“I understand.”
“I hope you do...I don’t want to end your time in the casino...this vacation is really a work thing.” Dana silently cursed her sense of responsibility.
“Silly girl...I’m here for you, not the casino.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Just because our fun in the casino is over doesn’t mean the night is over, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t,” Dana whispered, her heart racing. He kissed her gently. The noise of the casino muted around her. She could only hear the beating of her heart.
He pulled back. “Let’s go.”
They went back up to her room barley able to control themselves. The door hadn’t yet closed as Cody pulled Dana into to him. He wanted to be as close to her as he felt in his heart. He slowly traced her curves, starting at her shoulders, working his way down her body. Dana felt every touch of his fingertips. Her body hungered for him.
“Cody...”
He cut her off. “Dana, I’m falling in love with you.” He gazed adoringly at her, cupped her head in his hands and kissed her softly on the mouth. She started to speak, but he put his finger over her lips, afraid of what she might say.
“Dana, you don’t have to say anything.”
“Then I’ll show you.”
Chapter 57
Jonny walked into a trap.
He stepped into the doorframe of the Program Director’s office and immediately felt a chilly reception.
“Hey man, what’s going on?”
Stone-faced, the now traffic light green tipped haired Ted Reed responded, “Sit down Jonny.” He pushed his matching green framed glasses up the bridge of his nose.
Jonny walked in and instantly understood why Ted was behaving the way he was.
Sitting across from Ted was Heather.
Today there were no short skirts and flirty looks, instead Heather was dressed in tailored gray pants and a cream silk button down shirt. The picture of professionalism, Heather looked innocent and like she meant business. She shot Jonny a look of hate, then folded her arms across her chest and turned her attention back to Ted.
Jonny took a seat across from Ted.
“So what’s going on?” he repeated.
“Jonny, why don’t you tell me about the nature of your relationship with Heather.”
“She’s been an intern for our department.”
“I know that. I’m not asking about that. I’m asking about your personal relationship with Heather.” Ted grabbed a pen from his desk and began chewing the tip.
Jonny shot a quick look at Heather. Oh, crap, she told. He couldn’t believe she actually told. He gulped and thought quickly. Deny, he said to himself, it’s your word against hers. He was the star disc jockey at the station. She was just a young intern who dressed like a slut. Just deny. Deny, deny, deny.
“We don’t have a relationship other than our one at work.” Jonny spoke simply and honestly.
Heather let out an exaggerated gasp. “That’s not true.” She edged forward in her seat, her arms flying forward in protest.
Ted turned to Jonny. “Heather has given me a lot of details about this alleged affair.”
“Ted...I don’t know what to tell you. Heather was upset at me for not giving her an on air shift. I think she’s trying to get back at me.” Jonny’s voice was laced with outrage.
“Oh, gimme a break!” Heather yelled, “We’ve been sleeping together for months and you know it!”
Ted looked at Heather. “Do you have proof?”
“Proof of what?”
“Proof of the affair.” He pulled the pen tip from his mouth. It was now a mangled mass of plastic.
Heather looked