~~~~~~~

Lucky adjusted the pillow behind his head and stretched his legs. Trying to get comfortable in his seat, as Wallace snored like a freight train in the seat next to him.

"Dude," he whispered harshly, elbowing his best friend in the gut. "You wanna cut that out?...I'm trying to get some sleep here."

Wallace jolted to semi consciousness and grinned through half-mast eyes. "Yeah man...you'll be wanting to get ALL your rest now. Cause as soon as we get to Vegas...it's goodbye dreamland and hello to land of easy money, and easy honeys."

He finished the lame rhyme by winking at Lucky who rolled his eyes and turned towards the window. How the Hell was he supposed to make it through this flight, with Mr. I Had One Too Many at JFK International' smirking like an idiot?"

"Sure Wally. Whatever you say man...Why don't you close your eyes and go beddy-bye again before I have you downgraded to coach, ok?"

Wallace shook his head as he closed his eyes. Mumbling him self into oblivion. "Dude...we're gonna fix that sour mood of yours right up. Soon as we meet up with the guys...By the time we head back to the city - you're going to have forgotten all about what's her name."

Biting his lip, Lucky glanced up at the rounded ceiling of the large commercial jet that zoomed through the air. Moving through the atmosphere at the speed of lightening, much the way his life seemed to move – fast and meaningless through time.

Her name...was Stephanie. A 5 foot 6 and a half, drop-dead gorgeous blonde. A socialite from Connecticut, who had taken great pleasure in making his life a living hell for 6 excruciatingly long months.

Six months. Christ why had he given her 6 months of his life? Half a year of torture. Half a year of hearing her yap about what to eat and when to eat it. What was good for him and what wasn't. Where they'd live, and how many kids they'd have in their white-picked fence home. How exactly did you have kids in decimal points anyway?

Not that he'd ever had any intention of proposing to her. That had simply been her assumption. After all, who the Hell wouldn't want to marry Stephanie Davenport?

He should have known the second Foster had tried to bite her that something was wrong. Although Foster wasn't very particular about who he tried to chew on. And the girl did resemble a good milk bone.

Besides, Foster had tried to take a chunk out of Wallace's hide more times than he could count. That was simply the way Foster was. Through no fault of his own of course. He was a good dog.

Was it weird to want to be at home with your dog instead of going to Vegas with your buddies? Lucky didn't care to analyze that particular thought too much.

This trip...this little 'vacation,' had been designed by his friends – the idiot that slept next to him like a log, and the ones that were already in Vegas - to get his mind off of things. Off of Stephanie, to be exact...To get him "over" her. Even though, the truth of the matter was that he'd

gotten over Stephanie about a month after they'd started going out.

It seemed that contrary to popular belief, a month of fairly decent sex actually COULDN'T sustain a relationship. Nope, Stephanie had been forgotten long ago. It had just taken HER awhile to realize that.

So why did he feel like crap? Why the Hell had he agreed to come to a place he considered to be the great western wasteland of America? A town they might as well have built on the fucking sun.

'Cause you had nothing better to do, and no one better to beg you to stay around for the weekend......Aah, thank you Mr. Conscience,' he thought silently to himself.

Of course there'd also been the lure of getting away, before he couldn't anymore. If things went as planned, he'd be getting a promotion very soon. A promotion that would hinder trips at the drop of a hat, for quite some time...and he couldn't wait.

Stephanie was officially out of his life and he was this close to landing his dream job.

So why wasn't life perfect? Why did it feel like something very important was missing?

"Excuse me sir, can I get you anything else?"

Lucky looked up at the perky flight attendant's pleasant voice. Smiling at her with a face that looked too tired to belong to a 25-year-old. Too jaded for a guy that had everything going for him. Youth, good looks, personality, a great family, and a career that was on a fast incline...

"A new life please - shaken...not stirred."

~~~~~~~

"Oh man come on," Bruce pleaded. His face contorting as if someone had just killed his dog. That someone being Lucky as he watched him button up a flannel shirt in the mirror. "You're not really gonna wear that are you?"

"It's no use," Wallace sighed, leaning back on his pillow from across the room. Having just woken from sleeping off his daylong hangover. "I told the guy that we were going out on the town scouting for ladies...and THIS is what he decides to wear."

"It's comfortable," Lucky muttered under his breath, fastening yet another

button.

"Please tell me you're joking," Bruce continued. Pressing his hands together and as if in prayer. "Lucky...come on. I know you're not the type of guy that really has to 'do' anything in particular to land a chick...but maybe the rest of us do - and that being said - I really think you should take your buddies feelings into consideration."

"What?" Lucky asked. His brows furrowing in amusement. "What the Hell does what I wear have to do with whether or not you get laid tonight?"

Jack cackled from his perch by the television set in the living room area of the suite. "Lucky my friend - it's the rule of the pack."

"Again I say 'huh?'"

Their friend put the remote control down and ambled into the bedroom. Leaning against the doorframe. "It means that when girls look at guys...they look at the whole lot of us - size us up as a group real quick and then decide if we're even worthy of getting judged on our individual merit."

"That is such a load of bull."

"It's true," Wallace said matter-of-factly. Lifting his head for only a moment before returning it, very slowly, to the pillow.

"Yes it is," Bruce concurred. "And with THAT being said...PLEASE put on something that looks like you have the amount of money that we all know you have," He paused, bringing Lucky a silverish-gray shirt that he'd hung in the closet when they'd first arrived. The only one of them that had actually unpacked. "Thank you."

Lucky rolled his eyes and began to unbutton the flannel. When the Hell was this weekend over? Another 24 hours? Good Lord...

~~~~~~~

"You gotta be kidding me," Lucky groaned. Leaning his head to the side and stepping backwards before Bruce and Wallace caught him by both arms. Quickly hauling him back towards the door. "A strip club?"

"Dude, this is for your own good," Wallace grinned as Bruce began to push the door open.

Jack chuckled like the pompous ass that he was, from behind them. "We had some fun at the tables, some good cheap chow, and now...the ladies."

"Come on," Lucky sighed, running a hand through his hair as they pushed him into the dark club. "What about those girls at the MGM? They totally wanted us!" He tried, laughing nervously.

The room was completely smoke filled. Guys old enough to be his grandfather - if he had one - sitting around, watching the vacant stage with a sort of nonchalant attentiveness. Once again the phrase 'you've gotta be kidding me' slipped from his lips on a whisper. His eyes scanned the perimeter for the quickest emergency exit.

If this was anything like the movies he'd seen, one of them would get shot in here tonight or every chick on stage would turn into a blood-sucking vampire.

Either way you went you were screwed.

"Don't even think about it pal," Wallace said quickly. Guessing what his buddy was looking for. Lucky felt him self being pulled farther inside. This time to a table in the center of the room - right next to the stage.

Jack clapped his hands together and rubbed in anticipation. "Alrighty, gents...looks like we're right on time for the 10 o'clock show."

Lucky rolled his eyes as the music started. A loud, pulsating, make you wanna gauge your own eyeballs out - kind of beat. Why the Heck did Jack know about this place? Didn't a perpetual engagement to be married, hinder your patronizing of strip joints?

"I take it you come here often Jack?"

"All the time, my friend...all the time....Oh yeah, here comes Breasty Betty."

There had to be some law against saying 'you gotta be kidding me' 3 times in a row. If there was, Lucky should have been carted off somewhere in cuffs. He leaned back in his seat, desperate for a drink.

"May I get you gentlemen something to drink?"

Oh lord, could they read your thoughts here?

Lucky rubbed a tired hand over his face and tried to look anywhere but into the woman's chest. A difficult task, considering the size and almost absolute exposure. And he thought the Casino cocktail waitresses had been catching a draft. Their little ensembles were nothing compared to this woman's get up.

"Um...yeah," he began. Sending his blue eyes right to her face. God, she looked maybe 30, 35...couldn't she get a better gig than this sleazy dive? "Yeah...just - just a Bud please."

He watched as she scribbled down his order and moved on to Jack, and then Wallace, and then Bruce. Each of them trying their absolute best to flirt, but getting only the same blank stare in return. She responded to every man in the place in the same way - with apathy and indifference.

There was something...dead - about it.

It drove a shiver up his spine as he leaned back in his chair and watched her walk away to place their orders behind the bar. He wondered when she'd stopped caring. When she'd come to work here, or before? Had the ambivalence been what caused her to come to work at a place like this?

She was a beautiful woman...but something...something behind her eyes wasn't beautiful anymore.

'Oh - My - God....You're getting a little too philosophical for a strip club, Spencer...unbutton your collar and relax. Your friends are trying to be nice...just go with it. Don't be such a downer all the time, ok?...Jeez.'

Breasty Betty was all right. Pretty enough and definitely deserving of her title. But as the music played and Lucky dared to look straight up and into her eyes - his newly arrived beer, sliding cold down his throat...he saw the same look. The same sign of sorrow laced between her brows.

It was as if every part of her were moving, except her eyes.

He put down the brown bottle of liquor and glanced at his friends, eager to ask if they saw it. If they could see what he saw, but his voice stopped before it ever emerged. The faces of his friends, joyful and gleeful as they watched Breasty Betty whip herself around this long, silver pole. And then lean against it to caress it's every inch suggestively, as if it were something else.

From the looks of her, she wouldn't have given a shit even it was the real thing.

They didn't see it. They didn't see anything but the beauty of the female form.

Why couldn't he do that? She was pretty...what the Hell was his deal?

Lucky slung back another long swig of beer and closed his eyes for a moment. He was too damn young to be thinking this way. Too young and too fucking single.

'Single and ready to mingle,' that's what Wallace had called him while he'd convinced him over the phone to go on this trip. Wallace who seemed to find the fun in everything he did.

Sometimes he wished he could be that type of guy. The kind of guy that could laugh at anything. Not take everything so damned seriously all the time.

The music faded into nothingness, and as Lucky opened his eyes Breasty Betty was leaving the stage. Picking up her tips and the remnants of her 'clothing' before she exited. He wondered what she thought about now. Would she just count up the cash she'd made and go home? Did she have another show? Did she have a family that she went home to?

Maybe not. She'd looked young - probably his age.

'Damnit Spencer, shutup!' His inner voice shouted, as he sipped again at his beer. Ready for another one already. It was definitely going to take more than one to do the job tonight. For some reason he couldn't relax for shit.

"How you likin' the show my man?" Bruce asked, leaning across the table to yell at Lucky as the music began once again. A new beat this time. One he liked. Something that was in his CD deck at home right that very moment.

'Aww...home,' he thought wistfully.

Lucky nodded and smiled nervously. "Great...great."

Jack laughed at him and shouted to their waitress to bring his friend another. The guy obviously needed it. Damn that Stephanie bitch had done a number on him.

Lucky leaned back in his chair once more. Nursing the near empty bottle in his lap as he listened to the music and the D.J. introduced Lusty Lizzie. He closed his eyes and waited for the girl to come out...waited for the night be over.

The hoots and hollers from some of the regular guys, along with his pals, prompted his eyelids to lift wearily. And there she was...

Had someone opened a door somewhere or turned on the air conditioner? Had the entire room stopped smoking?

Because...there was finally air. Out of nowhere...air.

Air in a room that had been stifling just moments ago, as she moved across the stage in red, sequined hot pants. The skimpy material sitting atop a pair of legs that looked as if they'd been designed specifically for dancing. The matching white sequined string bikini top showed her patriotism with blue sequined stars placed at two very strategic points.

And of course the extra dose of country pride was shown in her musical selection: Lenny Kravitz's rendition of American Woman.

Flawless skin, and a million-watt smile. His heart clutched when he dared to look into her eyes.

But he needn't have been afraid this time. For what he saw was neither death, ambivalence, or apathy. But passion, life, and a courage that blazed so hot beneath her lashes that something inside of him wanted to stand up and walk over to the stage.

All of that aside set aside...there was beauty.

It wasn't air that had been let into the room at all...it was beauty.

And in the wake of that beauty, he suddenly had to excuse himself to use the bathroom. Before the star-spangled bikini top came off to show every man in this room what he wanted to see. Before the sexy little hot pants revealed heaven....

He had to go to the bathroom.

Unable to allow him self to see beauty, this close, for no more than the price of admission.

~~~~~~

11:15 p.m.

"Oh man, what happened? Did you fall in this time?" Bruce guffawed. The liquor, having definitely done the trick with him. Lucky shook his head as he sat down.

He'd been in and out of the men's room all night. Capable now of telling anyone who wanted to know, what girls in Las Vegas you could call for a good time, and which brand of condom was the most popular according to which slots were sold out in the machine.

"No...uh, my stomach's just acting up....musta been that buffet," Lucky lied, leaning back into his chair.

Ever since that girl...Lusty Lizzie had come out on stage, he hadn't felt the same. His heart doing this weird - skip a beat type thing - every time he came back out to see a new girl stripping. He guessed that the same girl didn't come out twice. Must have something to do with the illusion of the first time that performers talked about. Once the clothes came off - the mystery was sort of gone...he guessed.

Not that he had seen anything. The mystery of Lusty Lizzie was still very real.

'What a fucking wuss you are,' he thought. Silently chiding himself as he sipped at another beer that had miraculously appeared in his absence.

"So are you guys ready to go?" He asked, finally sitting it down on the table after a long gulp. "Show's almost over right?...Let's go hit the poker tables."

Wallace sighed and shook his head at his friend. What a wet blanket the guy had turned into. "Alright man," he said rising from his seat. "Let's blow this place...you guys ready?" He paused gesturing towards them.

Each of them filed up slowly. Pouring their drinks into plastic cups that were allowed this time of night on the strip. What a place Vegas was. Ya had to love it.

Lucky scratched the back of his head, and led the guys towards the exit. Eager to get out of "Showgirls" and leave the memory of Lusty Lizzie behind.

One out of two wasn't bad....

There she stood by the bar. A thin pink robe, draped over her skin as she talked to some fat guy with a cigar who conversed with an equally sleazy looking skinny guy. She stood in the middle of them, shifting from foot to foot as if nervous about something.

Lucky slowed his pace to hear the conversation. Not because he was nosey...just...just because - that's all.

She bit down on her very red bottom lip, as the fat guy sized her up and then looked back at the skinny guy. Mumbling something under his breath.

His brow knitting together tightly, Lucky got closer. Trying to block out all the other sounds in the club to hear what they were saying. He almost wished he wouldn't have.

Years later he would be thankful he did.

"1000...final offer," the fat guy said, placing his cheap cigar down in the ashtray next to him. "I mean come on...that's pretty damn good," he chuckled. Gawking at her again as she looked towards the floor.

They were making a...a deal?...For her??

'For a thousand fucking dollars?!?' Lucky thought. His mind reeling with the reality of what he was seeing before his very eyes. Money was being exchanged for an actual human being.

Not some hooker on the street, but a girl that worked in a bar and took off her clothes for a living. Sure, some would say that the line was a blurry one, but nobody had the right to ERASE that line! What fucking right did they have to barter over a PERSON?

And why would this exquisitely beautiful woman just agree to it? As if that beauty was there's to take...or to pay for?

The skinny guy smiled and stuck out his hand in acceptance of the wager. That is before Lucky stepped in and shifted his hand away, replacing it with his own.

"Ten thousand dollars...cash."

~~~~~~~~~~

Lucky shifted nervously on the dark, leather seat. Wandering how many people had sat in the back of this cab in THIS situation before.

'You're in Las Vegas, Spencer...tons.'

'Wait a minute now,' Lucky rethought, scratching the back of his head as he glanced at the girl next to him. 'There is no situation here. This isn't a 'situation.' It's just you giving this girl...this WOMAN a nice place to stay for the night - that's all...When you get to the hotel you'll part ways and that will be that.'

'That will definitely be....that,' he repeated to himself. His thoughts dwindling as he watched her fidget in her seat.

She was fidgety. He'd noticed that right of the bat. Couldn't sit still for more than a minute.

'God, have you thought that maybe she's NERVOUS, you big moron? She probably thinks you really expect her to....'

Jeez, but he couldn't very well bring that up in the backseat of a cab could he? Was this even legal?

'Hell no, it's not legal dumb ass.'

Lucky cleared his tremendously parched throat. Turning to her as she chewed on her 8th fingernail. "Um, I have...I have a suite at the Bellagio...but, I don't know if that's such a good idea because...well, because I have -

"There's a motel two blocks down the road," she said quickly. Cutting him off with a biting tone.

It was the first thing she'd said since they'd gotten inside the taxi, and it made him feel like shit.

"Oh, no..no, that's not what I meant. I just meant that...my suite...well, those guys that I was with at the strip - uh, at your job with...well, I'm sharing the suite with them...so it'd probably be better if we get our own...I mean if YOU...shit..." He grumbled. Realizing what a complete ass he was making of himself.

Again.

"I'm sorry, can we start over?" He asked, extending his hand with a nervous smile. "My name's Lucky...and you're...Lizzie right? Is that short for something?"

Her absolute silence had him withdrawing his hand a few moments later and placing it back in his lap. 'Dude, maybe that's not her real name AT ALL. Maybe it's like...it's like a...whatda they call it?...A 'stage name.'

"Don't feel like talkin' huh?...That's ok," he said with a gesture of his hand. "You won't have to put up with me for much longer."

"Is that some kinda joke?"

Jeez, her eyes were fierce when she was pissed! And from what Lucky had seen she was pissed 24/7...Well not completely. Not when she'd been dancing on that stage...

"Bellagio!" the cab driver called out suddenly. Interrupting Lucky before he had a chance to explain that he wasn't a pompous ass.

Or maybe that he was.

She jumped out of her side of the car and slammed it shut before tugging at her hip hugger jeans. Watching him silently as he paid the cabbie.

He had so much money. More money than she'd ever seen in her life. There mere sight of it had her turning towards the huge glass sliding doors of the casino. The neon lights from overhead shining down on the cobblestone circular drive.

Damn...now she knew that people actually stayed at hotels like this. Mr. Money Bags was proof positive.

"Liz!" Lucky called, stalking towards her as she made her way towards the grand hotel entrance. "Um...Lizzie!" He called. His pace, moving into a jog now as she began to walk even faster.

The air conditioning of the casino hit him at full blast and he shivered inwardly at the coolness. At the cold shoulder coming from his....companion for the evening as well.

The ding, ding, ding of slots machines rang in his ears as he finally caught up with her. His fingers wrapping around her bare elbow to stop her mid-stride.

If looks could kill he would have been laid out on this bright ass casino carpet like in the final scene of some mobster movie. "I'm...I'm sorry," he apologized quickly. Removing his hand. "I just wanted to let you know that I'd be just a minute...I'm gonna go over to the counter and get a

room...I'll be right back, ok?"

She nodded silently and looked down before running a hand through her wild locks. Pushing a few fallen strands away from her forehead. The mere action caused him to stare a moment longer than was appropriate. There was something graceful even in the way she'd made the gesture.

"Right back," he said once again. His voice having gotten caught somewhere in his throat as he backed away.

"A room for HER, Spencer," he muttered to himself, walking towards the front desk. "JUST her."

~~~~~~~

"Here we are," Lucky said softly. Pushing the door open and standing back to let her cross the threshold first.

He stilled for a moment. Holding his breath for whatever reason as she paused. Taking in her surroundings as if she were walking in to some sort of ambush from the old west. "Um...is it...I'm sorry, is this not ok?"

"No, this is fine," she said abruptly, moving in through the door quickly and throwing her bag on one of the beds.

She tried desperately to remain unimpressed by the only suite she'd ever set eyes on. The only "hotel" room period. She was a strictly a motel kinda girl and this...this was - beyond anything even her dreams could have come up with.

It was the kinda room you fantasized about spending your honeymoon in.

If you believed in honeymoons, or marriages, or weddings, or any of those childhood dreams.

Not forgetting why she was there in the first place, she timidly pulled off her shoes and waited for the guy...the 'customer' as Gino had called him to make some sort of...request.

At least that's what she thought you were supposed to do...

'Whatever the gentleman requests,' her boss had said. Eyeing her pleasantly as he'd passed her off on this rich schmuck. 'Could be worse,' she reminded herself. A small portion of her brain still trying to find the silver lining in this little arrangement. 'You could have ended up with the other guy...

Lucky noticed her near violent shudder as she pushed herself back on the bed and sat silently. Watching him as he moved farther into the room.

"So, the room is paid up through tomorrow," he explained. Running his hands along the front of his slacks. His palms, suddenly very clammy.

"There were no more suites with a single bed...but, you can stay here until check out...get room service, use the mini-bar...whatever. It's on the company account," he laughed nervously. "So, it really doesn't matter...the way I figure it, they owe me for my time and effort."

"Wait...what...Where are you going?" She asked quickly, rising from the bed as he walked towards the door.

"To my room."

"Your room.....wh...

"Oh, yeah, remember...I told you my friends and I had a room...Yeah, it's right up on the next floor."

"Wait, but you can't leave," she spurted out. Panic lacing her words. "I mean, you only paid half...and if I don't come back with the other half tomorrow, Gino is gonna completely flip out...I have to..."

Her words trailed into oblivion as Lucky pulled the rest of her payment from his jacket pocket and placed it in her hand. One bill at a time. "Just show it to him when you get to work...he'll never know the difference...dead presidents are dead presidents right?" He smiled weakly. Wondering if this girl made a habit out of...

Somehow he figured he didn't really WANT to know the answer to that one.

Vehemently, she shook her head. Folding the money back into his palm before he even closed his fist. "Uh-uh, I can't take this...this isn't...it's not right. I can't take your money without doing anything."

"He's not going to know," Lucky protested, looking her in the eyes. "You don't have to...seriously."

"I don't take charity."

Lucky's mouth gaped for a moment. "Oh, that's not...that's not what this is...look, I didn't mean to insult you. I just didn't figure that either one of us really wanted to do this...I mean...

"Shit, that's not what I mean," he amended quickly, when she glanced at her feet. "I mean you...God, you're gorgeous, but...we don't...I mean we barely know each other and -

"Look, this isn't a date, it's not like you have to explain what you meant by anything. You don't have to worry about offending me."

Had he just called her gorgeous though?

"Well...I...I don't like to make a practice out offending gorge - people...and I guess...I guess, you're right. We're not on a date...so...

"So," she finished. Walking back towards the bed. "You have to stay here with me...even if we don't speak a word to each other all night...I need you to stay here with me...I'm not taking your money for no reason at all...

"You can just stay and watch television...or - whatever," she sighed. Pulling her legs up to her chest.

Lucky swallowed and nodded slowly. Noticing for the first time how small she was. So delicate boned...but something about her...so amazingly strong and capable.

"Ok...whatever you want...That...that sounds fine."

Licking his lips, he settled on the other bed and removed his shoes. Sighing with great pleasure as his feet began to breathe after a long night of walking the strip. He reached for the remote control that sat on the nightstand and aimed for the television set.

"Whatdya wanna see?" He asked absently. Flicking through channels at warp speed. "We've got news, news...more news...an infomercial - that ab thing doesn't work worth a damn...and another infomercial - I don't even wanna KNOW what that's supposed to do...and we've got -

"Leave it there!" She shouted. Clearing her throat a split second later in embarrassment over her outburst. She tempered her voice quickly. "I mean...leave it there...if you don't mind."

"You're serious?" Lucky asked. A grin spreading slowly across his face.

He was really beautiful when he smiled. Stunning even when he didn't.

"Why?" She asked nervously. Suddenly pushing strand after strand of hair behind her ear.

Naked ears, Lucky noticed. Why was that sexy?

"Wow...I mean this is basketball...........Shit, did that come out as chauvinistic as it did in my head? I'm sorry. I didn't mean that girls can't like - LIKE basketball. I just...I mean most of the girls I've known........Quit while your ahead Spencer....," he laughed, pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts and catch his suddenly winded breath.

"I'd love to watch the game if you would."

Stephanie had NEVER wanted to watch games with him.

She nodded silently, and situated herself against the headboard.

"So who ya for?" Lucky asked a few moments later. Trying to break the silence. She was so damn quiet. It was unnerving.

A small grin tugged at the corner of her lips. The first one he'd seen all night - aside from when she'd been on stage. And this one...this one was different. Smaller, but even more beautiful. "Knicks...of course."

"Ata girl!" Lucky smiled, leaning back on the bed. "Are you from the city?"

Her look of bewilderment caused him to correct himself. "From New York?"

"Oh...no," she said quickly. Shaking her head as if it were the most ridiculous notion to ever cross anyone's mind. Including her own. Where she was from couldn't be farther from New York. "Are you?" She asked quickly. Wanting to rid her self of hometown images.

"Yeah," Lucky nodded. Leaning back a bit on the bed. He crossed his ankles and stared back at the television. A lot safer than staring at her all night long.

Exactly how had he gotten himself into this again?

'You leapt before you looked, Cowboy.' The sound of his dad's voice said, invading his thoughts. But hey...as long as he was rid of Stepphie the Second Stiffy, life was all good right? At least according to Luke?

"Why do people do that?"

Her voice broke into his thoughts and he turned to her quickly. Eager to hear any sound from her. "Do what?"

"People from New York...they always call it 'the city,' as if there isn't any other city in the whole world."

Lucky grinned and shrugged. "Cause there isn't?"

She rolled her eyes and stretched out on the bed. Her face where her feet should have been. Lucky grinned and followed her example. Laying the same way on his own bed. "What...you think Vegas is 'the city'?"

"It's certainly A city. I don't know that I'd call it 'the city,' like most of your snotty New Yorkers do."

"Excuse me?" Lucky chuckled. Propping his head up on his hands. "Wow...I think I'm insulted."

"Oh shit! Look at that!"

Lucky turned rapidly towards the TV. Following her excited gesture. His mouth gaped open as the Knicks point guard sunk one from beyond center court. "Yeah baby!...That was pretty."

And dear God so was she...

He caught her profile when he turned. The light from the TV, flickering against her delicate features. Colors casting a creamy glow over her skin and igniting a sapphire inferno in her eyes.

"What?" She asked suddenly. Feeling the intensity of his gaze upon her even when she wasn't looking in his direction.

"Nothing," he answered quickly. Turning back towards the television, where the Knicks took a brief time out to collect their thoughts. Their rhythm.

'Sounds like somethin' you should think about doin' Spencer,' Lucky thought. Suddenly fascinated by the weave of the comforter below him. The silence was deafening once more.

Until she spoke.

"Elizabeth."

"What?" Lucky asked, looking up absently into her waiting eyes.

"You asked about my name...it's - it's Elizabeth. That's what...Lizzie is short for. But it's kinda stupid, so most people just call me Liz ...when I'm not...when I'm not working that is."

"Why would you call it stupid?...Elizabeth - that's a beautiful name."

And with the way he said it...she could almost believe it was.

Her breath caught a little as she watched him mull the name over in his head. His insane blue eyes, sparkling. He nodded as he spoke again. "I've never known any Elizabeth's before."

"You're kidding me right?"

"Nope," Lucky said smiling. "You're the first...let's hope you make a good impression."

The smile he had hoped for actually came. Thank God. She had the most beautiful smile in the whole world.

Ugh...those lips. For the one-millionth time of the evening, he wondered what it'd be like to kiss them. It had to be a life altering experience. No doubt about it.

"So what about Lucky?" She asked. Shifting her weight on her elbows. "Is that your strip name?"

He guffawed with laughter and shook his head. "No it's just kind of a childhood nickname that stuck...my real name is Lucas."

Elizabeth rose one brow. "Oh...I like that....

"So what brings you to Vegas, Lucas?"

Lucky smiled. 'What's this? Is she making conversation!'

"Ah...my buddies brought me down here because they thought I needed cheering up...I guess."

Elizabeth smiled. Truly, truly beautiful.

"Why? Your girlfriend dump you or something?"

"Or something," Lucky answered, shaking his head. Not too eager to get into the particulars of who'd been the dumper and who'd been the dumpee. The dishes in his apartment would never quite recover from the night they'd earned those titles. "How'd you know that?"

"50% of the guys that come in to the club just broke up with their girlfriends. The other 50 with their wives...or maybe they're just trying to get away from them for a few hours...who knows," she said. Finishing her statement on a sigh. A comment that started out somewhat light

hearted, turning wistful in seconds.

Lucky watched her pick at a lose thread in the comforter beneath her and tried to steer her back to the amusement that had laced her expression just prior to the quick detour inside herself.

"Oh, so I'm just a statistic huh?...That's just sad," he laughed. "I told the guys I didn't want to go to some lousy stri...

She looked down and he could have gotten up and shot himself in the head just then. If he'd had a gun, he probably would have.

'Way to go Spencer....way to try and get her to smile again...you FUCKING IDIOT.'

"I - I'm sorry...I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

"Of course you did."

"No, really," Lucky scrambled, sitting up to face her on the bed. "Honestly. You...Elizabeth you were beautiful up there.

"I mean...REALLY...just...just beautiful........I mean, not that I saw the whole...the whole thing. But the part I saw of it was -

"What do you mean you didn't see the whole thing?" She asked. Her brows furrowing.

Lucky scratched the back of his head and leaned forward a bit to brace his hands against his thighs. "I...I didn't get to see your entire routine – I had to go to the bathroom."

The sudden raise of her eyebrows sent a peel of laughter out of his gut.

"No, no...Oh man," he said holding his stomach. "Not to do THAT...although, I'm sure a lot of guys...I mean...no, that's not..."

He shook his head. What the Hell was the matter with him tonight? His friends would have had a field day if they could see him now. He was the one that they'd always called 'smoother than silk.' Even though he'd never TRIED to be smooth.

It was just something they said. But, tonight he was anything but.

"I just mean...I just mean I had to go to the bathroom...so I, I missed half of your routine."

'Why don't you tell her the truth? You wuss?' Lucky thought silently. Shifting his weight on the bed. 'Oh come on, what are you supposed to say?...You were so gorgeous that I couldn't allow myself to look at you without knowing you...without some kind of MEANING to it?...Get a life,

Spencer she's gonna think you're a bigger freak than she already does.'

"So," he said quickly. Brushing his thoughts aside. "Do you...Are you a dancer?"

"Isn't that what I was doing tonight?......Oh, you mean do I do it professionally...with my clothes ON?"

'Fuck Spencer...you really know what to say to a girl, don't you?'

Before he could say anything else, she continued. "No...I don't dance anywhere else, if that's what you mean."

"You should."

The quick turn of her head, would have cut him off at the knees had he been standing. He was thankful that he wasn't.

"I mean...you - you dance like an angel."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and started singing in mockery of him. "Nah-nah-nah,nah,nah,nah....my angel is a centerfold..."

He grinned for a moment at the bit of humor, but sobered quickly as he stared across the space between them and into her eyes. "I'm serious...you took my breath away - Elizabeth...or maybe it was the exact opposite," he added. Scooting back on the bed as he began to get nervous again. "You actually made it easier for me to breathe."

Elizabeth froze for a long moment, eyeing him as he resituated himself against the headboard and crossed his feet. Steepling his hands in his lap once again.

What did that mean? What had he meant by that? Given him breath?...How...It sounded beautiful but she couldn't be sure. It was like when someone said something about you in a foreign language. It could have been a lovely compliment, but you could never be quite sure.

No one had ever spoken to her in this particular language before.

She settled on the bed again, and pulled her knees to her chest. The game was going off. The Knicks had won 92 to 74. "You can change the channel now, if you want..." she added quietly. Suddenly feeling...weird. In a quiet sort of mood.

That feeling didn't come along often. It was so extremely loud in her head, more often than not. Except for when she was dancing, and the music drowned everything else out.

Why was she feeling that way now? Without any music playing?

Lucky picked up the remote control and started to flip through the endless amount of late night blech that flowed over the airwaves. "Looks like nothing's on but 'How to Beat the Crap out of Craps.'" He laughed.

"You gamble?" He asked, turning towards her.

"Not much," she sighed. Not caring to admit that she would if she had the money to spend. Interesting how people who didn't really NEED the money, were the ones that could afford to win it.

This guy could probably gamble for hours, and not sweat a lick. 10 grand for a night of CONVERSATION? Wow...some people had more money than they knew what to do with.

'What would YOU do with 10 thousand smackers, Webber?' She asked herself silently. 'Chuck it all and move to New York!...Get a studio in the city, and go to dance classes, and get an agent and...

'Stop dreaming Webber. You can't do all of that with 10 thousand dollars anyway...you really are a world class idiot sometimes.'

"Yeah, it's probably like asking a New Yorker if they visit the Statue of Liberty often, huh? It's sorta for tourists."

She shrugged absently. Not sure of what they'd been talking about.

Lucky breathed deeply....'Back to the silence.'

"So you probably don't come to the casino's often then, huh?"

That small tug pulled at the left corner of her mouth again. So, damn adorable it forced him to bite down hard on his own lip to keep from telling her so.

"What?" Lucky asked. Smiling at her quiet amusement. "What's so funny."

"I...I do come to the casino's, but usually just to play in the arcades...it's a complete and total waste of money, but it's a good way to pass the time sometimes...

"What?...Don't laugh at me," she instructed soberly.

So completely soberly that it made him laugh out loud. "No...no, I'm sorry...I'm not laughing at you. I just...I really like video games too. That's all...I -

"What's your favorite?" She asked suddenly sitting up. Was that giddiness, he'd just seen? No...it couldn't have been. But it sure did resemble it.

Lucky smiled slyly and clasped his hands together. "Road Fury."

'Cocky, much Spencer?'

Her mouth dropped open and it slowly and methodically morphed itself into a highly entertained smile. "I am the BEST Road Fury player...on the planet."

"On the planet?" Lucky asked. His eyes wide with amusement as he thought to himself 'Oh Sweetie, you have NO idea...'

The only person who had ever even come close to beating him at Road Fury was his sister, and that was to be expected. It was in the genes after all.

Elizabeth nodded, as Lucky wasted no time in picking up the small paper triangle that sat on the desk on the other side of the bed. A list of every amenity the hotel offered printed on either side. He placed it down when noting the time that the arcade closed...not yet. Kids were of a different breed here in the desert.

He grinned wickedly at the idea brewing in his head.

"Care to put your money where your mouth is?"

~~~~~~~

Elizabeth growled under her breath as Lucky's car maneuvered past the second to the last guidepost. Knowing he was almost to the finish line and she still had so many obstacles yet to overcome.

'Story of my life,' she thought bitterly as his fancy blue car jumped over the huge ditch, kicking dirt into the grill of her little putt-putt. She caught the grin that spread over his lips when she growled once more.

She was good at this. Damn good. Actually BETTER than LuLu...not that he would ever admit to that.

He'd actually 'let' his sister win once or twice...but Elizabeth. She was another story. Nobody needed to let her win. The next time they played this game - she WOULD win. All by herself. With no helpful hints or suggestions. No telling of secrets. She'd figure it out all on her own.

The determined, focused expression on her face as her car jumped the last hill made him smile somewhere deep inside. Made something sort of flip-flop.

'The NEXT time, Spencer?' He thought. 'Did you just say the next time?...There isn't GOING to be a next time. This is a one-time gig. You're leaving tomorrow morning and you will never see this girl again...in fact - you might as well TELL her the secrets...'

"You know, if you take the next curve quicker...." Lucky began, pulling the joystick down towards him with a fierce intensity. "You can pick up the gold chest AND your spare tire at the same time," he explained.

Elizabeth glared at him for just a moment before turning back to the fast and furious screen images moving in front of her. Seeing how the light flickered against his beautiful skin, almost distracting her from her goal. "I don't need your help thanks...I've been playing this game

forever."

"Forever?" He mocked. "It's only been out a year."

"Yeah, well that's long enough for me to kick YOUR ass."

"Not this time!" He shouted, as his blue car crossed the finish line and was declared unanimous winner. "Aha!! Eat my dust Elizabeth."

"Aren't you charming," she smirked. Turning around and heading for the small table against the window of the arcade before he could notice how badly she actually wanted to laugh.

He was such a little kid.

Lucky grinned victoriously and pulled the row of orange paper tickets from the bottom of the machine. Counting them as he made his way towards the table. She was sipping on the cherry coke she'd bought at the food court...and something about that red straw between her lips...something about it made his gut clench a little tighter.

Taking a deep breath he lowered himself in the chair opposite of her. He glanced quickly behind her at the booth where some bored teenage attendant stood, protecting the various stuffed animals. "Name your pleasure."

"What?" She asked absently. The color of his eyes having hypnotized her for just a moment.

Just a moment.

"Do you want the purple pig, that giant...scary looking bunny, or the teddy bear?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "You...you don't have to do that."

"Oh come on, what am I gonna do? Haul one of those things on the plane with me tomorrow? It ain't gonna fit on my carry-on."

The side of her mouth tugged upwards again as she turned to glance at the display behind her. "Whatever you have enough tickets for."

"Oh come on!" He moaned. Standing and pulling her from her seat.

In an instant his legs turned to jelly. Something about the feel of her skin had...

He had to let go to catch hold of the end of the table. 'What the Hell was that?'

Elizabeth shivered at the contact. Something....electric having traveled though every cell of her body at the speed of light.

"The teddy bear," she whispered. Looking down to break the unsettling eye contact.

"Ok," he whispered back. Eager to walk the 3 feet away that it took to get to the booth...that it took to distance himself from...whatever that had been.

Elizabeth sunk back down into the chair and tried to catch her breath. Propping her head up between her hands and closing her eyes. For the second time tonight she felt out of sorts...as if she were in a foreign land where things were strange...fuzzy. Not so clear anymore.

But the teddy bear that he held in his hand was as clear as day as he placed it in front of her on the table. He'd be a welcome edition to the fold. With his red bow and happy eyes. He was a sweet bear....Yep, he'd fit right in.

She smiled a bit at the stranger that seemed both foreign and familiar sat down in front of her once again. "Thank you...I appreciate it."

"No problem," he said nodding. "Do you want another cherry coke?" He asked suddenly. Feeling like the village idiot the second after he'd asked. Noticing that she still had more than half a cup left.

"No...no, I'm good."

"Good."

He watched her eyes travel towards three little kids in the corner. Two boys of about 13 with another boy that looked about 9 or 10. The younger, one obviously the brother of one of the 13 year olds. No one could mistake the same shade of bright blonde hair, or the sibling teasing that was going on as they played the game that Elizabeth and Lucky had just vacated.

"Give it up Ricky!" The older brother shouted. Maneuvering his car past him with ease. "You will never, ever beat me at this game ya little turd."

Ricky didn't say a word. He simply dug in his heels and pushed himself higher against the game that was nearly 3 times his size. Determined to go down swinging if he was in fact going down.

Lucky ran a hand over his mouth and turned towards Elizabeth. Noticing how she bit her lip. Silently rooting for the kid. She was beautiful when she concentrated on something...

'Jeez, Spencer...when isn't she beautiful? You sound like a broken record.'

The wail of frustration from across the room, brought his attention back to the matter at hand. The battle over life and death.....or, more accurately - over Road Fury.

Ricky had, as predicted lost to his older brother. Who proceeded now to do a dance of joy with his pal as if he'd just scored a 40-yard touchdown.

"Rematch! Rematch!" Ricky shouted. Nearly jumping up and down as his brother smirked at him in wicked amusement.

"Yeah right...you're a glutton for punishment."

"Mom said to stop calling me a pig!"

"I didn't call you a pig you moron!"

"Stop calling me a moron!"

"Alright pig!"

Ricky had to bite his lip in order to squelch the immature need to stomp his feet. The more 'mature' older brother used it to his advantage. "Alright Ricky...Me and Eddie are gonna go get some soda...but we come back - Road Fury Rematch!"

The hard-ass nod that Ricky gave him almost made Lucky bust out laughing. But he stifled it. Waiting for just the right moment as Eddie and 'I'm the Asshole Older Brother' walked away to refuel with liquid sugar.

"Where are you going?" Elizabeth whispered. Watching as Lucky rose from his seat.

"I'll be right back," Lucky answered mysteriously as he walked towards little Ricky.

Elizabeth watched with rapt fascination as Lucky bent to meet the little boy eye to eye. Man to man. Gesturing with his hands, about what she could only guess was the video game. Giving him tips...pointers. She smiled a bit as he did. His face, lighting up as he explained.

But not nearly as much as the boy in front of him. The kid looked at him like he was a video game god or something. His mouth dropping open. His eyes growing wide in wonderment. He nodded vigorously as Lucky gestured more and leaned in conspiratorially. Trying to explain quickly before the other two came back.

Reaching out finally to shake Ricky's hand. The boy shook it in quiet awe.

What the Heck had Lucky told the kid? Whatever it was, she hoped it worked.

"We shall see," she muttered to herself as Eddie and Asshole-boy came back. Lucky returning with a sprint in his step. All proud of himself as he took the seat opposite of her once more. Moving it closer to the action to see what happened now.

"What did you tell him?"

"I just gave him a few tips."

"A few?...I'd say you gave him the key to life - with the way he was looking at you."

"Well I kinda did...at least the key to Road Fury that is," he laughed. Watching as Ricky slipped a quarter into the machine. It turns out his brother's name was Nikolas...classic.

"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked. Turning towards him.

"Oh....oh...hold on - they're starting," Lucky grinned. Curling his fingertips into the side of the table. Anticipation coursing through his veins.

Elizabeth's eyes widened and she nearly laughed at the expression on his face once more. So excited over a little game. I mean, sure it was as fun as all Hell, and her favorite game in the world...but this guy - whoa...A fanatic.

Well, God bless the fanatic, because Ricky was beating the pants off of his older brother. And already challenging Eddie to a match, before he'd even reached the finish line.

Elizabeth's mouth dropped open as she watched. This kid had become a master in 30 seconds flat. He'd totally SUCKED a few moments ago. She watched him jump over the ditch she'd had trouble with, and swerve over every obstacle in his path. And finally...cross the finish line. Miles ahead of his brother.

The triumphant smile of the little boy, brought a smile to her own lips. And an even bigger one to Lucky's.

He discretely gave the kid the thumbs up sign, while nodding his head in approval. He looked as if he were watching his own child pick up some new skill. Elizabeth watched as he scratched the back of his head and stood up.

He did that a lot - scratching the back of his head. She wondered what his hair felt like. It looked really soft. She became distracted by that thought until she felt that odd sensation once more.

"Let's go," He whispered. Placing one of his large hands at the small of her back as she moved in front of him. The action once again caused her to stop in her tracks. Why did his touch do that to her? And what was THAT exactly?...

"I don't want Nikolas to catch on...although I'm sure, by the looks of things," Lucky laughed, turning back for a moment to see Ricky point in his direction. "Ricky's gonna tell him anyway."

"Tell him what?"

"That he just got the secret to the game from the guy who designed it."

~~~~~~~

Lucky settled on to his bed and pulled his shoes off, wondering what he'd said to make her go silent again. Trying to listen for the sound of her voice over the low music that he'd turned on in the room, so he wouldn't have to hear himself think of all the things he could have done wrong.

She hadn't said a word since they'd left the arcade. Silent during the walk toward the elevator. Silent in the elevator. Silent since the elevator.

Silence now as she toed off her own shoes and pulled the comforter down on the bed across from him.

"Elizabeth?"

A few strands of hair fell in front of her face when she whirled around to look at him. He watched her intently as she tried and failed to blow them away from her mouth. When he found his voice, he spoke again. "Did I...did I say something wrong...back there in the arcade?"

"Who? You?" She asked flippantly. Tearing down the sheets now. Her hands moving rapidly as she turned back to her task. "Of course not...You couldn't say anything wrong. I mean...you're as smooth as they come aren't you?"

"What?" Lucky asked. His brows furrowing in confusion.

"Oh you know exactly what I mean...let's save this poor girl from a night of prostituting herself...let's save this poor kid from looking like an idiot in front of his older brother...you're just one of those guys that's out to save the world aren't you? A regular superman?!"

"What?" Lucky asked again. Standing up as she hopped into bed as if she'd said nothing at all offensive. "You gotta be kidding me...that's not what I was trying to do at all!...That's...that's bull -

"Oh is it?" She asked. Her eyes growing wide as she sat up in bed. Kneeling now on the surface.

"Yes! It is," he said nodding as he stood with his hands at his hips. "It's completely ridiculous."

"No! I'll tell you what's ridiculous!" Elizabeth yelled. Gasping for a breath to continue her rampage. "What's ridiculous is you paying ten THOUSAND dollars to 'hang out' and play video games all night long! What the Hell is it that you want from me?!"

The question threw him off guard. And his silence threw her off guard.

"Nothing."

The word came out as a whisper and the complete sincerity in his eyes caused her to look away. He sat down next to her on the bed, determined not to let her brush him off. Hesitantly he touched her chin. Bringing it up to meet his eyes. "Elizabeth...nothing."

She'd never heard her name said so many times in one night. Her God given name that was. And had never heard it said quite so lovely. Not even her mother had called her Elizabeth.

Slowly, she removed his hand from her face with a shaky gesture of her own. Yet, he would not let her pull away completely. His fingers encircled her small, delicate hands in his own.

"Dance with me."

"What?"

"That's it," Lucky said standing up. "That's all I want from you...and then I'll let you go to sleep. I mean come on...for 10 grand I should at least get to step on your toes a little," he finished. Grinning in hopes that she would too.

Almost. The tug came...but nothing followed.

She hesitantly stepped closer to him. Not too close, as he pulled her too her feet. Not too close, because he seemed to nice.

Too dangerous.

In an effort to retain the distance between them. She clasped her left hand with his. If she put it on his shoulder, like his body had wanted, she'd be too close. He'd be too close.

But as he began to move, ever so slowly to some song she'd never heard, he let her call the shots. He kept his hand at her mid back. And even though it sent shivers down her spine, he didn't move it any lower. And his other hand...this other hand didn't try to move hers to his shoulder or anywhere else. He kept it...exactly where she'd put it.

And even though her breathing turned shallow and her heart sped up, she didn't feel afraid. She didn't feel as if she'd scream if she closed her eyes. She didn't want him to stop holding her. Dancing with her.

She loved to dance.

"You're not stepping on my toes."

Lucky smiled softly above her. Trying not to get to close when all he wanted to do every time he inhaled was smother his face in her hair. She smelled so good he could cry.

He knew without a doubt that this woman was everything he'd ever wanted in his life, and he would only get to hold her like this - once.

He cleared his parched throat. "Ah, that's just because we haven't gottento any fast parts yet," he whispered. "Slow dancing is my specialty...my only specialty on the dance floor, believe me," he finished chuckling nervously.

"Uh-oh," she giggled softly turning away from his face as soon as she met his eyes. "Fast part's here."

"I jinxed us," he answered softly.

But he hadn't jinxed anything at all. He danced wonderfully, and she felt wonderfully graceful in his arms as he lifted one and let her twirl beneath it. Guiding her back to his hand as the slower part of the melody ensued once more.

"Wow...this song's a little trickier than I thought," he said. Laughing out aloud at the oomph that sounded from their chests when they collided.

When something felt that good against your skin, and you knew it wasn't supposed to...you had no choice but to laugh it off.

"You're doing great," she said reassuringly as his feet began to move quicker once more in time with the music.

But then the music stopped all together, and he was anything but fine as they both halted. As she looked up into his eyes for a longer moment than the last.

If anyone would have asked him in that moment before the music began again, what his name was. He wouldn't have known it. Wouldn't have known his name, telephone number, address or where he'd grown up. Nothing.

All he would have known was the color of her eyes.

Some utterly ridiculous shade of blue. Deep and true...like something - something right.

When the music commenced once more, it was fast and furious, and the moment had been broken. But he still knew. He still knew that something, crazy, and magical had happened in the moment of silence. A moment that he'd been destined for with the purchase of some ludicrously expensive last minute plane ride to Las Vegas.

The trick would be letting it JUST be a moment, and nothing more.

Elizabeth felt his hand grip hers a bit more firmly and she closed her eyes. It felt good.

Damnit, it felt good. It wasn't supposed to. No one was supposed to make her feel this good. Ever.

She bit her lip and prayed for the strength to make it through the rest of this song. The rest of the night with him lying in the next bed. Breathing the same air.

The man who said foreign things, and laughed nicely, and had eyes the color of oceans she'd only seen in travel magazines.

And God...the way he touched you. The way he touched you could make you think for a minute that some men were really gentle, and sweet, and caring.

But only for a minute.

A moment was all he had before reality boarded a plane for New York. A minute was all she had before reality charged in clawed at her brain tonight.

All because I'm
All because I'm
I'll become...

The music was slowing and as they turned, they both noticed the time on the clock. Well into the morning hours. Most people in the city were gambling, sleeping, loving, dreaming...

Lucky closed his eyes for an instant and wondered if when he opened them, he'd be back in his penthouse apartment in the city. Wondered if the girl he was holding now would disappear when he opened them.

Elizabeth closed her eyes for an instant and wondered if when she opened them, she'd be back in her tiny, apartment in the desert. Wondered if the boy who was holding her now would disappear when she opened them.

Of course she would. Dreams like these were the unattainable ones. Not big business deals, or nice cars, and fancy apartments. Not girls like Stephanie that came so into your life in such a fixed, structured manner. But this...the dream in his arms was not for him to hold forever.

Of course he would. She didn't have dreams. If she did, it would most certainly turn into a nightmare at some point, and eat her alive from the inside out. No...this...the dream in her arms was not for her to hold forever.

The last remnants of tune and serenity faded into silence once more and Lucky released her from his arms. Having to force every cell in his body to comply with his brain's demand. "I guess this is goodnight then...thank you for the dance."

She only nodded and turned away. Back to her small spot on the bed. Pulling the covers up and over her legs before Lucky even had a chance to move from the spot he'd been somehow riveted to.

It wasn't until she pulled the tiny gold chain on the lamp next to her bed that she said goodnight.

Her voice in the darkness was bliss. He wondered what it would sound like while making love. He wondered if she were...

'Stop it Spencer...'

Dream's over.

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