Stepping out of the taxicab, Sue stared at all the lights surrounding her. "This is amazing!" Fanning a tourism guide in front of her face, she let out a deep breath. "This doesn't feel like December. It's warmer than D.C. in August."
"Well," Jack replied, taking care of their luggage, "that's why I miss Wisconsin so much at this time of year. I'd give anything for some snow and a decorated tree. It must be weird to see a Christmas tree in the middle of the desert, though. But like they say, in Las Vegas, everything is illusion."
As they entered the hotel, the odour of coconut, mixed with apples and spices, enveloped them. In the lobby, there was a tall palm tree decorated with little silver bells and Santa Clauses dressed as Californian surfers. So much for Christmas tradition.
"Mr. and Ms. Hudson, I assume?" the receptionist welcomed them. "Thank you for choosing Pearson's hotel and casino resort. Your travel agent told us this was your honeymoon, so I really hope you will enjoy the room we've reserved for you. Between you and me," she added almost in a whisper, leaning closer on her counter, "most newlyweds don't even want to leave their room once they get in."
Absolutely not interested by the young woman's babble, Sue simply hooked her arm under Jack's, and gazed around her, studying the lobby. The term 'resort' was not really appropriate for this place, but at least it looked clean and tidy. Aside from the main door, where they came from, there were five other doors accessible from the lobby. Apparently one for the rooms, another for the casino, a third one for the restaurant and the fourth one marked 'Personnel Only.' However, the fifth door was partially hidden behind the palm tree, and instead of a magnetic card reader, there was a numeric pad to activate the lock.
Before she could go any further in her investigation, she felt Jack's arm around her waist and he pivoted her toward him. A second later, his lips landed on hers in a sweet kiss, and after the initial shock passed, she reacted the way a newlywed wife would, kissing him back with apparent passion. At least, she hoped it looked as passionate as it felt.
When they parted, she observed him as he cleared his throat, and she noticed the deliberate, yet unsteady circular motion Jack made with his fist over his chest. To untrained eyes, he simply looked like he was coughing, but she knew better than that.
"Wow, Honey, what was that for?" she asked him, unconsciously licking and biting her lower lip.
For a split second, his eyes grew wider, but he rapidly regained control. "Do I really need an excuse to kiss my lovely wife?"
"Well, let me think about it," Sue replied, a mock pensive expression on her face. Then she wrapped one arm around his waist, pulled him a little closer, and rested her head on his shoulder. She faced the receptionist and cupped her hand on the side of her mouth, keeping Jack out from the confidence. "Between you and me, he can be very convincing, when he wants to be. I can't wait to get into our room, to listen to his argument."
