The plane ride to Denver had been awkward. Myka was glad when it was over with. They made their way to a hotel where the ball would take place. She went up to the man at the counter. He gave her a scowl and dabbed his head with a handkerchief. "I'm here to check in. Sarah Parker." He typed it in and nodded as he found the results. Myka didn't know what to expect since Artie made the reservation. "Yes," he said handing her the room keys. "Room 405. Have a nice stay Miss Parker." She didn't hear Pete come up behind her. "Mrs. and Mr. Parker."
Myka's heart started pounding as she felt his arm around her shoulder and his lips touch her head. She mentally shook herself. This was not happening to her. She could not be falling for the most childish guy on the planet. "Coming dear?" Pete's voice broke her train of thought. She blushed and smiled. "Yes, my love." She wanted to slap herself for letting that one slip. And she was glad they were playing a cover that would hide what she just did.
When they got to the room, Pete slid the key in and opened the door. They walked in and set their stuff down. Pete turned and his eyes widened. "Oh…..uh…one bed." Myka nervously nodded. He smiled and jumped on it with a "Wheeeeeee! I call it!" Myka giggled at the normal Pete behavior. But she wasn't going to give up that easily. She jumped on the bed and started trying to push him off. "Oh no you don't. I called it!" He turned over and started tickling her stomach. She let out a shriek trying to make him stop. She tickled him until she found his tickle stop which was under his arms. They rolled around laughing and stopped when they were both out of breath. Pete's head was resting on her stomach when she realized that they were both on the bed. Their eyes met and they seemed mesmerized by each other. Myka blushed as Pete leaned in. He froze and jumped off the bed. "I changed my mind. You can have the bed." He fell forwards and hit the floor with a grunt. "This floor is hard." He said in a breathless voice. She giggled again and opened her suitcase.
She decided to wear the black, low cut, short dress. She couldn't reach the zipper. "Pete, could you zip me up?"
"Sure." She could feel his breath on her neck. She felt so exposed with the back of her lacy black bra showing. She heard the zipper and felt the fabric close against her skin. "Thanks." She said turning around. Pete was wearing a black tux and bow tie. "Bond," he said straightening his bow tie. He held out his arm for Myka to take. She blushed heavily and took it. "James Bond." They walked downstairs to the ballroom.
Myka was surprised at how extravagant the ball was. Flowers were hanging from the ceiling as well as a crystal chandelier. There were waiters walking around with trays of food and champaign. Myka almost felt like a princess. "Look around. Artie said Bernie should the most extravagant guy in the room. They walked around until they found Bernie. He was dressed in a white tux and was talking to some business- like people. After a few minutes, he walked out of the room.
"Come on. He may be headed toward the artifact." Myka walked quickly in the direction Bernie went with Pete trailing. They were led to a hallway with paintings and plastic bowls of fruit. They looked around. "Where did he go?" Pete asked. All of a sudden, they heard a low voice coming their way.
Myka didn't know why she did what she did next. Maybe it was to draw attention away from them. Or maybe it was because she was in deep. She backed Pete against the wall and kissed him hard. Emotions flooded her as her hands found the nape of his neck. He kissed her back putting his arms tightly around her. She deepened the kiss and let out a low moan. Someone cleared their throat. Myka pulled away breathlessly looking at who interrupted them. It was Bernie MaCintire. Pete straightened his bow tie. "Who are you?"
"Bernie MaCintire. I am the host of the ball. And you are?"