Fair Play (2 page)

Dani stood on the balcony staring out at the lights. What had nearly happened poolside was not her. She didn’t have one-night stands, or rather one-day stands as it would have been if they had gone any further. Getting involved with a stranger was the last thing she needed.

Dani took a deep breath of the warm yet dry night air. She came to Vegas in search of asylum. How long could she hope to disappear this time if she acted in such a wanton manner? Vegas had to be the place she’d find permanent anonymity. Mentally shaking herself, she forced her thoughts away from the hopelessness threatening to overwhelm her.

Despite the late hour of the night, the desert air was hot and cloying. Dani closed her eyes and lifted her face as she tried to catch even a faint breath of the barely discernible breeze. As light as a butterfly’s wings, the air fluttered over her face, softly caressing each individual feature. Her long mass of caramel-colored tresses cascaded over her shoulders like a mantel, making the desert seem hotter than it was. She stretched her arms above her head as she twisted her body, trying to coerce herself into relaxing so sleep would come easily. Before returning inside, she took one last glance at the brightly-lit colorful city, then entered and slid the glass door shut behind her.

Sleep did not come easy. Her thoughts once again wandered to the devastatingly handsome stranger she’d encountered at the pool. He’d made her body come alive as no man had ever done before. Too bad she’d never run into him again, because she would have liked to discover exactly why he was so intriguing.

Pushing images of him away she tried to sleep, but her mind now steered her toward her disturbing past. Despair whisked through her body as fear threatened to rattle the tentative hold she had on hope.

Vegas had to work out. She was running out of options. Her body ached with want. A want of home. A want of safety. A want of love. She could feel time running out, and her past catching up.

Dani arrived at the Diamond Hotel & Casino, and stopped at the reservation desk to ask for directions to the director of personnel’s office. After stating the reason for her visit, she was told to go right in as the director was expecting her. When she entered the office, she was approached by an attractive woman in her forties with friendly brown eyes and a beautiful smile.

Extending her hand, the director said, “Hi, I’m Kathy Dunn, and you are Danielle Jordon?”

Dani nodded as she returned the handshake. “I’m pleased to meet you, Ms. Dunn.”

“Please call me Kathy. Everybody does,” Kathy said as she walked around her desk. She pointed to a chair. “Please sit down as I go over a few things with you.”

Dani lowered herself into the chair facing Kathy’s desk. “Thank you.”

Kathy handed her some papers, then sat at her desk.

“Here you’ll find our policy guidelines and answers to basic questions that most new employees ask. Read them at your leisure, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask me anytime. Right now, though, I’d like to go over a couple of the basic rules with you, then we’ll get you a nametag and a uniform so you can get started. We only put the first name of the employee on the tags, so unless you have a nickname you’d like to use, we’ll be putting Danielle on it.”

“I prefer to use Dani, if that’s all right?” she said quietly.

As Kathy was typing the information on the computer for the badge, she asked, “Could you spell that the way you’d like it to read please?”

“Sure no problem. It’s D-a-n-i.”

Kathy finished typing and rested her arms on the desk. “The main requirement of the job is to serve our customers in a friendly and polite manner. Rudeness, in any way, is not tolerated. Fraternization with the customers is not allowed while on duty, but what you do on your own time is your business. Also, even though prostitution is legal in some parts of Nevada, it is illegal in Las Vegas, so solicitation is prohibited anywhere on the premises. Any questions so far?”

Dani smiled and said, “No, none at all.”

“Good. We provide your uniform, but it’s up to you to maintain it. We expect you to keep it clean and pressed. We prefer that you wear makeup, and your hair should be neat. I need you to fill out these forms, then I’ll give you a tour of the casino and show you where you’ll be working.” Kathy handed her some forms, then picked up the phone. “Hi Carl, this is Kathy. I’m going to be coming over to your office in a few minutes with our newest employee, Dani.” Kathy glanced at her and covered the phone as she quietly asked, “A size four or five?”

“A size five,” Dani whispered back.

Kathy uncovered the phone and said, “Can you please get her badge ready and a size five cocktail waitress uniform?” Carl must have answered “yes” because Kathy responded, “Great, we’ll be there in a few minutes. Thanks.”

As they walked through the various gaming areas, Kathy pointed out the areas Dani would be working. When they stopped at the main casino bar where she would get the various drinks to serve, Kathy called the bartender over to where they were standing by the bar.

“Tom, this is Dani our newest waitress. . .Dani. . .Tom Hadley. You’ll be working with Tom this week. He’s one of our best bartenders. He’ll be able to help you get use to the routine.”

Tom was a good-looking guy in his late twenties with gorgeous blue eyes and cute dimples in his cheeks when he smiled. “Dani, nice to meet you. Any questions you have, just ask me. I’ll get you through this like you’ve been working this job for months,” he said.

Dani felt her lips turn upward in a shy grin as she said, “Thanks, nice to meet you, too. I hope I won’t be too much trouble for you.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll do great.”

Saying goodbye, they continued on their tour as they passed the high-stakes area, where only the gamblers who bet large amounts of money played. From there, Kathy showed her the nightclubs, restaurants, shops, beauty shop, spa, gyms, and cabana areas.

As they were leaving the main pool area, Kathy said, “We have three pools and all are available for you to use, but if you like more privacy, the pool on the roof is reserved for employees and important guests, although most prefer this main pool area with the cabanas.”

Dani felt her cheeks warm as thoughts of her encounter with the handsome stranger at the pool flooded her mind. “Great, thanks for the tip. I usually like to get in a little exercise, and swimming is a great way to work out.”

As they neared the main cashier desk, Kathy turned to her and said, “Because you’re new to the area, I’m going to introduce you to someone who will be a big help in finding your way around. She’s a really nice person. You’re going to love her.”

Kathy motioned to a girl who looked to be about Dani’s age. She had shoulder-length blond hair that swayed as she moved and expressive brown eyes. Standing a couple of inches shorter than Dani, she seemed to have a bubbly personality and wore a smile that lit up her whole face.

“Hey, Kath. Who’s the new kid?”

“Hi, Julie. This is Dani, our new cocktail waitress. She’s new to the area, and I thought maybe you could help her get around.”

“Hi. I’ll show you the ropes. Don’t worry about a thing. In no time at all you’ll be able to get around here, like you’ve lived here all your life.”

“Thanks. I sure appreciate it.”

“No problem. I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends.”

“I’d like that.” Dani’s heart lightened at the thought of a friendship. How long had it been since she’d been able to call anyone a friend?

“Thanks, Julie,” Kathy said, then turned to Dani. “Let’s go get your uniform so you can get started.”

On the way to get her uniform, Kathy showed her the banquet rooms, hotel kitchens, housekeeping, worker’s lounge area, and locker rooms. She also showed her the private elevator and entrances to the suites occupied by the manager and certain staff members. When they got to wardrobe, Kathy handed her an abbreviated black tuxedo jacket with tails and black satin lapels, which gave it a classy look. A black body suit with a deep v-neck and black fishnet stockings completed the ensemble.

“Where’s the rest of the uniform?” Dani jokingly asked.

Kathy laughed. “Try it on and let’s see how it looks.”

After putting on the uniform, Dani studied herself in the mirror and became self-conscious as she saw that her breasts were spilling out of the top of the body suit. As she scanned lower, she noticed that the uniform didn’t leave much to the imagination. Cut high on the sides almost all the way to her waist, it made her long, slender legs look even longer than they actually were. Rotating to see the back, she discovered it barely covered her butt.

As she scrutinized the amount of flesh the uniform exposed, she self-consciously tried to cover herself with her hands, as her thoughts plunged into her past. With an inner strength she didn’t even know she possessed, she tamped down the panic and forced herself to return to the present.

She walked out of the dressing room and managed to stand still as Kathy scrutinized her with a critical eye.

“Turn around.” Kathy twirled her hand in a circular motion. “It fits you well.” She paused, tapping her finger on her chin. “Your makeup looks good, but I intend to have you working the high-stakes area, and we generally like more of a dramatic look for our waitresses who work that area. Let’s see if we can enhance those gorgeous green eyes of yours.”

A few minutes later, Kathy swept a variety of colored shadows across her lids and extended the eyeliner out to the side, giving her eyes a more feline look. Examining herself in the mirror, Dani couldn’t believe the difference. “Wow, it really changed my eyes. I like it.”

“Great.” Kathy removed the pins in Dani’s hair, making it flow over her shoulders in soft waves. “We usually like our girls to wear their hair up, but in your case, wear it down. You have beautiful hair, and the color really makes the uniform pop.”

Reaching over to the counter, Kathy picked up the badge and pinned it on the uniform. She gave Dani a locker for her things before they went back to Kathy’s office.

At the office, Kathy gave her a little more information about the job. “As I told you, you’ll be working the high-stakes area. If you smile and give them fast and friendly service, you’ll make excellent tips. Some casinos like to pool the tips together, and have the employees share them, but here at the Diamond, we believe that the tips you receive are because of the service you provide, so our policy is for you to keep your own tips.”

Kathy escorted her to the high-stakes tables and introduced her to the dealers explaining that this was Dani’s first day and she wanted them to be patient with her.

Kathy patted her shoulder. “You’re on your own. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”

Dani forced her lips to curve upward, despite the nerves tap dancing in her belly. She had experience as a waitress, so this couldn’t be that much different.

Throughout her shift, Dani made sure her customers received fast, courteous service, and as a result made a fair amount in tips. She wasn’t real comfortable with the prurient looks she’d received, but she’d have to learn to ignore them and smile pleasantly. As she was heading over to the employee’s locker room at the end of her shift, she ran into Julie.

“Hey, Dani, how did it go today?”

“Not too bad. I thought I was going to mess it all up, being my first day and all, but I still made great tips, so I guess I did all right.”

Julie put her arm around Dani’s shoulder as they headed to the locker room. “I knew you were going to do great. With that face and bod’, I knew the customers were going to love you. A few of us are going out for drinks right now. Why don’t you join us?”

Her feet were killing her. She’d waited all day to kick her feet up, but she wanted to make friends. “I’m a little tired ... but maybe for just a little while.”

“Great, you’re going to love the gang.”

Jace Diamond sat in the lounge’s VIP section entertaining some friends when he noticed Julie and the new girl. He felt his pulse jump as his eyes roamed over her body. Her curves were in all the right places, and her legs were long and gorgeous. His body tightened as he recalled the silkiness of her skin and the sweet, sultry taste of her lips. She’d nearly brought him to his knees with desire.

Even though he usually adhered to a policy of not dating his employees, he was now entertaining the idea of adding an addendum for hot sexy ones who sunbathed semi-nude at the private pool. As he contemplated whether to go down and introduce himself properly, Dawn, his date for the night, brushed his hand with hers, reminding him he wasn’t alone. He’d have to get acquainted with his newest employee another time. He glanced at Dani one more time and blew out a breath. The sooner, the better.

Dani shot a quick glance at her watch. The tables had been busy all evening due to the convention in town. She bit back a groan. She hadn’t even been able to find five minutes to take a break.

People sat side-by-side at the tables, the betting was high, and the alcohol flowed freely. Many of the gamblers had played for hours, their chips decreasing and increasing with a turn of a card. At one of her blackjack tables, one man in particular had been drinking heavily and losing even heavier. As she came around asking if anyone would like a drink, he answered that he did.

Going over to take his order, she asked sweetly, “What can I get for you, sir?”

“How about some luck?” He threw his cards down on the table in disgust. His angry gaze raked her up and down insolently. “How about letting me have you? Maybe that’ll change my luck.”

She checked the urge to roll her eyes. How many times had she heard that line? “I’m sorry your luck hasn’t been good. Maybe a drink will help. What can I get for you?”

He glanced at her nametag before ogling her breasts. He grabbed her butt and said, “I don’t want a drink, Dani. What I want is a piece of ass. I’ll pay you well.”

Dani tried to wiggle out of his grip, but he yanked her onto his lap, grabbed her breast, and ground his lips against hers, sticking his tongue in her mouth as she protested. She fought the urge to gag at the stale taste of alcohol and cigarettes. She tried to push him away, but in his drunkenness, he ripped her jacket. Her heart rate spiked, and heat swamped her body as her blood pumped furiously. Palms sweaty, she picked up the nearby tray of drinks, then hit him on the head. The whiskey sour, Manhattan, Bloody Mary, and two White Russians toppled over, drenching her attacker in a myriad of colors and scents.

He stood abruptly, knocking her to the floor. “You stupid little bitch. You think it’s okay to be a prick tease? You flash your tits and rub your body all over me and then say no? Well you won’t get away with it.” He motioned to the dealer, his lips drawn into a tight line. “I demand to see the manager ... now.” Then, pointing at Dani, he added, “And I want her fired.”

As was the procedure if any situation occurs, the dealer signaled for the pit boss. Adrenaline still coursing through her body, Dani watched Pete, the pit boss for the high roller tables that night, saunter over.

“What seems to be the problem?” Pete reached down with a broad hand and helped Dani to her feet.

“This whore propositioned me, then threw a fit when I took her up on her offer.”

Pete peered at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Is that what happened?”

Dani could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Before she could answer, the man interjected. “Why are you asking her? Are you calling me a liar?”

“No, sir, I’m not, but I need to hear what she has to say,” Pete answered patiently.

“Of course she’s going to deny it. I want to see the manager of the casino now, and I demand that she be fired or I’m going to sue this casino for pandering.”

Dani clasped her hands together to stop them from trembling. She felt the scream threatening to burst out and declare him the liar he was. How dare he accuse her of being a prostitute?

Pete’s phone rang, and he turned away as he answered it. Hanging up, he faced the customer saying, “Please follow me, and I’ll take you to see the manager.” Tossing her an apologetic look, he added, “You need to come with me also.”

She brushed her hands over her uniform and followed Pete, feeling like a prisoner taking the last steps to the gas chamber. Her stomach knotted. She was going to be fired over this. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t her fault. The casino had to pacify the customer and couldn’t risk a lawsuit over something like this. She felt the sting of tears. She really enjoyed working here and was going to miss all the friends she’d made. Julie. Tom. Vegas had become her safe haven. She’d talk to Julie to see if her best friend knew of any job openings in any of the other casinos.

As they passed the cashier’s desk on their way to the elevators, Julie shot her an inquisitive look. Dani shook her head and mouthed “later.” They were supposed to be going to the club after shift tonight to celebrate with Teresa, the casino host who was quitting to get married. Tonight was Teresa’s last night, and everyone had planned a goodbye party for her. After being fired, she wouldn’t feel like celebrating. She’d go say goodbye, then leave. Tomorrow she’d talk to Julie about a job opening.

Jace tamped down the surge of anger. Unbeknownst to Dani’s attacker, he had seen the whole incident on the monitor in his office. He’d been watching Dani, not only because of his personal interest in her, but also because Kathy had talked to him about promoting her to casino host. His perceptive personnel director told him she’d kept an eye on Dani and found her to be friendly, efficient, and great with the customers, and that a lot of good reports had come across her desk from the dealers about revenues being up at her tables.

Ever since the day by the pool, Jace had not been able to get his mind off of Dani. She’d started a fire in him that he hadn’t been able to extinguish. Thoughts of her entered his mind at all hours of the day, and night. His dreams were filled with her, disturbing his sleep and leaving his body aching and feeling empty.

He had deliberately stayed away from her to give her time to cool off from their last encounter, but it seemed that fate had stepped in to hurry things along.

He’d called Pete and asked him to immediately send the customer into his office and to tell Dani to wait in the outer office until he was ready to talk to her.

Jace had to bite back a grim smile as the irate customer thundered into his office, no doubt thinking justice would be served in his favor, confident that the casino would want to settle this matter quickly and quietly. As Dani’s attacker entered, he clutched his ‘injured’ shoulder and complained loudly to Pete that he wouldn’t stand for the treatment he’d received and would make sure the media heard about the attack.

“Thanks, Pete,” Jace called out as Pete grabbed the door to close it.

Turning toward the customer, Jace indicated the chair facing his desk. “Won’t you please sit down?”

The customer refused to sit and instead placed his hands on the desk, leaning toward Jace in an attempt to intimidate him. “I’m appalled you hire people who prostitute themselves and assault your customers. I will not stand for the treatment I received and demand that you make restitution for my injuries, and fire that slut or you’ll face me in court.”

Jace felt a surge of anger at the insults to Dani. He looked the customer in the eye as he said quietly, “I’d be very careful about the accusations you make about this casino and its employees. Our employees are highly competent, friendly people who aren’t prostitutes and don’t assault our customers. Now if you’ll please sit down, I’m sure we can get this resolved. I’m Jace Diamond, the manager and owner of this casino, and you are?”

The customer sat and glowered at Jace as he said, “I’m Martin Pace. What I want to know is what you intend to do about my being assaulted? Your sleazy cocktail waitress flaunted her body and propositioned me. When I took her up on her offer, she assaulted me.”

“I see. Was there any provocation on your part?”

“I should say not.”

Jace felt his indignation rise. “Okay. Would you please excuse me a moment while I make a couple of calls?” He phoned security. “Can you please send someone up to my office?” He then phoned Pete and asked him to send Dani into his office. He gestured toward the door. “Can you please have a seat in the outer office while I question the cocktail waitress? I’m positive we’ll be able to resolve this matter quickly.”

Martin gave him a smug look, certain he’d convinced him of his innocence. “I hope so for your sake.”

Dani cringed as Martin exited the door. She scooted as far away from him as possible as they passed each other.

“Whore,” he uttered under his breath.

Dani raised her chin, and kept her gaze fixed ahead of her. He wasn’t worth the effort of a response, although she’d love to kick him where it counted.

She placed her sweat-slicked palm on the doorknob. Why did she have to see the casino owner? Why couldn’t Kathy just call her tomorrow and tell her she was fired? She stood facing the door for a moment to calm her nerves and bolster her courage. She’d been through far worse than being fired.
Just go in and get it over with.
Pulling her back straight, she took a deep, calming breath and entered.

A dark-haired man was looking at some papers on his desk and said without looking up, “Please sit down. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Reluctant to hear the inevitable, Dani sat on the edge of the deeply-cushioned leather chair facing the desk. Patiently folding her hands in her lap, she swiveled, surveying the office while she waited. It was huge; at least three times the size of her apartment. The walls were a subtle shade of gray and the floor was covered with a plush gray carpet that you sank into as you walked on it. A large walnut desk dominated the left side of the room with two walnut chairs facing it. Pictures of famous people dotted two walls and an oversized mural of the Vegas strip was on a third. A solid wall with a huge television monitor faced the desk. There was a deep blue sofa and two matching chairs on the right side of the office with an adjacent bar. It was evident that no expense had been spared in the decór.

“Since we’ve already met, do you mind if I call you Dani?”

At the sound of the familiar voice that haunted her dreams, Dani spun around, then froze in shock. “You! You’re the owner?”

He raised his eyebrow. “We meet again. Let me introduce myself, properly this time. I’m Jace Diamond. Please call me Jace.”

Dani felt her mouth drop open, but no words came out. Frantically searching her memory, she tried to recall exactly what she’d said to him that day near the pool. Remembering that she had rudely scrutinized his body and had commented on it, her face grew warm. She also remembered the intensity of his kisses and how they’d made her mindless and weak with desire. As she thought back, Dani remembered that she’d put the blame for their encounter entirely on him, when in reality she’d been a willing participant.

As though Jace sensed the emotions flashing through her mind, he held his hand out for her to shake, as if a truce.

Relieved, Dani grasped his palm and felt a charge of electricity. Even though he didn’t hold her hand in any way but a handshake, it felt like a caress, sending a shock of desire running all the way to her toes. Instinct made her want to pull her hand away quickly, but she forced herself to release her hand slowly, to mask how affected she was by his touch.

“I need to ask you a couple of questions about the incident that occurred on the floor a little while ago. According to Mr. Pace, you propositioned him and when he took you up on your offer, you assaulted him. Is that what happened?”

Instantly defensive, she replied, “Is that what he said? Do you honestly think I would proposition a man like that?”

“I want to get this resolved as quickly as possible, so I need you to calmly give me your side of the story for the record.”

“Sorry. I’m a little upset.” She took a deep breath to soothe her nerves and filled him in on what had happened. “He said he didn’t want a drink, then grabbed my butt and pulled me onto his lap.” Her face warmed again, reluctant to tell the rest, but plodded on anyway. “He ground his lips on mine and shoved his tongue down my throat as he groped my breast. I tried to get away from him and couldn’t.” Emotion clogged her throat. “He ripped my jacket. I panicked and hit him with my tray.”

Feeling her stomach grow queasy, Dani waited for him to say something as she studied his eyes, trying to figure out what he was thinking. Not being able to read his thoughts, she found his gaze cool and unnerving, and his face as unreadable as a gambler at a poker table. The longer Jace looked at her, the more uncomfortable she became as she waited for him to speak.

Losing patience she said, “If you don’t mind, I’d rather just get this over with. I’m not sorry that I hit him. He deserved it, and more. And to be perfectly honest with you, if a customer ever gropes me like that again, I’ll do the same thing. It’s my body, and I say who touches me and when. I know you’re going to fire me, so just go ahead and do it,” she rambled, her nerves raw and edgy.

Jace smiled at her. “I have no intentions of firing you. What happened on the floor is on disc, but I needed to hear your side of the story to confirm what I saw. He had no right to attack you, and you had every right to defend yourself. I’m going to ask Mr. Pace to come in here now so I can give him my edict. If you don’t mind waiting, could you please sit in the outer office while I do this? There’s something else I need to discuss with you.”

Stunned that he wasn’t firing her, and angry that he hadn’t told her in the beginning that he’d seen what had happened, she answered coolly, “I do mind, but I’ll wait anyway.”

Jace grinned at Dani’s spunk and watched her exit, enjoying the view. She was upset with him, but she had no idea how her story had affected him.

During her recitation, his hands had clenched into fists under his desk. He’d seen Martin Pace pull her on his lap and kiss her, but from the angle on his monitor he hadn’t seen him fondle her. Intensely disliking someone else touching her, even though he had no say in who could touch her, didn’t prevent his feeling of possessiveness. He would’ve relished the pleasure of seizing Martin and choking him.

Martin Pace ambled in looking smug and sat in the chair opposite him. Jace stood and faced him. “After hearing both sides of the story, I’ve come to the conclusion that you were in the wrong. What you did to my cocktail waitress was totally inexcusable and not tolerated in this casino.”

Martin popped out of his chair, his face florid with anger. “What I did? What about what that little whore did?”

Jace clenched his teeth. “Be careful what you call her. You were totally at fault. You had no right to proposition her, then grope and kiss her when she refused. This is not a brothel. This is a casino, and I would like you to leave.”

“You’ll be sorry you did this because my lawyers will be getting in touch with you. You can be sure that I intend to sue you for damages to my physical and mental well being. I also intend to press charges on your whore for soliciting, and your casino for pandering.”