Arriving at Gianna’s cabin two minutes late, he pinged for entry and stepped inside, to find only Verlaine waiting for him. The Tajikka bounced happily to greet him and Trevor was glad the hound didn’t shed. Much. The silky white hair would definitely show up on his new, dark colored suit.
“I’ll be right out,” Gianna called from the next room.
He swallowed hard, clutching the flowers, and next moment she floated out of the bedroom in a dress that seemed to have been made for her, so perfectly did the flowing panels and jeweltone colors complement her dark curls and emerald eyes. She had on strappy green heels adding inches to her stature, bringing her closer to his height. As she slowly spun for his approval, he caught a whiff of her floral perfume and his headache magically cleared away.
“Well?” She fluttered her eyelashes in a mock coquettish gesture over her shoulder at him as she made her pirouette on the spike heels. “Good enough for the casino and our other plans? Or should I go change?”
The mischievous sparkle in her eyes told him she was well aware how gorgeous she was tonight but he stammered out a compliment from his heart. “You look like you stepped out of one of your own paintings—amazing and unique and breathtaking.”
“You’re pretty amazing tonight too. Are those for me?” She advanced to take the forgotten flowers from him, sniffing the fragrance with approval. “I miss my gardens at home, how did you know? Let me put these in water before we go. I’m going to want to paint them later, in a still life.”
“I’m glad you like them. Can I help? Because we’ve got reservations at the restaurant and although I don’t think Chef Stephanie would cancel us for being late, I don’t want to risk it.” He had butterflies in his gut—what the seven hells was wrong with him tonight? He’d been on dates with women before. This evening with Gianna mattered to him more than an evening with anyone else ever had. He wanted her to have a perfect experience. He wanted…firmly he cut off his own line of thought. Focus on the moment and let the date unfold. Don’t overthink.
“I’ll just be a minute. Can you attach Verlaine’s leash to the collar for me?”
As she disappeared into the attached kitchenette, he saw the hound’s leash on the arm of the couch and picked it up. When Gianna reappeared, he and Verlaine were ready. “This is pretty blingy too,” he said as he handed over the leash.
“Special for tonight. I’m going all out.” Gianna laughed and slid her hand through the crook of his arm.
“I’m honored. I’ll do my best to ensure you have a good time,” he said.
The evening went off smoothly. Their table was waiting, in a special alcove of the exclusive restaurant, and the chef had outdone herself to provide a progressive meal full of delights. Stephanie herself came to check on them when dessert was delivered to the table and accepted Gianna’s compliments with grace.
The Comettes dance performance was next, technically flawless and breathtaking as always. Trevor took Gianna backstage after the show and she enjoyed chatting with the dancers and the show’s director for about half an hour.
“I’d like to paint the five of you in costume,” she said to Tassia, the principal dancer and the four women who were her backup dancers in one of the evening’s most spectacular pieces. “Do you think we could arrange that, Trevor?”
He glanced at the woman who ran the troupe with an iron fist in the proverbial velvet glove. “If Madame Director is willing, of course.”
“We’d be honored,” Riall Cartajj said gracefully and with apparent enthusiasm. “We could place the finished canvas in the lobby in a prominent place as a showpiece.”
“All right, I’ll be in touch tomorrow to make the arrangements for a time and place,” Gianna said with a big smile.
As she and Trevor took their leave of the dancers and headed for the casino, she said, “I can’t believe how much fun tonight has been already. And how much new inspiration I’m drawing from the sights and sounds of your ship. Almost too much to process—I’m afraid I’ll forget everything I want to work on, because you’re giving me so many possibilities.” Throwing her arms wide in enthusiasm, she did a twirl in imitation of the dancers she’d recently applauded. “I’m floating on a cloud of shiny ideas and projects.”
“Do you think this is all working then? To help you overlay new memories on the old ones?” he asked, relieved to hear how happy she sounded.
“I do.” She nodded decisively. “I’m so glad you talked me into taking this trip.”
The casino was full of people, with overwhelming sounds from the various gaming tables and machines, plus the sparkling lights. Trevor had to take a deep breath as he crossed the threshold into the central area. He never came in here for any reason, finding it all too triggering, but he was willing to make the effort for Gianna. As if sensing his inner tension, Verlaine moved closer to Trevor and licked his hand. “Care for a drink?” He pointed discreetly to the bustling bar, which was three deep in patrons calling out drink orders. “We stock all legal feelgoods known to human and alien, and the bartenders can mix up any concoction, no matter how obscure.”
She shook her head. “I’m high on excitement, no need for anything else tonight.” Brows drawn together in a frown as she watched her service animal comforting Trevor, she said, “We don’t have to stay, you know. It’s been a lovely evening and we could call it a night now, if you’d like. Do the observatory some other time.”
“I’m fine,” he lied, reluctant to cast any kind of a pall on the fun she was obviously having. Gianna in this jubilant mood was an intoxicating companion. “Didn’t you say you wanted to try roulette? The tables are over this way.”
She walked with him, taking in all the excitement. “Roulette was my father’s favorite game, or at least that’s what I remember. I wanted to play it once or twice in his honor. Gambling isn’t my thing. I’ve had enough good and bad luck to last me for the rest of my life.”
They joined a circle of spectators and watched the action for a few minutes and then Trevor bought her a stack of chips. He stood at her shoulder as she joined in with the players, betting on several red numbers. “My father’s birthday,” she said to him over her shoulder.
Gianna was a winner for three turns of the wheel and her stack of chips grew. She was obviously enjoying herself, chatting with the people on either side of her and joking with the croupier. Trevor kept his situational awareness high and when he felt Verlaine vibrate in a quiet growl, he redoubled his attention to their surroundings but detected nothing to alarm him. He’d thought perhaps Mr. Lanloring was making another annoying appearance but the man was nowhere to be seen. A new couple sat next to Gianna, talking to her and playing the same numbers she picked, teasing her about her good fortune. The man offered to buy her a drink and again she refused.
Trevor’d had enough. Not sure what was bothering him but taking his cue from Verlaine, who didn’t seem happy, acting restless and tugging at the leash, he touched Gianna’s shoulder. “Shall we try a different game after this spin? Poker? Baccarat? Sirian dice?”
Interrupting her chat with her neighbor, she rose from her stool as if ready to leave in the middle of a spin, clearly not invested in either the gambling or the conversation with the newly met fellow passengers. “Sure, or maybe we move on to the observatory?”