“I was giving her time.”
“Not everyone needs time. They need facts. You’re on the fast-track to having one hell of a career in medicine, Parker,” his father was saying. “Right now, the sky’s the limit for you. You can see why she’d have doubts about you being interested in anything serious. So if you want her to be part of your life, you need to tell her.”
Parker ran his hands through his hair, not quite believing this. His parents, who were thrilled to be divorcing, were giving him advice on his love life. “You’re right. Maybe I should have told her.”
“There’s no maybe about it,” his mother said. “A woman will usually assume she is only with you for the moment, unless you let her know you’ve included her in your future.”
Was that what Sebrina assumed? That she was just a passing fancy? His flavor for the moment? If so, she was wrong. But then, what else would she think, when he’d never told her anything different? He looked at his parents who were watching him expectantly. “I need to return to St. Paul. Tonight,” he said. He knew Sebrina wouldn’t be leaving for New Jersey until her shift ended tomorrow, on Christmas Eve morning. She’d go straight to the airport, right from the hospital, so he needed to see her before she left for work tonight.
“Good luck on getting a flight anywhere today. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. But I have an idea that could save you time,” his father said.
“What?”
“Feel like taking a spin in my company jet? It’s been years since you’ve done so.”
Parker released a deep breath. “Yes. I would definitely appreciate that, Dad.”
“Well, are you going to tell us who she is, this woman who might be our daughter-in-law if you handle your business right?” his mother asked.
“Sebrina Bennett. She’s a fellow physician who happens to be my housemate. She’s also Rae’jean’s cousin.”
His mother smiled and Parker knew her feelings were genuine. Standing before him was proof that people could change over time. “That’s wonderful, Parker. Please tell her that we welcome her into the family.”
Parker nodded. “I’ll make sure to let her know. But right now, I need to go pack again.”
As he rushed for the stairs, he hoped and prayed that when the time came, he’d come up with the right words to convince Sebrina that she was his soulmate.
“Welcome to Caesars Palace. I’ll be glad to check you in, miss.”
Finally, she had made it, Monica thought, glancing around at the beautiful hotel. For a while, she’d thought she would never get here. Changing a ticket at the last minute hadn’t been easy. She’d been put on stand-by and had spent nearly eight hours at the St. Paul Airport before finally boarding a plane to Vegas. At least it had been a straight flight. Now she was here, just a few hours before midnight.
That meant she probably wouldn’t see Landon before tomorrow, which would be Christmas Eve. Would she be able to find him? This hotel was crowded. The strip was packed as well. She had once read a travel article that said more tourists visited Las Vegas during Christmas than any other holiday. And she could see why. The lights on the strip were all blinking red and green. And it seemed every hotel tried to outdo the others with their Christmas decorations. If a person wasn’t in the holiday spirit when they arrived, they’d definitely be jolly by the time they went home. If they still had any money left, of course.
In a few minutes, she was all checked in and given her room key, and surprised Duan had reserved her a suite. Whatever Landon had told him about her must not have been too bad. Because Duan definitely made sure she had a lovely place to stay when she got here. She hoped she got to meet him one day.
“Is there anything else?” the hotel attendant asked, probably because she was still standing there.
“Yes, there is,” she said. “Could you ring Landon Chestnut’s room for me, please.”
The man nodded. “Certainly.”
She knew enough not to ask what room Landon was in since the staff couldn’t give out that kind of private information. She drew in a deep breath, wondering what she would say to Landon if he answered the phone. He had no way of knowing she’d blocked his number unless he’d tried to call her. Had he? And if he hadn’t, did that mean he had moved on? He’d told her that he loved her, and she wanted to believe it. She knew Landon wouldn’t have said those words unless he truly meant them. And that’s what she was counting on. Because if he still loved her, he would forgive her.
The hotel attendant glanced at her and said, “Sorry, Mr. Chestnut is not answering. Would you like to leave a message?”
Disappointed, she said, “No. Thanks for trying.”
The man hung up the phone. “You are welcome. A bellman will be delivering your luggage to your room shortly.”
“Thanks.”
Moving away from the hotel’s check-in counter, she headed toward the bank of elevators. She couldn’t help glancing around, a little awed at the elegance of the hotel. Although she had been to Vegas a number of times, this would be her first time staying at this hotel. She recalled attending a Celine Dion concert here shortly after she’d finished college. It had been an all-girls trip that included Kennedy, Sebrina, Victoria, her sister Kelly and her two cousins, Lauren and Cody. They had reserved three connecting rooms at the Flamingo Hotel and had had a blast.
Now she was back in Vegas with an entirely different agenda. This time, she was determined to convince a man that she wanted him back in her life. She loved him, more than she ever thought she could or would love someone. She’d always figured that when she fell in love, it would be in her time frame, and on her own terms. But right now, she’d take whatever terms Landon gave her, as long as he’d forgive her.
She stepped onto the elevator with a lot of people—some couples, some singles. A group of young guys – who looked to be her age - stood in the corner, checking her out. If only they knew their interest was the last thing she desired. All she wanted to do was think about the man whose arms she’d gotten used to waking up in, whose body she enjoyed being curled up close to. In Landon’s arms, she’d always felt special, wanted and desired. He’d not only taught her what true passion was about, but he had shown her just how much of it she had. All for him. And only him.
When the elevator finally reached her floor, Monica was glad. She hadn’t been comfortable with those guys eying her like she was a juicy piece of steak. She’d put her hand in her pocket, making sure her phone was there, just in case. But thankfully, she hadn’t needed it.
A few minutes later, she walked into her suite. It was spacious and beautiful…and it even had a balcony. Leaving her purse on the table, she opened the French doors to the balcony and stepped out. The strip looked especially beautiful this time of year.
Monica had no idea what room Landon was in but at least they were at the same hotel. If she had to search this entire city tomorrow, she would find him. She had to.
Walking back into the room, she pulled her phone from her jacket pocket. Bree would have heard about her change in plans and wondered why she’d made them. When she looked down, she saw that she had missed several calls from Bree. They must have come in while Monica was in flight.