Buried Secrets (SIN CITY HEAT SERIES) Read Online Free PDF Page B

like the clock was moving in slow motion there for a while,” Marcus replied with a grin. He extended his hand to Aleesha. “I’m Dr. Marcus Roberts.”
         Aleesha placed her hand in his. “Aleesha Matthews. Nice to meet you. Are you from Vegas?”
         “Nice to meet you as well, and yes, I reside in Vegas. I finished my residency three years ago. And yourself?”
         “I’m from Atlanta.”
         Marcus’ smile widened as a teasing gleam entered his eyes. “Ah, a real live Georgia peach, huh?”
         Aleesha smiled. She knew he was flirting with her and she had to admit, she was very flattered. Marcus Bennett was one fine specimen of a man. And a doctor too? He had to be married. She let her eyes slide to his left hand. Hm. No wedding ring, but of course that didn’t mean anything. A lot of men didn’t wear their wedding rings, or else slipped them off when they came to things such as this.
         “Yes, born and bred right on a peach tree.”
         Making no effort to be as subtle about his curiosity regarding her marital status, Marcus bluntly asked if she was in a relationship. “I see you don’t have a ring on your finger. Hard to believe no one’s plucked you off that tree yet.”
         Aleesha’s eyes went to the deep dimple in his cheek. He was adorable! “Well, to be honest, I’ve been focusing on my career so I haven’t had much time to date. What about you? No significant other?”
         “Nope. I have to say I feel you on the limited time aspect of pursuing a relationship. When I was interning, I worked sixteen hour days, sometimes longer. I keep saying I’m going to slow down, but so far…” He shrugged as he let the sentence trail off.
         Aleesha nodded and was getting ready to question him further when a loud growl from her stomach practically screamed out that she was starving. Mortified, Aleesha covered her stomach with her hand.
         “Excuse me. Sorry about that.” She was so embarrassed she couldn’t even meet his eyes.
         “Hey, no need for apologies. I’m hungry myself. If you don’t have any plans, I’d love to have lunch somewhere.”
         “I’d like that.”
         “Great. I know the perfect place. It’s not too far from here and the food is delicious.”
         And he’d been right. The cuisine at the small soul food restaurant had been excellent. Aleesha enjoyed every delectable bite, and enjoyed the conversation she and Marcus shared even more. All too soon, it was time to return to the conference, but neither made a move to get up.
         “I wish we didn’t have to go back. I just don’t think I can take another three hours of listening to that speech.”
         Marcus smiled at the slight pout on her lips as she dejectedly stirred the straw around in her glass. “Who says we have to go back today?”
        Aleesha’s hand stilled as she stared at him. “What do you mean?”
    Marcus shrugged. “Just what I said. We don’t have to, do we?”
         Aleesha opened her mouth to reply then closed it as a frown furrowed her forehead. “Well –“
         “I mean, with all of those people, do you think they’d miss us if we played hooky?”
          Aleesha’s eyes slowly began to reflect her excitement at the possibility. “I…well, I guess not,” she giggled. Then she shook her head. “I can’t believe I’m even contemplating doing this.”
         “Why not? As relaxed as we are, I don’t think we’re going to take in much of what’s being said anyway. Do you?”
         “Marcus, I don’t know…”
         “This is my city. Let me take you on a little guided tour. I promise to have you back time enough to get ready for the scheduled dinner tonight.”
         “I would definitely like to see more of Vegas. I thought I’d have time to do some sightseeing, but there’s something planned everyday…”
        Seeing she was