ACE in the Hole
By R. Brennan
© Copyright 2011 R. Brennan
Smashwords Edition
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Marley Drake strutted into the Plaza Hotel’s opulent piano lounge with a plastic grin curling her full lips. She tossed brunette locks from her face and worked her way through the throng of after work drinkers gathered at café tables throughout the bar.
A dozen sets of hungry male stares ratcheted themselves to her, hypnotized by the not so subtle swaying of slender hips. She settled into the empty seat beside her best friend. “Hey, Amy.” Her gaze scanned the boisterous room. “So, you ready to learn how to snag yourself a Sugar Daddy?”
Amy blushed crimson. “You really think this is going to work?”
Marley’s bubbling laughter drew more male attention. “Trust me. It’s not my first time at the rodeo. I’ve got this down.” She faced the approaching bartender. “Vodka martini, bone dry with a twist.” She flashed a brilliant smile.
The bartender dropped a napkin on the bar. His blue eyes drifted downward, settling on amply displayed cleavage. A smirk pulled at his lips. “You got it, darlin’.”
Once he moved away, Marley leaned close to Amy’s ear. “Live one, five o’clock.” She placed a hand over her friend’s, stopping Amy from swinging around to look. “Don’t be so friggin’ obvious. Twirl your hair or something and look around like you’re trying to find the restroom sign. Be casual.”
“Okay.” Amy took a deep breath and twisted her stool until she faced the packed barroom. She made a show of adjusting her left earring. After a moment, she swung back around and grinned wide. “Very cute. You think he’s a lawyer?”
“Probably. He has that sharp, useless look about him.”
Amy giggled. “That’s from Pretty Woman.”
Marley shrugged. “It’s appropriate to the situation.”
The bartender returned with her martini. “On the older gentleman in the far corner.” He pointed with a jerk of his dark head.
Marley nudged Amy with an elbow. “See? Perks already.” She turned in the direction the bartender had indicated.
A frail looking man with wire-rimmed glasses and a tuft of wild gray hair waved at her. He lifted his glass in a silent toast and adjusted his striped bowtie.
Marley tilted her head. Really? She pasted on her best smile and lifted her own glass in return. She turned back to the bartender. “Do you know that guy? I haven’t seen him here before.”
“He isn’t a regular, that’s for sure. But he definitely has an eye for the ladies. Been throwing money around like it’s water. I think he’s a speaker at the Science and Robotics Conference at the City Center.”
“A geeky old scientist, eh?” Her grin grew a little. She nudged Amy again. “You should go talk with the lawyer who’s been staring a hole in your back. I think I’m going to give the old science guy a try.”
Amy pouted. “Are you serious? You’re leaving me alone already?” She looked over her shoulder at Marley’s mark. “But, he’s so wrinkled and boney and-”
“And probably doesn’t have a single soul in his life to pamper and spend his hard earned mone-,” She cleared her throat. “Spend his time with, the poor old codger.” Marley hopped from the stool and grabbed her martini. “No one to lie beside his pale body on the fabulous beaches of Fiji or Jamaica. So sad.” She drained the rest of her drink, set the empty glass on the bar and winked at Amy. “Wish me luck.”
“Uhm, luck, I guess.”
Marley sighed. “Ye of little faith. Watch and learn, little grasshopper.” She turned on her heel and glided across the bar room as if she wore skates, eyes locked on the wrinkled man in the corner booth.
Before he could get up to greet her, Marley slid into the seat across from him. “Thanks for the drinks. I’m Marley.” She looked at the man through lowered lashes and reached out a manicured hand, hoping the effect was sultry and sophisticated.
He gave her hand a limp shake. “Professor Von Hessen. A pleasure, milady.” He leaned over her hand and kissed the back of her wrist.
Marley swallowed a surge of revulsion when his dry lips scratched against her skin. She forced a blush to her cheeks. A giggle pushed past her lips. “Such chivalry.”
“A dead art to my estimations.” The professor released her hand, studied her a moment. “Do you need another drink, my dear?”
“I’d love one, thank you.” Marley relaxed back against the cushioned seat. “Professor of what, if it’s not too rude to ask?”
“Robotics. But, I also have a PhD in Psychology and a Doctorate in English Literature. So you can technically call me Doctor, too.” He adjusted his glasses and flashed a gap-toothed grin. “What about you, lovely Marley? What do you do for a living?”
Marley pushed at her hair, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear. “I’m in sales.” She leaned in a little, teasing him with a glimpse down the open buttons of her silk blouse. “Very boring.” She fluttered her lashes, licked her lips. “Certainly nothing like robotics.”
The professor raised a furry brow. “You find the subject of interest?” He waved toward the bar and signed a two with his fingers before his stormy eyes returned to Marley. “Are you hungry? I could order something to eat.”
Marley shook her head. “No, I’m fine, thanks.” She reached out and patted his hand, flashed a row of white teeth. “I want to know more about you, Professor. You intrigue me. Besides, I find intelligence sexy.” She lifted a hand to her chest, drawing Von Hessen’s attention to temptation’s fruit. “I hope that’s not too bold of me to say.”
“No, no.” The professor shook his head. “I like a woman who speaks her mind.” He grinned wide. “And one who finds me sexy.”
A loud crash rang out from the kitchen, followed by a bout of muffled shouting, drawing both their attention. Once the din settled, Marley returned her gaze to the professor. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
Von Hessen leaned forward and placed his cold hand over hers. “I said I’d prefer a quieter setting for our wonderful conversation.” His gray eyes captured hers. “If you care to accompany me, I can have my driver bring you back to the city later this evening?”
A shiver fluttered along Marley’s skin at his penetrating stare. Freaky looking old bag. She pulled her lips back into a smile. “I’d be honored, Professor.”
“Good, good.” He climbed from the booth and tossed a hundred dollar bill on the table. Von Hessen held out a hand to Marley. “Shall we?”