"It looks like I got here too late," Linda said with a note of sarcasm in her voice as she scanned the three people wearing towels.
"I thought you were sleeping honey," Jim offered as he moved quickly towards the couch and began pulling on his shorts.
"Obviously," came the terse reply.
Bill was also pulling on his clothes, but he said nothing.
"Iβ¦I, don't know what to say," Jean said apologetically.
Linda let out a giggle. "Oh come on, you know I was kidding. Just tell meβ¦did you have a good time?"
The older woman could tell by the look on Jean's face the answer was βyes'.
"Hey, you guys were going to show us some red rocks or something," Bill said as he finished zipping up his tan shorts.
"We were thinking of taking you to Red Rock Canyon," Jim said.
Jean grabbed some clothes and walked into the bathroom. This time she made sure the door was closed.
"I had the concierge get us a picnic lunch," Linda said, obviously proud of herself. "All we have to do is pick it up."
Jean walked out of the bathroom dressed in a blue "I love Las Vegas" T-shirt and tan shorts.
"Nobody will be able to tell that you are a tourist," Bill laughed.
Red Rock Canyon was about 30 minutes from their hotel, but it seemed like another planet. Red sandstone rock formations rose from the desert floor way from the glitter of "The Strip".
Jim turned off the concrete loop drive onto a dirt road.
"Hertz won't like this Jim," said Bill.
Everyone laughed as Jim drove about Β½ mile along the bumpy road.
"Here we are," Jim said as he turned off the ignition. "Linda, grab the basket. Jean, you get the blanket."
The hot desert air blasted the foursome as they climbed out of the air conditioned Ford Taurus.
"It must be 120 degrees," complained Jean.
"Nah, only 110," laughed Linda as they began to walk towards an outcropping of rocks.
Jim spread the blanket down on the desert floor next to a large rock. In the distance, they could see the skyline of Las Vegas. The view was blurred by waves of heat rising up from the ground.
Bill reached into the basket and pulled out a bottle of 2002 Chateau St. Michelle wine. "Anyone want a glass?"
The women both nodded their heads. Jean raised her right wrist and wiped the perspiration from her forehead.
Linda looked at her husband. "It is awfully hot today. Do you mind if I get a little more comfortable?"
Jim shook his head as he held the wineglasses out and Bill began filling them.
Linda reached up and in one swift motion, pulled her white T-shirt over her head.
To Bill's disappointment, she was wearing a white bra.
"You might be cooler if you kept going," Bill said mischievously.
Linda looked at Jean. "I will if you will."
Jean felt her heart jump.
But, we are outside!
"Oh go on honey," Jean's husband responded. "We have seen it before."
The magnitude of Bill's statement caused Jean to gasp.
My God. They have!
Linda did not wait for her friend. She reached around her back and undid the clasp holding her bra together.
"That feels so good," exclaimed the brunette as she felt the hot Nevada sun beat down on her bare breasts.