Traveling can broaden one's horizon

Meg's heart raced with excitement as the plane touched down in Las Vegas. The dazzling lights of the Strip glowed on the horizon, a neon oasis in the desert night. As they disembarked, the dry heat enveloped her, so different from the humidity back home.

Meg stood nervously outside the conference hall, smoothing her tailored blazer. James appeared at her elbow, looking sharp in an expensive suit.

"Ready to dazzle them?" he asked with a grin.

Inside, the room buzzed with activity. Lawyers from prestigious firms mingled over coffee, their name tags listing impressive credentials. Meg felt out of her depth until James began making introductions.

"This is Megan Mason, rising star at our firm," he'd say smoothly. "Meg, meet Harold Schuyler, senior partner at Schuyler & Associates."

Before long, Meg's head was spinning from handshakes and business cards. She sipped champagne to calm her nerves, the bubbles going straight to her head in the best way.

As the evening wore on, Meg found herself growing more comfortable. She gracefully moved from group to group, exchanging pleasantries and insights on recent cases. Her green eyes sparkled as she spoke, drawing people in with her intelligence and charm.

At the bar, she was reaching for a fresh glass of champagne when a deep voice behind her said, "Allow me." A well-manicured hand appeared, lifting two flutes from the bartop. Meg turned to find herself face-to-face with Maxwell Thornton, one of the most renowned corporate lawyers on the West Coast.

"Thank you," Meg smiled, accepting the drink. She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes lingered on her curves, accentuated by her form-fitting blazer and pencil skirt. His wedding ring glinted in the low light as he clinked his glass against hers.

"To new connections," Maxwell says.

"To new connections," Meg echoed, taking a sip of the bubbly liquid. Maxwell leaned in closer, his cologne a heady mix of sandalwood and spice.

"I must say, I've been watching you all evening," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "You've quite captivated the room. It's not often we see such a... formidable new presence at these gatherings."

Meg felt a flush creep up her neck, acutely aware of his proximity. The chandelier's soft glow caught the silver at his temples, lending him a distinguished air. His tailored suit spoke of wealth and influence, a power player used to getting what he wanted.

"You're too kind," she replied, taking a step back to put some distance between them. "I'm just here to network and learn from my esteemed colleagues."

As the evening wound down, Meg felt a pleasant buzz from the champagne. James appeared at her side, gently touching her elbow.

"Ready to call it a night?" he asked. Meg nodded, stifling a yawn.

They made their way through the casino, the cacophony of slot machines and excited voices fading as they reached the elevator banks. In the mirrored interior, Meg noticed her cheeks were flushed, her hair slightly tousled. James looked as composed as ever.

When they reached their floor, Meg followed James down the plush carpeted hallway. He stopped at a door and swiped the keycard.

"Wait," Meg said, confused. "This is your room?"

"It's our room," James replied, holding the door open.

Meg's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, there must be some mistake," Meg protested, her heart racing. "I thought we had separate rooms."

James chuckled softly. "Meg, trust me. You'll change your mind when you see it."

With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, Meg stepped into the room. Her jaw dropped as she took in the expansive suite before her. It was more like an apartment than a hotel room, easily occupying a quarter of the entire floor.

The entryway opened into a spacious living area, complete with a plush sectional sofa facing a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the glittering city below. To the left, Meg spotted a fully equipped kitchenette with sleek stainless steel appliances.

"This is... incredible," Meg breathed, her earlier apprehension melting away.

As Meg ventured further into the suite, she discovered two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom boasted a king-sized bed draped in luxurious linens, while the second bedroom featured two queen beds, perfect for accommodating additional guests.

"See? We each have our own space," James said, gesturing to the separate rooms. "I thought this would be more comfortable than cramped individual rooms."

Meg felt a wave of relief wash over her. The ****-induced buzz from their earlier dinner still lingered, making her initial reaction seem silly in retrospect. "You're right, this is much better," she admitted, a sheepish smile playing on her lips.