Fair Play

by Shay, Janna

  “Dani, where are you, girl? You look like you’re in another time zone.”

  Startled out of her reverie by Julie, she changed direction and went over to the desk to talk to her best friend. “Sorry, didn’t mean to ignore you. My head’s in the clouds today.”

  “Anything I can do to bring you back down to earth?” Julie teased.

  “My mind keeps wandering, that’s all. So ... how’s everything with you?”

  Julie gave her a sly look. “It’s going okay, I guess. Nothing new in my life, except that I’m seeing Steve now.”

  Dani’s eyes flew open and she felt her lips curve upward. “Steve? You mean Steve, the hunky good looking blackjack dealer from our gang, Steve?” The one who’d been dancing with her until Jace had interrupted. Her body warmed. Boy, was that some interruption.

  “One and the same. Dani, are you listening to me?”

  Dani shook her head as she raised her hands, palms up. “Sorry. So what happened to Derek, and how come I’m just hearing about this now?”

  “Well ... I’ve been kind of busy dating and everything lately. Can I help it that I’m Miss Popularity all of a sudden?” Julie popped the collar of her shirt jokingly.

  “Okay, Miss Popularity, spill the beans. I want all the juicy details.”

  “Well, remember when we went to the club?” At her nod, Julie continued. “After you left with the boss, we started talking, hanging around, one thing led to another, and we ended up at my place. We hit it off so well that we’re still seeing each other.”

  “But what happened to Derek? You were so hot to trot when he came along.”

  “That creep two-timed me with Melanie from the keno lounge. He’s such a loser.”

  “What a jerk. But, hey, look at the bright side. It’s his loss and your gain.” She leaned across the counter and gave Julie a hug. “I’m so happy for you and Steve. He’s such a nice guy.”

  Julie lowered her voice and asked, “So what’s happening with you and Mr. Hot Stuff?”

  “Mr. Hot Stuff?”

  “You know, Jace, our boss man with the great body ... Mr. Hot Stuff.”

  Dani grinned. “Oh, that Mr. Hot Stuff. Nothing’s happening.

  We just danced, that’s all.”

  “Come on, girl, out with it. You two were all over each other like bees on honey, and you didn’t see anything going on around you. I swear I saw sparks arcing between your bodies before you left together. I thought the place was going to go up in flames there was so much smoldering heat going on between you. You can’t tell me nothing happened that night.”

  Dani’s face flushed. “I hate to disappoint you, but we just talked for a few minutes and then I left. By myself. Nothing happened.”

  “Girl, you’d better get your head on straight because he’s definitely got the hots for you, and he’s definitely worth the tumble. What the hell is wrong with you? You need to grab that man and not let go. He is one hot daddy.” A customer came up to the counter, and Julie said, “Gotta go. If you’re free tomorrow, let’s get together for lunch.”

  “Sounds great. I’ll come by around one.” Dani spun around and plowed right into Jace.

  Putting his arms around her to prevent her from falling, Jace teased, “Anxious to fall into my arms? All you needed to do was let me know, and I would’ve gladly accommodated you.”

  Dani’s body tingled where his body touched hers. What was she going to do? Why was it that whenever he touched her, she’d get all weak inside and couldn’t think of anything but wanting more? What was it about Jace that made him so different from other men? Her legs were beginning to turn to jelly so she moved away from him. Hoping Julie hadn’t noticed the exchange, Dani glanced over her shoulder and saw Julie wiggle her eyebrows at her. So much for Julie not seeing her. She walked quickly away from Jace saying, “Sorry, I was in a hurry and didn’t see you there.”

  Jace caught up with her by the private elevators and snagged her arm to stop her. “Why are running away from me?”

  Still feeling the effects of their brief contact, she became flustered and her face warmed. “I ... um ...” Damn, she couldn’t seem to get a complete thought in her head.

  Jace stared at her with his maddeningly cocky smile. “I make you nervous, don’t I?”

  “Don’t be absurd. You give yourself too much credit if you think you make me nervous,” she answered indignantly. She yanked her arm out of his grasp and pushed the button for the elevator.

  Jace trapped her with his body when he leaned his arm on the wall next to her. “Then why are you running away from me?”

  “I’m not running away from you, I’m just in a big hurry, that’s all.”

  Lowering his head, Jace kissed her. Dani lost all thought and reason when his lips touched hers. As the heat from his body brought hers to a fever pitch, she wound her arms around his neck and fitted her body closer to his. Her body burned, needing him. She yearned for his kisses like a drug she couldn’t seem to stop wanting. Why was it the minute he touched her lips she became instantly mindless?

  The taste of her made him forget his intention to give her a light peck. When Dani wrapped her arms around him and brought him close, desire sped through his veins like a brush fire incinerating him. He parted her lips with his tongue as he thoroughly tasted her torrid flavor. His body hardened with her answering response. Wanting to feel her heat, he crushed her body to his. His hands tangled in her hair as he slashed his mouth against hers, need driving him almost to the point of madness.

  With desire raging throughout his body, Jace lost all reason. “I want you. Your body tells me you want me as much as I want you. Let me love you,” he cajoled as he tasted the hot, seductive taste of her neck. He ached with the need to possess her, to touch and kiss every inch of her, to make love to her until she begged him to stop. Jace wanted to give her what he inherently knew would be pleasure beyond anything either one of them had ever felt.

  When Jace's lips had moved to her neck, Dani's head fell back to give him easier access as he drew her whole being into him. Moaning and moving fitfully against him, Dani was ready to give him anything and everything he wanted until he implored, “Come with me now. Let’s finish what we started.”

  Jace's words brought Dani's sanity rushing back at a frightening rate. Was she really surrendering to desire without thought of where they were or her dangerous situation?

  “No,” she protested as she tried to pry out of his arms. Holding her tight to his body, Jace trembled as he tried to control the passion burning inside of him.

  “No ... you need to let me go. Jace, please, we’re in the casino ... please let me go,” she implored.

  Pushed to a point of frustration he’d never experienced, he lashed out in anger. He gripped her shoulders. “Why, Dani? Why do I have to let you go? Is it because I want you, or because you want me? Is it so wrong for us to be together? I know you’re as affected by our contact as I am. You know as well as I do there is something extraordinary happening between us. So why do you push me away? What are you so afraid of?”

  Shoving his hands away, she was angry that he was right, yet fearful that he could persuade her to lose her resolve. She couldn’t afford to give in to this insanity. “You're such an arrogant ass! You think you know me, but you don’t. So listen, and listen good. I. Don’t. Want. You. All you’re interested in is instant gratification. You tell me there’s something between us, but there’s nothing between us but lust.”

  She shook her head. “Why do you keep trying? Is it because I’m the only one that’s ever said no to you? Are you that needy?” She glared at him. “As good-looking as you are, I’m sure there’s has to be at least a dozen women around here who would willingly fuck you. I’m not one of them.

  “I wouldn’t let you touch me if you were the last man on the face of the earth and I was a raging nymphomaniac who hadn’t been with a man for a year.” She turned to walk away, disgusted that she had almost given in to her needs in spite of the dange
rs and for the vulgarity she’d just exhibited, and that she’d lashed out at him unfairly.

  Before she could even take a step, Jace spun her back around to face him. Her eyes widened when she saw his usually cool eyes shooting sparks of amber fire at her.

  “You don’t know what you want. Your body begs for my touch while your mouth spouts lies. You’re afraid to want me because then you’d have to admit you’re wrong. As far as you not letting me touch you, I could have taken you here ... right now ... in front of everyone, and you wouldn’t have cared. So don’t tell me that I’m the one that doesn't know what he wants.”

  Dani knew he was right but couldn’t stop her angry words. “You egotistical, insufferable bastard. If that’s what you really think, then why didn’t you?”

  Jace’s jaw clenched as he glared at her. “Because unlike you, I have principles. But if you’re trying to goad me into giving you what you really want, just keep it up sweetheart and I’ll gladly forget my principles and oblige you.”

  “I’m not interested in anything you have to offer, so take your raging hormones and go screw someone else,” she said.

  Provoked to the point of breaking, Jace wanted to ravage her where she stood to prove her wrong. He couldn’t act like a sane person when he was around her, and it was worse when he wasn’t. Thoughts of her plagued him day and night. He couldn’t concentrate on work, and he couldn’t get her out of his head. He had to find a way to convince her that this attraction between them wasn’t ordinary and was definitely worth pursuing. They had to end this agony. But how?

  Coming up with an idea, Jace seized Dani and crushed his lips against her mouth, then softened the kiss until he felt her response. When she leaned her body into his, he felt the desire coursing through her blood. He waited until she capitulated, then picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. He carried her inside the elevator, and hit the button to close the doors.

  Dani punched Jace, and was rewarded when he put her down. “You ... you ... Neanderthal. What do you think you’re doing manhandling me like that?”

  He embraced her and kissed her until she responded to him, then released her again. Dani watched in disbelief as he leaned against the wall, crossed his arms, then smiled at her.

  “Have you lost your mind? You’re an oversexed jackass who won’t take no for an answer.”

  Jace straightened, crossed the short distance between them, then kissed her again until she responded to him, before once again releasing her. He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face.

  Dani stomped her foot and sputtered at him. “You’re a detestable bastard. If you treat all your women the way you treat me, it’s no wonder you’re so needy.”

  He raised his right eyebrow, then inched forward to give her another kiss. Dani pushed her arms against his chest. “No, you’re not doing that to me again.”

  Jace relaxed against the wall with a smirk. They didn’t speak again until the elevator reached Dani's floor. When the doors opened, Jace stood up, gathered her body close to his, then gave her a searing kiss, incinerating her bones and making her body go limp in his arms. Lifting his head, he took a step back, then held her until she regained her composure. He turned her to face the door, then lightly swatted her butt as he nudged her out. “That’s going to have to hold you until we see each other again.” The elevator door closed.

  Furious with Jace's cavalier treatment, Dani whirled around to punch the elevator button and give him a piece of her mind. She stopped, then turned to stalk to her suite. He really was a bastard. But God help her, he was one fine bastard. Rubbing her lips, she could still feel his touch. Boy could that man kiss!

  Chapter 6

  Dani sat on a chair in the main lounge resting her feet. She’d been busy for the last two days, both day and night, due to the weeklong poker tournament being held at the casino. Today was the worst one yet. She was juggling ten whales at the same time. She still hadn’t found the time to eat breakfast. The good thing was she hadn’t run into Jace even once. But was it good? She missed his handsome face.

  She sighed, then put her heels back on. Time to get back to work. She still had a job to do. Brad Felix, an oil millionaire from Texas, was proving to be a real challenge. He’d made a request she had no idea how to fill. Time to face it head-on.

  Seeing Dani leaning against the cashier’s desk, Jace decided to remind her of her attraction for him. He silently stepped up behind her, circled her waist, then spun her around quickly. He molded his lips to hers and devoured her mouth. He kissed her until he felt her wind her arms around his neck and her body go limp. Lifting his head, he kissed her ear and whispered, “That’s so you won’t forget me,” then he walked away.

  Dani stood in complete shock, totally astonished that Jace could give her a searing kiss, then leave. Each time he kissed her she found it harder and harder to say no. She felt herself weakening, saying the hell with it, then losing herself in his arms. This gnawing hunger was driving her insane. It was inevitable they’d be sleeping together. Maybe then this madness would end. More than likely it would only make her want him more. A luxury she couldn’t afford to indulge in.

  Julie was standing at the counter waiting for Dani. “Whew, I need a cold shower after watching that kiss.” She fanned herself with her hand.

  Still dazed from the kiss, Dani turned and looked at her. “You’re not the only one. I need a really cold, icy shower.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were banging the boss? You knew I’d have to know all the juicy details. Damn girl, he’s one hot topic. Keeping him all to yourself?”

  Dani leaned over the desk and talked softly so no one would hear. “First of all, we haven’t been sleeping together. And second of all, even if I was, which I'm not, I wouldn’t be able to give you the juicy details because you’re always too busy boning Steve for me to find you.”

  Julie started laughing. “You got me. But what do you mean you’re not sleeping with him? Honey, unless you’re a blind lesbian, you have to admit that man is scalding hot. What are you waiting for, Armageddon? Go get some of that. If I weren’t involved with Steve, I’d go for him. Hell, even though I am with Steve, I’d still go for him if he ever looked at me. Besides after seeing him kiss you just now, I know he’s as good as he looks.”

  Dani noticed some of the other employees standing around. “We’ll talk about this later. Everyone’s trying to listen in. Besides, I didn’t come here for advice on my love life. I came for help. Do you happen to know where I can get a stripper pole?”

  Julie scratched her head. “No, not really. Haven’t ever had the need for one, although I hear they’re fun. Don’t tell me Mr. tie-me-up has a fetish?”

  Dani laughed. “Someone’s got a fetish, but it isn’t Jace ... I don’t think. One of my whales wants me to find him a male escort who dances on a stripper pole.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding?”

  “No, I wish I were. But you know how it is. He’s rich and he wants what he wants.”

  “Ask Kathy. She might be able to help you.”

  “Thanks. We’ll talk later about the other thing. See ya.”

  Dani couldn’t forget the kiss Jace had given her, and in the middle of the casino. What was he thinking? Shaking her head, she walked into Kathy’s office.

  “Why are you shaking your head? Is something confusing you?”

  “No, but I seem to have a problem. I’m hoping you can help me.”

  “I’ll try. What’s the problem?”

  “Brad Felix is my problem. He wants me to find him a male escort that dances on a stripper pole. I haven’t the foggiest idea where to look for one. Have any thoughts?”

  Kathy chuckled. “No, but I know someone who can help. Go ask Jace. He’ll know.”

  She couldn’t face Jace yet. That last kiss had knocked her into the stratosphere. But she didn’t have a choice. It figured he’d know where to find a stripper pole. But a male escort? Mayb
e there were things she needed to find out about him?

  Dani stopped outside Jace’s office, then took a calming breath. Here comes Round Two. Holding her head up, she entered his outer office. Maria, his secretary, informed him that Dani was here to see him.

  Dani’s heart raced when she heard Jace’s voice over the intercom. He instructed Maria to tell her to go right in. Hesitating a few seconds to bolster her courage, Dani opened the door to Jace’s office.

  He smiled, although, the way his lips curled and eyes sparkled it almost looked like a leer. “Come in.”

  Said the spider to the fly. Dani almost started laughing at her thought. It took all her concentration to keep a straight face.

  “Sit down and tell me what I can do for you.”

  She had a better chance at escape if she stood, so she shook her head. “It’s all right. This will only take a second.”

  Jace wasn’t fooled by her refusal. Thinking to feed her fright a little, he suggested, “If you’d prefer, we can sit on the couch to talk?”

  Dani immediately plopped down in the chair. He couldn’t help himself and started laughing. She glared at him, which only made him laugh harder. “Do I frighten you that much that you’re ready to run at a moment’s notice?”

  Her fear existed on so many levels. The biggest being, how she felt when she was around him. She experienced things with him she had no right to feel. If she let her emotions have free rein, she’d be giving him a weapon that could completely destroy her.

  There was no more denying it. She wanted him, and wouldn’t want to let him go. But the decision wasn’t hers. It was fate’s. She yearned for what he offered, but couldn’t take the chance.

  She admitted her fright to herself, but never would she admit it to him. With a weapon like that, he’d be deadly. “I’m not afraid of you. I don’t like being alone with you because you have a one-track mind. But that’s beside the point. I came here to ask you a question that’s work related.”