by Deb Julienne
The dealer slid a small stack of chips toward him. Travis slid them next to his original stack.
Travis smiled. “Easy as falling out of a tree.”
“And just as painful.” Angel elbowed him in the side.
“I’m trying to show you anything worth trying is worth trying all the way. Let it ride.” He nodded to the croupier.
She appreciated his confidence. It wouldn’t take much to throw herself into his arms, into the pleasure he offered, but she was afraid to let it happen. She didn’t want to be just a fling to him. She wanted more. Sure, he wasn’t Grant, but he was a man and this was gambling. It was unsettling that the two intertwined.
On the next round, it landed on twenty-two black. Travis beamed at her. Onlookers, eager to see if Travis’s luck held, pressed her to Travis’s side. So this is what claustrophobia felt like.
This time the dealer slid a larger stack of chips over to Travis. Once again he slid them all over to the existing pile on black.
“Very funny.” Angel fixed him her best I-don’t-believe-it glare, convinced the wheel was rigged.
“Let it ride.”
“You’re crazy.”
“What have you got to lose? It’s just one date.”
“Excuse me, but you’re betting on a date? Honey, if you’re not willing to bet, I sure am.” The tall, sexy blonde practically knocked Angel on her ass to get to Travis. The bitch thought she was a cat. Even had the audacity to purr as she polished his arm between her breasts.
Two other women who were clustered around the table pushed past her and sidled up to Travis.
A redhead attached herself to Travis’s other arm. “Yeah, we’ll have a foursome if you’re not interested.”
A brunette moved in, arms stretched out to take him into a hug.
Angel gnashed her teeth until they were about to fracture into a million pieces. She hated being the ugly duckling in the room.
Trying to extricate himself from their octopus arms, Travis pulled one away then the other. “Come on, Angel. If I win—one date anywhere I choose.”
She enjoyed his discomfort. “What? Are you paying them to help you?”
The flashy, well-built women were ready and willing to take a bet on Travis. Did she dare? She stopped to consider that black had won the last two times. The odds were in her favor that red would hit next. Besides, she didn’t appreciate the women ogling Travis.
Travis gave the blonde a look of sheer boredom. “Angel?”
Push had come to shove and she wasn’t willing to lose. A jealous streak she didn’t know she possessed bitch-slapped her into action. “Fine.” She plopped her stack on red and crossed her fingers on both hands.
The croupier gave her a broad smile.
The blonde and her friends pulled back. At least they got the hint as she pushed her way next to Travis and shoved them out of the equation.
“Thank you.” Travis rested his arm around her shoulder.
Just before the dealer put the game in motion, Angel took the top chip and kissed it then laid it back on her stack.
The wheel turned. Right before the croupier dropped the ball Travis switched his top chip with the one she’d kissed. Travis winked, took her hand, and kissed it. The ball dropped.
“Come on red.” She danced in place, anxious about the outcome.
Travis didn’t seem the least bit concerned, if his devil may care smile was any indication.
Hands clammy, she gripped the edge of the table as fear washed over her while the wheel spun. What if she won? Travis would be out of her life. Was she honestly ready to write him off?
She uncrossed her fingers and swallowed the lump in her throat. Why was she suddenly so afraid if the ball landed on red and she got what she wished for that she’d regret it for the rest of her life? She was enjoying her time with Travis. Twenty questions had been hilarious, especially after it became X-rated, regardless of how hard she’d tried to pretend to be offended. She didn’t fear him. She was terrified of herself.
The ball slowed and plopped into the place.
Seventeen. Black.
Travis swung her around.
“Darn, I lost.” She leaned into the kiss he plastered on her lips.
He set her back on the ground and he gave her another hug. “I know you hoped otherwise, but I’m glad I won.”
They started to walk away. The croupier called, “Sir, your winnings.”
Travis spun back around. “One last bet. Put everything on red one.”
“Travis, are you out of your mind?”
The bombshells walked away, but not before eyeing the length of Travis’ body. Angel put her arms around Travis and gave the women her best eat-shit-and-move-on grin.
“I have a hunch about that number,” he said.
“Are you sure you want to do that?” She couldn’t imagine what was going through his mind.
“Yeah, I am.”
Travis’s smile, his even white teeth, everything about him was positively charming.
“What’s the likelihood of red one winning?”
“Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” He tweaked her nose.
“But what if you lose? That’s several hundred dollars.” She didn’t understand him.
He gave her a quick kiss. “Think positive. I am.”
How could he be so carefree with his money? Her stomach churned. Thoughts of escape filled her. Dread washed over her. What if he lost? No wonder she couldn’t handle gambling. She could barely cope with everyday life.
The ball dropped into red one. She couldn’t believe her eyes. “You won! You won!” She jumped into Travis arms.
Grinning, he held her securely. “I sure did.”
“Why do I get the feeling that no matter what you bet you’d have won?”
“Beats me. Just lucky, I guess.” He laughed then kissed her again.
“Why red and one?”
“Red for you. One for me.”
“Huh.”
“Today is the first day of the year. It’s also the first day of the rest of our lives.”
“You need a new line.” She shoved out of his arms then nudged him for emphasis.
He pulled her back and pressed his lips to hers.
The croupier counted the chips then handed him fifteen one hundred dollar chips and a few additional ones.
“Come on, let’s cash this in,” Travis said.
They strolled over to the cashier, who promptly handed Travis a stack of bills in exchange for the chips and a receipt. Travis fanned the money and waved it in front of her.
“Okay, you won. What’s it going to be?” Wanting to sound put out, she’d tried to control her tone, but inside she wanted to hang on tight for the wild ride to come.
“I’ll have to think about it.” He used the wad of bills to scratch his chin while he pretended to contemplate their impending date. His teasing tone was endearing.
She gave him her best you-think-you’re-hot-shit look, but secretly she was happy. As much as she was frightened of giving Travis a chance, she was more afraid of not taking a chance while she had one. “Hey, big spender. Where do we go now?”
Peering into a jewelry shop, she spied a Black Hills Gold necklace. An angel. It was beautiful. They moved on, past a sports shop. Staring into the window of a pawnshop Travis said, “What do you think about dinner in Paris?”
“Nice try. You said nothing about overnight.”
She stopped to scan the Cirque de Soleil handbill, trying not to show her excitement.
“Lunch in San Francisco.”
“It’s January. It’ll be freezing.” They weren’t talking about the rest of her life. Just one date.
“How about lunch at Disneyland? They say it’s the happiest place on earth. We’ll have to get up early then turn around and head right back so you don’t have to worry about an overnighter.”
“Try again.” She told her heart to slow down. It wasn’t listening. She pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to ca
lm the butterflies. She couldn’t go anywhere with him overnight because she’d never be able to tell him no.
“What about Carmel?”
“Now you’re getting warmer.”
“Let me know when you’re ready for a long weekend. I want to take you to Jamaica.”
“No way.” Her toes curled at his innuendo. If only she could throw caution to the wind and give him the chance her heart and mind were urging her to. “What time are we supposed to meet the others for brunch? I’m getting a bit tired.”
“We’re meeting at nine-thirty. We could always go to my room and catch a quick catnap,” he said.
“I don’t think so. I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” She had to pee something fierce, but she also needed time to breathe. Travis had a way about him. He was pulling her into his life much too easily. She liked him. Too much. Travis challenged her sensibility to the point of distraction. He was the first man since Grant that she had even contemplated breaking her promise not to do more than just look. That’s exactly why he was dangerous to her; yet, even as she pushed him away, she was glad he was fighting her. Maybe he was just what she needed.
She used the bathroom and washed her hands. Peering into the mirror, she took stock of herself. Even for as late as it was, her makeup was still mostly intact, her hair was behaving, and she didn’t look half-bad. Not as voluptuous as the three woman throwing themselves at Travis by the roulette table, but not bad. She added a coat of lipstick and rubbed her lips together. She fluffed her hair and popped a cinnamon candy into her mouth. When she came out of the bathroom, Travis was grinning ear to ear.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” He danced from foot to foot.
“Cut the innocent act. You’re positively beaming. What did you do?”
“Am I really that easy to read?”
“Seriously, look at you. You can’t even stand still.”
“I bought you this.” He handed her a black velvet box.
“Travis, you shouldn’t have.”
“It’s nothing big, but it reminded me of you.”
She opened the box. It was the elegant angel necklace she’d seen in the jewelry store window, halo and all. “What the—how did you—”
“I saw your expression. I couldn’t resist buying you a little something from our first date—er, I mean meeting.”
She choked up. Tears swam in her eyes. “Thank you. It’s lovely. Will you help me put it on?”
“S-sure. Turn around. Angel, thank you for spending time with me. It means a lot.”
She sniffed then turned around and held up her hair. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her back. His breath on her neck made her lean back slightly. To him it was probably just a scrap of gold. To her it held promise. There were no diamonds on it, no outrageous glitzy stones. He wasn’t trying to impress her with bling. It was a simple angel. He’d seen it catch her eye and bought it. That meant the world to her.
He nuzzled and kissed her neck. “Let me see.”
She fingered the tricolored angel at the hollow of her throat and searched the reflection in the storefront window. The angel rested just above the V of her cleavage. She rubbed it for luck then kissed it and let it drop back into place. “Thank you again.”
Travis cupped her cheek then leaned down and kissed her. Really kissed her.
Her arms went around his back, and she clutched him tightly. Chocolate and coffee flavors lingered on his lips. Her heartbeat sped up as soon as she felt his pounding double-time against hers. They separated. The desire in his eyes moved her. Her hand moved of its own volition to touch her lips.
Travis just stared.
Chapter 3
Angel stood at the counter thumbing through a catalog of toys, trying to decide what to add to her current inventory. Her mind wasn’t on the store. Travis and the memories of how they’d left things in Tahoe filled her thoughts. The promised first date. Her fear of it, of him, of history repeating itself. The bell over the door tinkled.
Carrying a box, Carina Shepherd glided into the store wearing a navy blue business suit with matching suede pumps and a hint of the J’adore she favored.
“What a surprise. My favorite author and sexpert extraordinaire. I didn’t expect you for another few months.” Angel rounded the counter and gave her friend a hug. Carina had been a major key in helping her make the store what it was today.
“Sexpert, schmexpert. It’s been so long since I had a date, I named my vag prodder Roger.” Carina set the box on the counter. “I have four more boxes in the car. Thought I’d come by and personally deliver your book order.” Carina’s voice had a slightly husky tone that bordered on seductive.
“I love your sense of humor. It’s so colorful on top of your British accent.”
“Glad to give you a chuckle or two.”
Angel helped Carina move the boxes into the store. “Any chance I can get you to sign them? It always helps sales to have books autographed by the author.”
“Brilliant. Be glad to.” Her ginger mane and rosy cheeks flattered her smiling face.
While Angel unpacked, Carina pulled a gold Montblanc pen from her purse and began to autograph books.
“Speaking of sales, how’s the store doing?” Carina twirled her pen.
Angel thumbed through the book in her hand then added it to the stack. “I’m working on a list of possible expansion ideas, but nothing definitive yet.”
“Really? Last time we talked, you mentioned you might not be able to expand until next year. What’s happened?” Carina brushed her pen along her bottom lip.
“I sold a custom-made wedding dress for enough to fund it.” She still couldn’t believe Trent had offered such an exorbitant price for Sabrina’s dress. With that money in the bank, she was ready to see how far she’d be able to stretch it. She hadn’t been this solvent in ages and could finally breathe a sigh of peace.
“Nice. Does this mean you’re ready to reopen the bridal salon?” Carina leaned on the counter and smiled.
“I wish, but no, not yet. I hadn’t counted on the sale. It came out of nowhere, but the offer was too good to turn down.” She gave a quick overview of Sabrina and Trent’s wedding.
“And…?” Carina’s eyes narrowed.
“And what?” Angel didn’t want to get into it.
Carina pulled her glasses down on her nose and glared over them. “Who is he?”
“Who’s who?” Angel removed books from the box and stacked them up.
“What a load of cobblers, Angel!” Carina thumped a book. “Quit acting dim. You’re avoiding the bigger issue. Just admit it. You met a bloke. Why are you downplaying it?”
Angel put a book on the stack and stepped away from the counter. “This is why I don’t have many close friends. It’s too hard to hide my feelings.”
Carina set the pen down. “Why would you want to? If you’ve met someone, it’s definitely worth sharing.”
“Except we’re talking about me, and I don’t do them anymore.”
“Them? Are you listening to yourself? You make dating sound comparable to an infection or root canal.”
“A root canal without any Novocain.” Angel opened the second box.
“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the company of a man.” Carina’s words sounded so innocent.
Angel knew better. “Unless you’re me. I no longer trust my judgment where men are concerned.” Angel instantly regretted having opened up.
Carina gave her an evil eye roll that was as effective as getting her hand slapped. “Talking about Grant, are we?”
“What do you think?”
“That was years ago. Why are you still obsessing over that bloody wanker?” Carina rubbed Angel’s arm. “You’re not a naïve young chit any longer. You’re a very creative, beautiful, independent, business-savvy young woman. Why do you persist in punishing yourself over him? It’s long past time for you to forgive yourself and forget him.” She picked up he
r pen, signed another book, and moved it to the growing stack.
“Easy for you to say. I’m the one who lost everything for the sake of so-called love.”
“Love?” Carina chuckled. “Rubbish. That was puppy love at best. How do you expect to find happiness in the future if you can’t, won’t, or don’t let go of the past?”
“That’s easy. I’m not looking.” She plastered on a phony smile.
“And you’re happy about that?” Carina’s face turned red. She plopped onto the stool behind the counter.
Angel shrugged. “At least I’m not hurting.”
“You’re also not living. What kind of life is that?” Carina leaned back in the seat. It squeaked as her leg bobbed and bounced.
“The only one I can handle.” Angel sounded pathetic, even to her.
She slid another book to Angel. “What did you think of my book? Did you read it?” Her slate blue–grey eyes twinkled.
“It’s great. I wish I’d had it last month. I have a friend who could have used it.”
“Really? Who?” Carina slipped off her shoes and crossed her legs.
“Relax. Not for me. For a friend.”
“What about you? Don’t you want to be a sex kitten?” Carina smirked and wiggled her eyebrows.
Angel caressed the black satin book cover, sleek and sexy. Her fingers lingered on the fuchsia title, How to Be a Sex Kitten. “Please. I’m so over that part of my life.”
“You’re not even thirty. Shame on you! Look around you.” Carina shook her head, her earrings tinkled as they swung.
“What?” Angel clutched the book to her chest. Better to act stupid than admit the truth.
“Quit feeling sorry for yourself. It’s quite unattractive.” Carina grimaced.
“Excuse me?” Angel began unpacking the second box.
Carina stopped signing and leaned back in her chair. She crossed her arms and glared at Angel. “You heard me. I want you to stop for a moment and think about what you just said.” Carina pointed her pen. “You’re a healthy red-blooded female and yet you’re talking about sex like you’re a corpse instead of a woman in her prime of her life. I know menopausal seniors who show more interest in sex than you do.”