[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.She looked like she was on the verge of exploding. Well,the salad looks awfully good.Aren t you going to eat it?She forced a bright smile and forked up a leafy piece. Of course.I adore salads.He grinned. Any dessert?She let out a groan. Funny. They cleaned up quickly, stacked everything in thedishwasher, and then she stretched out on the camel-colored sofa in the living room.Nickfigured she was hoping for a faster way to digest. Are you going to work tonight? she asked. No, it s late.What about you? Nah, too tired. The room filled with a short silence. So, what do you want to do?Her shirt snaked up a precious inch.The smooth, tanned skin of her stomach wreakedhavoc with his concentration.He had some very clear images of what they could do.Theyinvolved slowly lifting her shirt.Then licking her nipples until they tightened under histongue.The rest centered on stripping off those sweat pants and testing how fast hecould make her burn up in his arms.Since none of those options were possible, he gave ashrug. Don t know.TV? Movie?She shook her head. Poker. Excuse me?Her eyes lit up. Poker.I have a deck of cards in my suitcase. You carry your own cards? You never know when you ll need them. What do we play for?She jumped up from the sofa and headed toward the stairs. Money, of course.Unlessyou re too chicken. Fine.But we ll use my cards.She stopped mid-flight and looked at him. Okay.I deal.He hit the remote and strains of Madame Butterfly echoed from the Bose speakers.Hetopped off their glasses and settled by the coffee table.She sat beside him, legs crossed.Her fingers flew through the cards with the ease of an expert, shuffling with lightningspeed.Nick had a flash of her in a low-cut dress, dealing cards in a saloon while she saton a cowboy s lap.He shook off the image and concentrated on his hand. Dealer s choice.Five card stud.Ante up.He frowned. With what? he asked. I told you we re playing for money. Should I have my butler unlock the safe? Or maybe we ll just play for the familyjewels? Very funny.Don t you have any singles lying around?His lip quirked. Sorry.Only hundreds. Oh.She seemed so disappointed he lost the battle and chuckled. How about we play forsomething more interesting? I don t play strip poker. I meant favors.His statement caught her attention.Her teeth caught her bottom lip.He watched theaction with pure pleasure. What kind of favors? she asked. The first one to win three full hands gets a free favor from the other.It can be usedany time, like a voucher.Her face lit up with interest. You can use the favor toward anything? No rules? No rules.The challenge drew her in like a pure-blooded gambler on the scent of a long shot.Hesensed his victory even before she agreed.Nick practically licked his lips as sheconsented, and knew for the next few months he d finally have the control he needed inthis marriage.She dealt.He almost laughed at the obvious outcome, but he refused to be merciful.She threw one card out and scooped up a replacement.He laid down his cards. Full house. Two jacks.Your deal.Nick gave her credit she refused to buckle.Kept her emotions firmly hidden.He bether father taught her, and if not for Nick s past experience, she d be a hell of a player tobeat.She tossed down a pair of aces and surrendered gracefully to his three fours. One more hand, he said. I can count.My deal. Her fingers flew over the cards. So, where d you learn poker?He viewed his hand nonchalantly. Buddy of mine kept a weekly game.It was a goodexcuse to do some serious drinking and hanging out. Always thought you were more the chess type.He tossed in a card and replaced it. I m good at that, too.She gave an unladylike snort. Show. She displayed her straight and triumph gleamedin her eyes.He almost felt sorry for her.Almost. Good hand. He offered her a cocky grin. But not good enough. He threw down fouraces.Then stretched his legs out in front of him and leaned back. Nice try, though.She gaped in astonishment at his cards [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]