“Extremely.”
The man squinted, and his lips spread into a smile as he took the stool next to her. His arm rested on the bar, and his face softened slightly. She wasn’t expecting his next gesture. He offered his hand.
“Dante.”
The name suited him. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a five o’clock shadow that only accentuated his perfectly shaped bone structure.
Cleo immediately shook his hand. “I’m Cleo.”
“Is this your first time here?”
She drew in a breath, releasing his hand and relaxing. “Yes. Well, since it opened.”
He arched his brow.
Cleo waved her hand. “I mean, yes, it’s my first time. It’s exciting, right? And beautiful. I love how it’s a masculine design but soft enough to be inviting and comfortable for everyone.”
Dante glanced up at the art hanging above the bar. “That’s an interesting perception.”
When he stood, she blurted. “It was nice meeting you, Dante.”
“You as well, Cleo.”
She smiled, bowing her head and trying to conceal the blush heating her face. It was nice talking to people who had no idea of her affiliation with Killcreek. There was an ease in the conversation and nothing intimidating. Cleo grabbed her glass, sipping the last remnants of her drink.
“Would you like me to set you up at a table?”
Cleo jerked her head and widened her eyes, surprised to see Dante still next to her. “What?”
His gaze softened, and he pointed behind her. “I run the poker house. I could seat you at a table if you’d like to play.”
She immediately spun on her stool, glancing around the room. The idea was thrilling but she was completely out of her element. A ten minute tutorial from Tanner wasn’t enough to compete against seasoned players.
“I’ve never played, so…”
“This will be the perfect time to start.”
She bit her bottom lip. Wasn’t that why she’d come here? Hanging out with Reyna and enjoying a double date had been the main reason, but playing poker would be another new experience. “I only have a hundred dollars. Is that enough?”
Dante cupped his mouth, but she saw the slight quirk of his lips. He glanced up at the second floor. It was a large mirror angled from the balcony to the ceiling. She didn’t remember seeing that the first time she’d come in.
“Of course. We’ll have you start at what I like to call a beginner’s table and see how you do. And in the event it’s not your lucky night, I’ll take you off the table before you lose all your money. How does that sound?”
It sounds amazing!
“What about my friend? I said I’d wait here for her.”
Dante pointed to the bartender. “Tanner will let her know where you are when she returns.”
“Okay.” Cleo slipped off her stool and dug into her pocketbook, pulling out her wallet. “Do you know how much the drinks are?”
When he didn’t answer, she glanced up to find Dante smiling at her.
“They’re on the house.”
She widened her eyes. “Really?”
“Yes, now come with me.”
