“Do you always run headfirst into everything you do?”
She nodded her head so enthusiastically she almost lost her footing while standing still, so I tightened my grip on her to keep her steady. “Of course. Well. Sometimes. Especially if I’ve had a couple drinks.” I didn’t point out that she’d had far more thanjust a couple already. She snort-laughed, then clapped her hand over her mouth before erupting in a bout of giggles. When she finally got herself together, she turned, pressing her hand to my chest. “All right, bossman. I’m in your hands. Teach me.”
There were a lot of things I wanted to teach her, but I pushed those thoughts aside and explained what was going on.
“What does that mean?” Nina pointed to the man with his hand flattened over his stack of chips.
“He’s telling the dealer to leave his bet as is. He’s feeling confident.”
Nina went up on her tiptoes to get a better view and wobbled into me. I noticed that she didn’t move away, instead choosing to keep her back resting against my chest. I continued coaching her, whispering what everything meant into her ear and trying to ignore how damn delicious she smelled, not to mention how soft and perfect her body was against mine.
It didn’t take long for the hot run to freeze out, and quite a few players grumbled and walked away from the table.
“Can we play now?” Nina asked me, as eager and adorable as a puppy.
I nodded. “I think we’re ready.”
And with that, we kicked off a thirty-minute speed run that electrified our group of players. Nina confidently stepped up to be the shooter, to the delight of every man there. I noticed one at the far end staring at her chest every time she leaned over to roll the dice, and I glared at him until he noticed me and backed off.
It was an epic run. Not only did Nina master the rules of the complicated game quickly, she also convinced Lady Luck tosmile on her. The stack of chips in front of her grew, along with the drained tumblers and wine glasses. We kept winning, and we very much kept celebrating, even as our celebrations got sloppier and louder.
It all came down to one last roll. The table went silent as Nina shook the dice with both hands. She turned and held them out to me.
“Kiss them. For luck.”
I wrinkled my nose. I wasnotabout to put my mouth on those filthy things, drunk or not. “I’d rather not.”
Nina giggled. “Come on,” she cooed, singsong. “Don’t be a spoilsport.” She held up her hand again. “Kiss them.”
Well…I wasn’t willing to miss out on the opportunity to put my mouth on her body.
We locked eyes and I took her outstretched hand in mine, flipped it, then lowered my lips to the back of her soft hand in a slow, lingering kiss. She faltered a little, shifting back and forth, until I finally let go.
A few people clapped. Nina kept staring at me like she knew exactly what I was thinking, which was impossible because even I couldn’t make sense of the thoughts racing around my head.
I was overwhelmed by her, and the clamor and chaos in the room, and all of the alcohol I kept gulping down in spite of myself. Nothing about the scenario was normal and, somehow, I didn’t care. Nina finally shifted to face the table and threw the dice.
“Hot shooter!” a voice called out.
I turned to glare at the man, then remembered it was a common craps expression, not a commentary about Nina.
Although shewas. So. Very. Hot.
The pile of chips in front of her grew so tall that it attracted the attention of the pit boss, who walked over to me.
“Mr. Ashford, we’re so glad you’re with us tonight. We’d like to offer a complimentary suite to you and Ms. Reyes. She’s had quite a run this evening.”
I was about to explain that we wouldn’t be staying over, but Nina started squealing before I could say anything.
“Oh my God, you’re giving us asuite? I’m a high roller! I’m awhale, you guys!” She punched the air over and over. “Yes! Go me!”
I noticed that she said “us.” Did that mean she was sensing the same undercurrent as me?
She looked so thrilled with herself that I started wondering if maybe we should stay after all.
“Give us the penthouse, bay-bee!” Nina cupped her hand around her mouth and shouted in a booming voice.
I chuckled. The woman was adorable. Who was I to spoil her fun? She’d probably really enjoy the luxury accommodation after living in her cramped employee quarters.
