One Night Gamble (Jokers Wild)

by Katherine Garbera

  Then there was Nicholas Pine, master illusionist. He had silver-colored eyes and always dressed in all black. For his shows, he favored designer suits, but for his street magic, he usually wore black jeans and a fitted T-shirt. She’d actually seen him a few years ago doing his act outside the Bellagio. He’d made someone’s cell phone disappear, then reappear in the base of one of the streetlamps. She still couldn’t figure out how he’d done it.

  The third partner was Darien Mitchell. He looked like a badass, and had a smoldering sexuality about him that, no doubt, had women falling at his feet. But to Talia, he seemed like he’d be a lot of fun for a short time and then a lot of work. He was the son of famed motorcycle stuntman Ken Mitchell, and he had grown up in his father’s shadow. Then three years ago, he’d surpassed his father by pulling off a stunt that was as dangerous as it was legendary.

  If everything went according to plan tomorrow, she’d be working for them. Her job would be to make sure that they were putting out the right message on social media and creating a community around the casino that would be entertainment-focused.

  She wasn’t going to lie—she was damned excited about the thought of getting this job. But right now, she had an errand to run. Gran had texted that she needed a bottle of Schnapps so she could make her famous Sex on the Beach cocktail for Mr. Edmonds before they went out, so Talia dashed into the liquor store on the corner, texting with Sami as she waited to pay for the bottle.

  Sami: Let’s celebrate your new gig by going out tonight. Don’t say you can’t. I already called your Gran and she’s got a hot date with Mr. Edmonds.

  Talia: I know. That’s why I had to pick up condoms earlier. But I don’t have the job yet…

  Sami: I’m sure it’s a done deal. They’d be stupid not to hire you. So meet me at my place at eight. Let’s go out and let loose before you get overwhelmed by all the work at your new job.

  Talia: Okay.

  Sami: Can’t you pretend to be happy.

  Talia: Better?

  Sami: It’ll do, donkey.

  Talia: Where are we going?

  Sami: Let’s check out the Jokers Wild. I have some comps for drinks that they gave out at work.

  Talia: But I might be working there.

  Sami: You will be working there. All the more reason to go out tonight, before you have to be on your best behavior.

  Sami had a point, but then, she usually did. Talia and Sami had been friends since the sixth grade, when Sami’s family had moved to Hendersonville—a Vegas suburb—and Talia had been assigned to show the new girl around. Now, Sami was doing the same for her. Talia would have a better idea of how the casino worked if she’d been there with Sami beforehand.

  Talia: Sounds good to me.

  Sami sent back a thumbs up, which Talia knew meant that her friend’s boss was back in the office. Sami worked in the cash control vault for one of the other casinos on the strip. She was a payroll clerk and spent all day matching deposit receipts to the cash and credit card slips that were sent in.

  Her job sounded incredibly boring to Talia. But her friend, who was of Indian descent and drop dead gorgeous, and always got offers for modeling work whenever they went out, seemed to love it. She liked numbers, and said they could be trusted.

  But Talia knew they couldn’t. Not when they were on the lighted screen of a slot machine or on a pair of dice being thrown on a green velvet table.

  “Next,” the cashier said.

  She pocketed her cell phone and put the bottle on the counter. She’d drop off the Schnapps and the condoms and Gran should be good to go.

  Once she’d paid, she went to leave. But as she did, someone held the door open for her.

  “Thanks!”

  “No problem. Looks like you’ve got a fun night planned, brown eyes,” he said.

  It was the gambler with the sexy smile.

  Again.

  She didn’t believe in luck, having seen it turn false more than once. “I guess you wouldn’t believe me if I told you it wasn’t for me.”

  “Not judging,” he said.

  But his mouth was. He had a wry smile on his face and she couldn’t help but notice the shape of his lips. They were full and looked incredibly kissable… She shook her head. She’d spent too much time thinking about Gran’s hot date.

  “Goodbye,” she said.

  “Catch you around, brown eyes,” he said.

  She glanced back at him. “I have a name, you know.”

  “Let’s see if we meet again. Then we can exchange names.”

  “Why?”

  “Fate,” he said.

  She shook her head. Of course he believed in fate. He probably thought luck existed too…just not the bad kind. Really, she should be glad he didn’t want to know her name. She didn’t need another gambler in her life. She’d just managed to climb out of the hole her father had left her in.

  Chapter Two

  “Enjoy, ladies,” the cocktail waitress said as she placed two strawberry margaritas on the table in front of them.

  “We didn’t order these,” Talia said.

  “I’m supposed to tell you… Call it fate,” she said, then disappeared back into the crowd.

  “Fate?” Sami asked. “More like some guy with the hots for us.”

  She lifted her glass toward the crowded dance floor and Talia did the same, looking for the gambler with the blue eyes. She spotted him across the room when some of the dancers parted. He lifted a glass toward her. She shook her head and returned the gesture.

  “Who is that?”

  “No one.” And he couldn’t be anything else. It didn’t matter how hot he was or the way she smiled, just seeing him. He was definitely a gambler and she was trying to leave Vegas.

  “No one? Give me a break, girl,” Sami said.

  “He’s just a guy I keep running into,” she said.

  “Interesting. Why haven’t you mentioned him to me?”

  Talia turned her back to the dance floor and leaned her elbow on the table. “He’s a gambler.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything. Not all gamblers are bad,” Sami said. “Some of them can be downright fun.”

  “I know,” she said. And she did, better than most. She had some really great memories of good times with her father. He’d had no limits in every part of his life—not just at the craps table.

  “So…”

  “So, what? He believes in fate and—”

  “Girl, he’s a bit of fun. You’re not looking for forever, and it’s been a long time since you hooked up,” Sami said. “Why not just flirt and see what happens?”

  “I don’t—”

  “Tali, you know I love you, but Gran has seen more action than you have in the last ten years. You’re young. Sometimes I really hate that your dad stole that from you,” Sami said.

  “He didn’t.”

  “Whatever. I know you loved him, but he left you with a lot to take care of. All that red in his ledger…” She shook her head. “Just for one night, I think you should let go, before you get old and realize that life has passed you by.”

  “Sami—”

  “I know I’m interfering and you don’t like to be bossed around. I wouldn’t say anything if I didn’t love you.”

  “I know. I love you, too. Okay, if something happens tonight, I’ll go with the flow,” she said at last. Besides, what could happen? He was a stranger and fun to be around. But that was it.

  The music changed and “Brown-Eyed Girl” remixed with an electronica dance beat came on. Talia started laughing. He was subtle and charming.

  “What?” Sami asked.

  “That’s what he calls me… Brown eyes.”

  “Let’s go dance,” Sami said, sliding from the booth.

  Talia took a sip of her margarita and followed her friend onto the dance floor. Sami was always urging her to do something for herself, to stop trying to save everyone in her life. But, honestly, Talia wasn’t sure
she could do that. For as long as she could remember, she’d been the strong one.

  The music pulsed and bodies writhed all around them. Talia couldn’t help but think that this was what Vegas did so well—promising a place where it was okay to let go and indulge with no consequences. She shook her head again.

  Sami was right—she was young. She forgot that sometimes. Trying to take care of Gran, and making sure that what her father had gambled away from them wasn’t going to ruin both of their lives, had taken a toll on her. Gran had given her a home and a safe place…

  “Mind if I dance with you?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at the gorgeous blue-eyed gambler. “Not at all.”

  They danced together and she let herself enjoy it. He wasn’t all handsy the way some guys were when she met them in a club. In fact, when their bodies brushed together, he never pushed for more, even though a tingle went through her at the contact.

  He didn’t have to push for anything, she realized. He was gorgeous, and if the looks he was receiving were any indication, he could have his pick of women in the club. But he didn’t pay attention to anyone but her. It was nice. As much as she’d sort of hoped he’d be arrogant or a jerk, he made her feel special.

  He was just a smidge under six feet tall and his shoulders were broad and his arms muscled. She let her gaze drift down his torso to his hips and then back up to find him staring at her.

  Then the song “No Tomorrow” by Afrojack came on and she started to move to the music, letting the song speak to her. She should live like there was no tomorrow, at least for one night. In that moment, the things that Sami had said rang through her mind. Her friend was right. With the pounding music of the club driving her, she wasn’t going to think about tomorrow or leaving Las Vegas.

  Her gambler caught her close as the deejay slowed the music down, playing Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” His arms were strong as he wrapped one around her waist, allowing his hand to rest in the middle of her back, between her shoulder blades. His palm was hot through the fabric of her dress.

  She looked up into those blue eyes of his again. He sang a little under his breath and she leaned her head into the curve of his shoulder as he continued to move her around the floor. The lyrics reminded her of the choices she’d made and how they’d impacted her life. She’d been focused on clearing her father’s debt, getting her Gran set up so the older woman could enjoy her old age and not worry about being thrown out of her home. But right now, in this man’s arms, she realized she’d forgotten about her own dreams. Something was lacking—in her life, in her soul.

  She tipped her head back to look at him, and their eyes met. There was a spark in his gaze—the same excitement she was feeling—and as he lowered his head to hers, she couldn’t do anything but lift her chin, welcoming him.

  Their lips met and a shiver went through her. Her pulse raced as he lightly moved his mouth against hers.

  Her eyes drifted closed and she was surrounded by the feel of his lips on hers, the smell of tequila and expensive aftershave and the feel of his long, lean body pressed against hers. His hands skimmed down her back, cupping her butt and drawing her more fully against him. Arching against him, she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck as she tilted her head to the side and opened her lips under his. His tongue teased hers and she sucked it into her mouth.

  A fire started deep inside of her, something that she knew wouldn’t be quenched by one kiss. He lifted his head and she opened her eyes to stare into his blue gaze.

  She framed his face with her hands and felt the stubble of his beard against her palms. She liked the contrast between the prickliness of his facial hair and the softness of his lips against hers. Rubbing her finger down the side of his jaw, she broke their kiss, then touched his lips with her finger.

  The music stopped and he took her hand, leading her off the dance floor. Sami obviously saw them leaving and came over to loop her arm through Talia’s. Talia looked at her friend, wondering if she could see the electricity that had arched between herself and this man, this charmer, or if she’d just imagined it.

  “Let’s go up to the VIP lounge. It’s quieter there, and we can talk,” he said.

  She glanced at Sami, but her friend just arched her eyebrows at her, clearly indicating the decision was Talia’s. She took a deep breath and nodded before turning back to her gambler.

  “We’d love to,” she said.

  …

  Casey had never been the kind of man to ignore fate when it came knocking. This intriguing woman kept showing up in his life. Tonight, she was here, in the nightclub in his casino. It felt like there was a reason he kept running into her.

  Was she his talisman? A good luck charm?

  Like all poker players, he was suspicious. Although this move to staying in Vegas, committing to setting up and running the casino, had felt right to him, another part of him remembered his childhood and everything that had shaped him into becoming the winner he was.

  Vegas was complicated. There was no way he could just assume that all of their encounters had been a coincidence. But he also couldn’t walk away from her. She was sweet—that was obvious in everything she said and did. And she was sexy, though it seemed like she was unaware of it. He’d never been more intrigued in his life.

  The VIP lounge was located on the twenty-fourth floor balcony and overlooked the oldest part of the Vegas strip. The room had a deejay who played dance music, but the dance floor was much smaller and not as crowded. They had a small buffet set up with food and a bar and there were draped off areas that allowed for some privacy.

  The lounge was something that the three friends had intended as an oasis of sorts—a calm area away from the frenetic pace of the casino and clubs.

  Some of the high rollers he’d invited for the tournament were already in the lounge. They waved them over as he entered with the two women, and he suddenly realized he hadn’t introduced himself.

  “What’s your name?” he asked. “I can’t keep calling you Brown Eyes.”

  “I’m Talia and this is Sami.”

  “Casey,” he said.

  He led them over to the players he knew, then left them to go for margaritas. When he glanced back at the group, he noticed that Sami was chatting animatedly with the others, while Talia sat away from the group, watching but not participating. He placed the order and then walked back to the group. As he approached, he realized they were talking about poker, as they often did. Gambling was a way of life for these men…and for himself.

  Talia got up and walked out onto the balcony that overlooked Las Vegas. He followed her.

  “You don’t like poker?” he asked, coming up behind her and standing next to her at the rail. The night breeze was warm and stirred her hair, making it dance around her face.

  She reached up and tucked it back behind her ear, then turned to face him. “It’s not just poker. I’m not a huge fan of gamblers.”

  “I’m a gambler,” he said, wanting to make sure she knew that.

  “I suspected it. You have that charm and way of looking at the world that most gamblers do.”

  “What way is that?” he asked.

  She nibbled on her lower lip and he remembered their earlier kiss and how good she’d tasted. How right she’d felt in his arms. He was beginning to believe that maybe that kiss would be the only one they shared.

  “Just your belief in fate. I’m sure you believe in luck, too.”

  “I do,” he said. “But luck isn’t just good, you know. I’ve had a bad streak, where I couldn’t pull together a winning hand to save my life.”

  She turned to face the lounge area, putting her elbows on the high railing. “What did you do?”

  “Walked around my chair to change my luck,” he said with a wink.

  She shook her head. Sure, it seemed cute that he would put any faith in an old wives’ tale, but what if he really believed it? Some people did, she knew.

  This was crazy. She should thank him fo
r the drink, the dance, and that kiss that she was going to remember for a long time and walk away.

  She didn’t need another charming rascal in her life, making her think light of things like losing streaks and high-stakes gambling. She couldn’t ever be that detached anymore. She knew firsthand just what living that kind of life meant. And she wasn’t going to do it again.

  “How did you start gambling?” she asked. She wasn’t sure that she wanted to know, but maybe it would help her decide what to do tonight.

  He chuckled a little and looked decidedly uncomfortable. “I was always good at reading games and people.”

  “What do you read about me?”

  “That you don’t really like Vegas. Why do you stay here?”

  She shrugged and nibbled on her lower lip. Keep it light. She could almost hear Sami standing next to her, telling her to be cool.

  “Gran is here and so is Sami. Besides, I have a plan to use Vegas for what I can learn from it, and then get a job somewhere else…maybe in L.A.”

  He didn’t say anything for a long moment, but then nodded. “You’re complicated,” he said. “But tonight, we are here to have fun. Right?”

  Complicated.

  The word lingered in her mind the way it had her entire life and she knew that it was time to make a change…well, at least for tonight. She took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.

  The deejay played music that was slower and wove a sensual spell around the two of them. She forgot that he was a gambler. Ignored the fact that he was charming and had an easy smile. She couldn’t concentrate on anything except the way his hands felt against her hips as they danced to Shakira and Pitbull.

  Complications didn’t matter when the end objective was fun. She had to remind herself of that. She could count on one hand the times she’d just let herself go and not worried about the consequences.

  Sami and one of Casey’s friends started dancing as well, and it wasn’t long before Talia realized her friend was probably going to go home with the guy. She watched her friend over Casey’s shoulder and felt that pinprick of envy at the easy way that Sami moved through life. She didn’t spend all of her time focused on long-term goals.