He eased away from her slightly, and put a couple of fingers under her chin. There was an intensity in his eyes, a look of restrained passion. “I love you, Erica. And I’ll always want you.”
He kissed her lightly, then released her and returned to the table. Gathering up the diamonds, he brought them back to her and poured them into her hand. “These are yours to keep. You can stay and finish your studies here in 2010 without financial worries.”
She bit her lip as she gawked at the incredible wealth in her hand.
“Or you and Drew can come with me, to a world that will be new and different for all of us. Because, yes – what I’m doing now will have repercussions for the future.”
She glanced over at the strange, incredibly advanced black disc that rested on her ridiculously commonplace Formica table, and then up at Sean. She knew there was no question of what she would do.
She hugged him close, then slid her hands up to his neck and pulled him down for her kiss. “I love you, too.”
He held her close and returned her kiss, and Erica felt him pour everything he had into it before easing away. “Let’s go and wake Drew,” he said. “We ’ve got a big day ahead of us.”
The Wild Card
Sandra Newgent
One
“The game’s Texas hold ’em. Are you in, little lady?”
Startled, Camille Desmond stared at the grey-haired gentleman seated behind the green felt-covered table. With swift movements, he flipped cards to the group seated. His soft brown eyes fixed on her. “Ante up?”
Cami shook her head. “I . . . ah . . . no thank you. I’m n-not playing.” She’d never played poker before and didn’t want to start now in Atlantic City.
She took a step backwards and bumped into her best friend Gina.
“Oh, come on Cami.” Gina grabbed her shoulders. “Play poker with me. I’ll teach you the ways of the world.” Gina winked at her as she snagged an empty chair.
“Iknowthe ways of the world. Remember? Roger cheating? Leaving me in debt up to my eyeballs? Besides, I’m saving any spare money to open a Warner school.”
“But you should be celebrating your financial freedom. You just paid off Mr Mistake. Try investing a little time in yourself. Find Mr Right-Now, let loose and have some fun.”
Cami’s face burned hotly in the over-air-conditioned casino. “Gina, I can’t ignore the past. And now I’m ready to go home. I’m not about to blow the rest of my money on a silly game of cards and a one-night stand.” Cami softened her tone, not wanting to ruin Gina’s fun. “You stay. I’m not ready to ‘let loose’. I’ll window shop or take a walk on the beach.”
Gina nodded. “OK – for now – but I’m not giving up on you.” She squeezed Cami’s hand. “See ya later.”
Cami left the card pit and wandered through the crowd surrounding the huge array of slot machines. Looking at the spectacular show of flashing lights, this was certainly the place to let loose. The casino of the legendary Caesars Hotel was pulsating with people willing to take any risk.
“Would you care for a complimentary drink?” Cami turned and ran her eyes over the blonde-haired server. The swooping neckline of her skimpy cocktail dress was only outdone by her black fishnet-clad legs and heavily made-up face.
“No thank you.” Cami watched the woman walk away, her voluptuous hips swaying with feline grace. A pang of jealousy tweaked her. The woman was obviously comfortable in her own body and sensuality. Cami peered at her own wavy reflection in the shiny chrome side of a slot machine.
A gawky child of Irish parents, Cami had grown into a tall, willowy redhead. At twenty-seven, Cami knew she had curves in all the right places. Instead of teaching elementary school kids, she could have risen from her financial nightmare by working in a bar, nightclub or even a strip joint. She’d been told she was sexy. Trouble was Cami didn’tfeelsexy. Roger had taken that from her. Nope. She was going to open up a school for underprivileged children; she didn’t need anything else. Certainly not a man.
Cami turned away from her reflection and fought her way to the second floor where the crowd had thinned. She wandered down the quiet, tiled hallway and peeked into several shops.
She stepped into a luxurious bath shop. The exotic aromas of expensive toiletries encircled her. She’d splurge on bubble bath, treating herself to a soak. The thought of sliding into the large roman tub in her room, enveloped by sensual, frothy foam lifted her spirits.
But then Cami came to her senses and bought a less expensive bar of soap and a scented candle that reminded her of sultry tropical breezes. She might not need a man, but tonight she’d have a tiny part of her secret fantasy.
After paying for the items, she glanced at her watch. Time to retrieve Gina. They’d have to hurry to freshen up and change clothes before dinner and the show. Cami left the store and movedquickly through the crowds surrounding the check-in desk, slot machines and the bar. She paused in front of a roulette table to search the cavernous game room.
Not seeing Gina, Cami moved away from the table, but a hand on her arm stopped her.
“Excuse me.” The man’s rich, baritone voice slid over her like a lingering caress.
She turned back.
