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“I told you, sweetheart. I need your help with the ad campaign.” He gave her a smile that made her feel warm all over. “And I’m using it as an excuse to get to know you better. Something I should have done a long time ago.”
He seemed sincere enough, but Creed’s warning that Blake couldn’t be trusted continued to whisper at the back of her mind. Had her friend been right about his brother? Could Blake be up to something underhanded?
But it made no sense. What would he possibly stand to gain? She certainly couldn’t give him any information about Dakota Fortune that he didn’t already have access to.
The feel of his palm gently caressing the back of her hand sent the fluttering in the pit of her stomach into overdrive and ended all speculation about his possible ulterior motives. “I … um, think I’d … uh, better go back to my room,” she said, extricating her hand from his. She suddenly found it extremely hard to form a coherent thought and she needed to put some distance between them in order to regain her equilibrium. “I’m really tired and I think it’s time for me to call it a night.”
She could tell by the expression on his handsome face that he wasn’t buying her excuse for a minute, but scooting his chair away from the table, he rose to his feet and offered her his hand. “I’ll walk you back to your suite.”
“Th-that won’t be necessary.” His much larger hand enveloping hers as she stood up made her feel as if the temperature in the room had gone up a good ten degrees. “I’m pretty sure I can find my way to the other end of the hall.”
Putting his arm around her shoulders, he shook his head as they walked to the door. “If there was one thing that Nash Fortune taught his boys, it was proper date etiquette.”
“D-date?”
Guiding them out into the hall, he chuckled. “Whether it’s business or pleasure, when a man asks a woman he has more than a passing interest in to have dinner with him, it’s a date.”
She shook her head as she pulled her key card from her small evening bag. “You didn’t ask me to have dinner with you. It was more of a command.”
He took the card from her, fitted it into the lock, then after opening the door, stood back for her to enter the suite. “Considering you were about to take off, I didn’t feel that you gave me much of a choice.”
Turning to face him, she asked, “In other words, as a board member of Dakota Fortune, you were pulling rank on me?”
Shrugging one shoulder, he gave her a lopsided grin and pulled her into his arms. “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but whatever works.”
Sasha caught her breath at the feel of his solid strength pressed against her from her breasts to her knees. “Wh-what do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m going to kiss you good-night,” he said, his voice so low and hypnotic that she felt as if she’d spontaneously combust at any moment. “That’s usually the way a first date ends, honey.”
Before she could remind him that she didn’t consider their dinner a date, he lowered his head and captured her lips with his. That was when Sasha ceased thinking altogether and gave in to the temptation of once again experiencing the power of Blake’s sultry kiss.
Firm and commanding, his mouth moved over hers with a masterfulness that caused her head to spin. But when he parted her lips with his tongue to slip inside, he not only robbed her of breath, he left her with nothing but the ability to respond.
Tasting of wine and pure male desire, he explored her thoroughly as he stroked and teased. Sasha wondered if she’d ever be the same again when he slid his hands from her back along her sides and up to the swell of her breasts.
Her skin tingled when he broke the kiss to nibble his way to the sensitive hollow at the base of her throat. “Y-you’re taking this … farther than a simple … good-night kiss,” she said, struggling to breathe.
“Do you want me to stop?”
His warm breath and the vibration of his masculine voice against her skin had Sasha feeling as if a spark ignited within her soul. But when he covered her breasts with his hands to test their weight and tease the suddenly tightened tips through the layers of her clothing, her body began to tremble and she had to force herself to concentrate on what he’d asked her.
“N-no … Y-yes.”
Why was she having such a hard time gathering her thoughts? And why couldn’t she tell him outright that she wanted him to stop?
“You want to know what I think, Sasha?”
“Not … really.” Drawing air into her lungs was becoming decidedly more difficult with each teasing brush of his thumbs over her taut nipples. And like it or not, she really didn’t want him to stop.
Moving his hands to her back to draw her more fully against him, he nuzzled the hair at her temple. “I think you need to get a good night’s sleep. If we’re going to visit a couple of museums and spend some time introducing you to some of the casino games, you’ll need your rest.” Kissing her forehead, he released her, then walked to the door. “Good night, Sasha.”
As she stood there waiting for her head to quit spinning, he turned to give her a smile warm enough to melt her bones. Then, just when she thought he was going to cross the room and take her back into his arms, he walked out into the hall and quietly pulled the door shut behind him.
Staring at the closed door for several long seconds, she finally managed to breathe normally as she slipped off her pumps and slowly made her way into the bedroom. She wasn’t certain her rubbery legs would support her for the short distance, let alone allow her to balance herself on a pair of high heels.
She should have left earlier in the evening as she’d intended, she thought as she changed out of her jade silk pantsuit and into her baby-doll pajamas. She was so far out of her league with Blake, they weren’t even in the same ballpark.
But as she unfastened the clip holding her hair in its tight chignon, then slipped between the crisp linen sheets on the big four-poster bed, she had to be honest with herself. Although she was completely out of her element with Blake, she’d never felt more exhilarated or alive in her entire life.
Blake pulled his cell phone from his belt as he pushed the breakfast cart down the hall toward the Riverboat Queen Suite. After walking Sasha back to her room last night, he’d spent several sleepless hours rethinking his approach for getting her into his bed and came to several conclusions.
Thanks to his brother, she was clearly wary of him and more than a little confused by his interest after all this time. That was why he’d have to pull out all the stops in romancing Sasha Kilgore. It might take a little more time than he’d anticipated, which didn’t set too well. But in retrospect, it would heighten the pleasure when they finally did make love.
Dialing directly into her room, he waited for Sasha to answer.
“Hello.” Her voice was slightly husky from sleep and caused an unexpected rush of heat to zing through his veins.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.”
“Blake?”
“None other.”
“Why are you calling me at—” He heard the rustle of bed sheets and could imagine her sitting up in bed to push her hair out of her eyes and look at the clock. “Dear God, it’s only six-thirty.”
He laughed. “Get out of bed and open the door to your suite, Sasha.”
“Why?”
“Do you always ask this many questions?”
“Do you always answer a question with a question?” she retorted.
“Just open the damned door.”
“All right, but this had better be good,” she grumbled, hanging up the phone.
When she flung open the door a few moments later, Blake smiled as he pushed the cart into the room. Sasha looked about as sexy as he’d ever seen a woman. Her pretty face wore the blush of sleep and her long auburn hair tumbled well past her shoulders in a wild array of soft curls.
But it was the sight of her long slender legs that sent his blood pressure soaring. Her teal silk robe was one of those short numbers that ended about mid-thigh and revealed more than it covered.
Deciding that it would be in his best interest not to point out that particular fact, he opted for discussing her mood. “I take it you’re not a morning person.”
“And I take it you are.” Waving her hand toward the covered plates and silver coffee carafe, she arched one perfect eyebrow. “Please tell me that’s for someone else.”
“Can’t do that, sweetheart,” he said, taking plates from the cart to place then on the small table by the window. “I thought we would have breakfast together before we head out for the day.”
She frowned as she shook her head. “I never eat this early in the morning.”
But she did follow him across the room and stood there looking so damned adorable, he’d have liked nothing more than to take her into the bedroom and have her for breakfast. Instead, he wisely motioned for her to sit down.
“Experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
“Those so-called experts are no doubt morning people that the rest of us would like to string up by their toes,” she groused, sinking into one of the chairs. “At least, until after we’ve consumed several cups of coffee.”
He laughed as he poured them both a mug of the rich, dark brew. “Please, drink up. I’d like to keep my toes safe.”
To his satisfaction, she picked up the cup, held it up to appreciate the aroma, then closing her eyes, smiled. “Mmm. How did you know I love mocha-flavored coffee?”
He seated himself in the chair across from her. “I haven’t met a woman yet who doesn’t think that anything chocolate is almost as good as making love.”
Opening her eyes, she stared at him over the rim of the cup as she took a sip of the rich brew. “Oh, really. And what do you prefer?”
He grinned. “Sex, of course.”
Clearly embarrassed, she shook her head. “I meant what flavor of coffee.”
“I know, but you didn’t phrase it that way.” Changing the subject before he said something that got him into deeper trouble with her than he was already in, he removed the covers from their plates. “I didn’t know how you like your eggs. I hope scrambled is to your liking.”
“That’s fine, and I do appreciate your thoughtfulness, but—”
Before she could protest further, Blake picked up her fork, speared some of the fluffy eggs and put it into her mouth. “Now, isn’t that good?”
She glared at him as she chewed, then swallowing, she nodded as she reached for the fork. “Yes.”
He held the utensil away. “You want more?”
“Yes.”
She said the word grudgingly and from the look on her face, he decided it wouldn’t move them any closer to the physical relationship he wanted if he seized the opportunity to gloat. Handing her the fork, he picked up his own and for the next few minutes they ate in companionable silence.
“When do you want me to present my proposal for your ad campaign?” she asked as she poured herself another cup of coffee.
“You’ve already worked it up?” He didn’t particularly want to discuss business. He had other, more enjoyable pursuits in mind.
To his relief, she shook her head. “I have a few more things to go over, but I should have it ready by this afternoon.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Excuse me?”
“Today is your day off.” He reached out to take her hand in his. “I promised you a day of fun and that’s exactly what we’re going to have.” He raised her palm to his lips and kissed her tender skin. “Now, go get dressed so we can get started.”
“Wh-what on earth could we possibly do at this hour of the morning?” Her voice sounded a little shaky. “The museums won’t open for several more hours.”
It was all he could do to keep from telling her what he wanted to do and how he’d like to spend the day with her in bed. “Sweetheart, casinos are open 24/7.”
As if she suddenly realized that he still held her hand, she extricated it from his. “I’ve never gambled before and wouldn’t even begin to know how to play any of the games.”
He smiled. “It’s pretty simple and it will be my pleasure to teach you.” He rose to his feet, walked over to the phone on the desk and dialed room service. While he waited for one of the staff to pick up, he motioned toward the bedroom. “Get dressed while I get someone up here to clear the table.”
“Is that an order or a suggestion?”
From the look on her face, he could tell that he’d better watch the way he phrased things. “I was merely suggesting that you might want to put something on.” He grinned. “I love the hell out of the way you look in that little silk robe, but you might give one of my waiters a coronary when he sees your long, sexy bare legs.”
Sasha’s heart raced as she glanced down at her robe. She hadn’t considered its length when she’d packed yesterday morning and the only male that had ever seen her in it was Melvin. Of course, besides being a big yellow cat, Melvin had been neutered several years ago and couldn’t care less about females, feline or human.
But Blake was an entirely different matter. He was a virile, twenty-nine-year-old man who exuded sexual charm from every pore of his skin. Unfortunately, she’d been so irritated by being awakened at what she considered to be an ungodly hour, she hadn’t given the length of her robe a second thought. But from the look on his face, he’d definitely been thinking about it. A lot.
Giving the hem a little tug in a futile effort to make it longer, she edged her way to the bedroom door. “I think I’ll … uh, go change.”
Her heart-rate accelerated even more when Blake winked and gave her a wicked smile. “Good idea. And make sure it’s something casual and comfortable.”
Nodding, she slipped into the bedroom and closing the doors, made a beeline for her suitcase. As she gathered her things for a quick shower, she tried not to put much stock in Blake’s flirting. She had a feeling the man wasn’t above using whatever means it took to get what he wanted. The only problem was she had no idea what Blake could possibly want from her beyond her proposal for the ad campaign.
Could it really be as he’d said? Did he really just want to get to know her better?
As she toweled herself off and dressed, she came to the conclusion that Creed’s warnings about Blake had stemmed from the hard feelings between the two brothers and weren’t really a reflection of Blake’s character. From everything she’d seen, Blake was just as he appeared—a highly successful businessman who not only wanted her to design a promotional campaign for his casinos, he was interested in getting to know her on a more personal level.
“The man you’ve dreamed about half of your life has finally discovered that you exist and you’re having second thoughts about becoming involved with him?” she asked herself as she twisted her unruly hair into a tight knot at the back of her head. “Are you insane?”
But as she put on her mascara, gathered her jacket and prepared to join Blake in the suite’s living room, she decided that her mind wasn’t what worried her. If she let herself go and gave in to his charismatic charm, it was her heart that could very well be in danger of being lost.
“Blake, this is ridiculous,” Sasha laughed when he motioned for her to push a stack of poker chips into the middle of a circle on the green felted table.
After touring the town’s museums chronicling Deadwood’s colorful history and having a scrumptious lunch at Blake’s other hotel and casino, the Lucky Fortune, they had returned to the Belle of Fortune for her to try her hand at a few games of chance. Blake had a man he’d called the pit boss set up a private table for him to teach her the various card games and she was finding that although they were fun, she’d starve to death if she had to make a living in the world of professional gambling.
Blake leaned close when the dealer shuffled, then dealt the cards. “The dealer is showing a six and has to stay on seventeen,” Blake whispered closely to her ear. “You have twelve and the odds are in your favor to win the hand. Take another card.”
The feel of his warm breath on her overly sensitive skin distracted her from the game. Taking a deep breath, she used every ounce of willpower she had to react normally. “Are you sure? What if the card the dealer has facing down is an ace? Then he’d have eighteen and there’s the possibility I’d lose.”
Blake nodded. “That’s true. But that’s why it’s called gambling. You have to take the chance in order to come out ahead.”
“But—”
He softly touched her chin with his index finger and turned her head until their gazes met. “Sweetheart, life is full of risks. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. But keep in mind, there’s a fifty-fifty chance that the risks you don’t take could have been missed opportunities.”
Her heart skipped several beats as she gazed into his amazing blue eyes. There was a challenge there and she knew beyond a shadow doubt, he was talking about her taking a chance on a whole lot more than just a hand of cards.
“I don’t know,” she said uncertainly.
She wasn’t sure she had the courage to risk becoming involved with Blake. She could very well end up with a broken heart, as well as having her pride completely shattered.
“Take a break,” he said to the dealer, standing patiently awaiting her decision on the hand of cards. As the man silently nodded and walked away, Blake turned her to face him. “Give me a chance, Sasha. Give us a chance.”
She shook her head. “There is no us.”
“Not yet.” His smile sent a wave of heat from the top of her head all the way to her toes. “But I intend for there to be.”
Her heart stopped completely at the determination in his voice and the promise in his eyes. He’d abandoned his earlier excuse of wanting to get to know her better and moved straight to them becoming romantically involved.
The thrill of anticipation skipped up her spine as his gaze held her captive and he slowly lowered his head to brush his lips against hers. But when he settled his mouth over hers in a kiss so tender it robbed her of all rational thought, she forgot all the reasons that taking a chance on caring for Blake could prove her undoing—or that they were sitting in the middle of a crowded casino. Nothing seemed to matter but the sudden heat coursing through her and the need to lean into his embrace. Without a second thought, she raised her arms to circle his neck and tangle her fingers in the silky hair at his nape.
When she pressed herself to his chest, his arms closed around her and he slipped his tongue inside to deepen the kiss. Colorful lights immediately began to flash behind Sasha’s closed eyes and it felt as if the world had been reduced to just the two of them when he slowly stroked her inner recesses and coaxed her into responding in kind. But when he effortlessly lifted her from her chair to sit her on his lap, a delicious tingling sensation began to flow throughout her body and a tiny moan escaped her parted lips at the feel of his rapidly hardening body through the layers of their clothing.
“Way to go, man.” The sudden sound of a laughing male voice made Sasha’s heart stop.
When she tried to jerk from his arms, Blake held her firmly against him as he eased his lips from hers and slowly turned his head to glare at a young man standing a few feet from their table. Blake didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. His menacing look was enough to wipe the leering expression from the man’s face and had him disappearing into the crowd without so much as a moment’s hesitation.
Sasha’s cheeks felt as if they were on fire and she couldn’t have found her voice if her life depended on it. What on earth had gotten into her? She’d never in her entire life been the type to get so caught up in a kiss that she forgot where she was. Nor had she ever been one for public displays of affection.
Dear heavens, what would have happened if the kiss had been more passionate or lasted longer? Mortified, she buried her face against Blake’s broad shoulder. There was no doubt in her mind that she would have made an even bigger fool of herself than she already had.
As if sensing that she would rather be anywhere else than in the middle of a crowded casino, Blake set her on her feet and stood up beside her. “That’s enough of the blackjack lessons for one day. It’s dinnertime anyway and I’m sure our table is ready.”
Before she could find her voice and tell him that what she really needed was to be alone, he took her by the hand and walked toward the Golden Belle. Once they were seated at a small table in a cozy little corner at the back of the restaurant, he reached up to stroke her cheek with his index finger.
“Sasha, I’m not going to mince words.” His promising smile sent a wave of excitement coursing through her. “I want you and I’m not going to stop until I make you mine.”
Four
Thanking the powers that be for a few moments to herself, Sasha sat in the Golden Belle and thoughtfully sipped her coffee as she waited for Blake to return. He’d been called away on casino business right after they’d finished dinner and it was the first opportunity she’d had to contemplate his bold statement about making her his.
What on earth was she going to do? Did she have the courage to become involved with him?
All of her adult life she’d used extreme caution when it came to relationships. She’d witnessed some of her friends and coworkers suffer through the misery of failure and she’d been determined not to find herself in the same position.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t entirely certain she had a choice where Blake was concerned. From the moment she’d laid eyes on him in high school, she’d been attracted to him. And although she’d convinced herself she’d gotten over her schoolgirl crush years ago, she was finding him even more irresistible now than she had eleven years ago.
She sighed heavily as the object of her affection walked into the restaurant, spoke to the hostess, then walked toward her. If Creed was right about Blake, she could very well end up emotionally shattered. But how in the world could she make herself immune to his charms?
“I’m sorry about a being called away,” he said, smiling apologetically as he pulled out the chair across from her and sat down. “There was a minor altercation at one of the craps tables and they needed me in the security office to smooth over the situation with one of our whales.”
“I hope it wasn’t serious.”
He shook his head. “The man had a little too much to drink and accused another guest of stealing part of his chip stack.”
“Was the guest in question guilty?”
“No.” Blake grinned. “The whale’s wife had taken them and cashed them in to keep her husband from losing more than he already had.”
Sasha laughed. “I can understand her caution. The thought of losing a lot of money on something as frivolous as a game would drive me insane.” Wondering if there was ever any real danger of fights breaking out, she asked, “Do things like a disagreement between two guests ever come to blows?”
“No. My security team is one of the best in Deadwood and they’re on top of a situation like this before it ever comes to that.” He reached across the table to take her hand in his. “But I don’t want to talk about that now.”
A warmth began to flow through her from the feel of his hand caressing hers. “W-would you like to discuss my ideas for your promotional campaign?” she hedged, hoping to buy a little more time to sort out what she was going to do.
“No, sweetheart. The last thing I want to do is talk business with you.” Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed the rapidly beating pulse at the base of her wrist. “We’ll go over your suggestions tomorrow.” He gave her a meaningful look. “I intend for tonight to be all about us.”
Sasha swallowed hard. “I haven’t exactly agreed to there being an us.”
His smile caused her whole body to tingle. “Yes, you have.”
“I—I don’t recall … that happening. W-would you … care to refresh … my memory?” she asked, suddenly finding it hard to make her voice work.