Page 11 of Wife By Accident

“We should sit out a hand or two while we enjoy our drinks,” he said. “Give someone else a chance to win.”

“That does seem sporting,” Olivia said, winking. They crossed to a table at the end of the room and sat, just as their champagne appeared. Olivia knew it wasn’t a good idea to mix alcohol with her pain meds, but tonight was all about enjoying herself, so she took a sip. The champagne was sweeter than she expected and pleasantly bubbly.

“Do you come here often?” Leo asked.

Olivia laughed. “No. This is my first time in Vegas.”

“Really? I never would have guessed.”

“Thank you, I think.” Olivia sipped her champagne again. “How about you? Do you come here often?”

“Not often.” Leo raised his glass. “But when I do, it’s always worth my while.”

Olivia had many questions — about how Leo could afford to gamble with such high stakes, about where he lived, about who he was when he wasn’t a high roller. But something told her it would be better to steer away from serious conversations right now.

“Tell me,” she said, “what are my duties as a good-luck charm, exactly? I feel like I’m just sitting and watching you play.”

“Are you bored?” Leo asked. “There are many other things we could do this evening.”

His tone was mildly suggestive, and Olivia’s heart rate spiked. She had trouble looking away from those piercing blue eyes.

“I’m not bored,” she replied. “I just want to do my job well.”

“Then you’re already succeeding,” Leo smiled at her. “Just being here is enough.”

“I can do that,” Olivia smiled. “How did you get so good at poker, anyway?”

“It’s just math. And I’ve always loved math.”

“Not me,” Olivia shuddered. “I was fine until about fifth grade, and then I was lost.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“You don’t know me,” She smiled.

“Not yet, but I see how intelligent you are. And I hope to know you better soon.” He winked, and Olivia laughed.

“Now you’re really just flirting with me.”

“I am.” Leo nodded once and lifted his glass again. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re beautiful. Smart. Not to mention good luck.”

Olivia’s heart skipped a beat. It had been a long time since anyone had talked to her like this — in fact, she wasn’t sure it had ever happened. The guys she’d dated before had mostly wanted to talk about themselves, not compliment her. She sipped her champagne to avoid having to answer, thinking of other, safer, topics of conversation. They chatted easily for a few minutes. Soon, Olivia realized they’d drained their glasses, and Leo raised his hand to order another.

“Oh, I shouldn’t.”

“There’s no pressure from me,” Leo said easily. “But I’m throwing all caution to the wind, and I won’t judge you if you do, too.”

“In that case…” Olivia smiled as she accepted another glass of champagne. She wasn’t a big drinker, and hadn’t been since her college days, but another glass with this handsome stranger couldn’t hurt.

“Shall we go back to the table?” Leo suggested.

“Sure.”

They returned, and Leo was dealt in again. When the dealer asked Leo what he wanted to do, he leaned over to Olivia.

“What do you think?” he whispered into her ear. His breath was warm and sent pleasant shivers down her spine. It was all too easy to imagine him leaning a little closer and nibbling at the curve of her earlobe…

Olivia tried to focus. She leaned towards him and whispered, “Call.”