Page 10 of Wife By Accident

The woman hesitated, biting her red lip between her teeth. “I think I just got lucky once.”

“Nonsense. Come on.” Leo raised his eyebrows in challenge as he held out his arm. The woman hesitated again, and for a long moment, Leo was sure that he’d been too forward and that she was going to walk away. He didn’t know her at all, so it shouldn’t have been much of a loss, but some part of him felt it was important for this woman to stay a little longer.

The only question was, would she?

CHAPTER 6

OLIVIA

Olivia could hardly believe this man.

He wore a pair of slacks and a nice shirt made of the kind of material that spoke of money Olivia had never dreamed of. The way he’d thrown down five thousand dollars, more than a month’s salary for Olivia, on a random number spoke to wealth, too.

But that wasn’t the interesting part. The interesting part was the way his blue eyes, the color of the ocean in southern California, were fixed on her, as though she had some important role to play in how his evening would unfold. The interesting part was the way his lips quirked into a smile, and the quiet confidence that exuded from every pore.

Olivia had wanted to take an evening off from her regular life. An evening with this man would certainly be different from her regular life. It might be enough to make her forget her employment mess and uncertain future.

But still, Olivia hesitated. She never did things like this. She hadn’t even been on a date in years — and this certainly felt like a date. Or something.

Practical, planning Olivia would have grabbed a few drinks at the bar and walked around a bit before heading back to her hotel. But practical, planning Olivia wouldn’t have quit her job today, and this Olivia had done that.

“I don’t even know your name,” she said, stalling for time.

“I’m Leo,” the man said, holding out a hand. Olivia noticed that he didn’t mention a last name. She took his hand, and they shook. His grip was firm, but not crushing, and his palm was warm and dry. As their eyes met, they both held on a fraction of a second longer than Olivia would have in a business interaction.

“I’m Olivia,” she replied, leaving out her last name as well.

“Olivia,” Leo repeated. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, will you be joining me this evening?”

“I…” Olivia laughed softly. “Yes. Sure. Why not?”

“Perfect.”

Leo was on his feet in a heartbeat, and took hold of her hand. He turned to the croupier. “You must have another room for the real high rollers.”

“Of course, sir.” The croupier raised a hand, and a waitress came over.

“Please, follow me.”

Still holding Olivia’s hand, Leo led her on a winding path after the waitress. They passed slot machines and a red sports car on a rotating platform that was one of the potential prizes. They passed men and women, young and old, sitting around poker tables with expressions of focus, joy, or despair. They passed the bar, where Olivia had been planning to go. Finally, the waitress ushered them through a door in the back into a smaller room.

Olivia noticed the difference immediately. There were only three poker tables here, instead of the dozens on the main casino floor. A live singer stood in one corner, crooning a jazzy tune. The air smelled like fine whiskey and something else Olivia couldn’t quite place. The food offerings here weren’t shrimp cocktails and colorful drinks, but oysters, fine alcohol, and caviar.

The clientele were different, too. They all wore tailored clothes, fine jewelry, and the kind of posture that spoke of money. Olivia felt out of place, but Leo squeezed her hand and led her to one of the tables.

“Would you like to play too?” he asked.

“No, thanks.” Olivia shook her head. “I’m not very good at cards. I’d rather cheer for you today.”

“Very well.”

The croupier dealt. Leo peeled his cards up, with Olivia peeping over his shoulder. Olivia schooled her expression into neutrality, and the game began.

It quickly became clear that Leo had no real need of a good-luck charm — and that his talents had been wasted at the roulette table. He won three hands in a row without breaking a sweat.

“We should celebrate,” he told Olivia. “A glass of champagne, perhaps?”

“That sounds great,” Olivia smiled. Leo flagged down a waiter and ordered two glasses of the casino’s finest champagne. Then he stood, holding out a hand to help Olivia to her feet.