Stroke of Luck - Opal Carew Page 0,26

found herself pulled against his broad chest, his arms gliding around her. His mouth captured hers. His hand slid up to cup her head, and he drew her closer as his lips moved persuasively on hers. His tongue nudged her lips, and she parted them without thinking.

Her heart stammered at the sweetness of his tongue invading her mouth. Of his muscular body wrapped around her. Of melting into his arms and giving herself over to his passionate kiss.

It seemed to last an eternity. Her arms were around his neck, her breasts snugly pressed against the heat of him.

Then he drew back. His grin was gone, and he looked as dazed as she felt.

“I think they’re gone,” Austin said.

“What?” She had trouble drawing in air.

“That couple you were avoiding. They’re gone.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flushed, and she eased away, sliding her hands from his neck to his shoulders, but his arms were still around her.

Good thing, or she might have melted to the floor.

“Uh … look,” he said. “I know you and Quinn have a thing. I’m not making a move on you.”

“Good to know,” she said, finding it hard to think while pressed so close to his warm, masculine body, his strong arms around her.

“He’s my best friend, and I wouldn’t jeopardize that.”

“Of course. But…”

“But what?”

“Is there a reason you’re not letting me go?”

His expression changed, his eyes glittering as a slow smile spread across his face.

“I guess because I’m enjoying having you so close. I know I shouldn’t indulge myself, but”—he shrugged—“there’s really no harm done since it’s all innocent.”

He released her, and she stepped back, immediately missing his warm arms around her. People walked by totally ignoring them. He offered his elbow, and she curled her fingers around it. He rested his hand over hers, and the comfort of the gesture made her feel protected and cherished.

“So are you going to tell me why you were avoiding those people?” he asked.

“They’re good friends of Maurice’s. My ex. They came here for the wedding.”

They started to walk again.

“That’s awkward. There’ll probably be quite a few of your wedding guests who decided to stay over for the weekend even though the wedding was canceled.” He grinned. “It sounds like I might have several opportunities to”—he winked—“help you hide out.”

Her heartbeat raced at the thought of being swept into his arms again.

“I … uh … no. It’s not like that. It’s just … Sarah isn’t shy about asking questions. Or stating her opinion. And doesn’t much care if it cuts to the bone.” She flicked her gaze to his. “I really appreciate what you did.”

He squeezed her hand again. “I was glad to be of service.”

7

April followed Austin around another corner, and after a few moments, they approached a wide, ornately decorated gold door with VIP Lounge written on it. Maurice had taken her here yesterday afternoon before everything had gone wrong.

Austin opened the door, and she accompanied him inside. A hostess greeted them with a tray of champagne-filled flutes. Austin picked up a glass and handed it to April, then took a sip of his own. He continued across the lounge to another door and pushed a button. The door slid open, and she realized it was an elevator. When Maurice had brought her here, they’d sat in the lounge and talked with some of his friends, then left for the rehearsal dinner afterward.

Austin pressed the eleven button, and the elevator moved upward. When the door opened, they stepped into a casino that was quite different from what they’d left downstairs. It was wood paneled and more elegant. Unlike the casino downstairs, the video machines were isolated to a section off to the right. The main casino was mostly filled with gaming tables. Lots of different kinds. All with several people around them.

There were women in glittering gowns and simple cocktail dresses, men in everything from casual suits to tuxedos. Austin fit right in with his well-tailored designer suit. Her sundress, in black with coral flowers, was borderline acceptable, but she felt a little out of place. Not that she had a choice. This was now the dressiest thing she owned as of this afternoon.

“This way,” Austin said as he led her past several tables to a craps table. “I’ve had a lot of luck at this one.”

As they approached the table, she glanced at the people surrounding it. Her heart stuttered. Oh, God, three couples who were supposed to be at the wedding today were standing at that table. She