Page 41 of Trick's Trap

Tahlia couldn’t be sure given the distance, but it appeared a corner of one of Peyton’s screens was back on the reception feed from the penthouse offices.

Chapter 19

Trick ushered Tahlia back into his suite with a hand on the small of her back. She set the cane down against the couch with a stiff smile.

“When you said you wanted to play cards I assumed you meant next door.”

“We can go there if you want,” he said, gesturing to the adjoining door. “But all my fresh decks are here. Why don’t I grab one and we can switch?”

“Oh, it’s okay,” Tahlia said, her cheeks a deep pink. She turned away, her finger trailing along the back of the sofa as she walked to the windows.

He studied her averted eyes with a pang in his chest. “Is something wrong?”

Tahlia dipped her head and stayed quiet.

Trick hid his disappointment. After spending every free moment with her this week, he believed she’d grown comfortable around him. They’d cuddled on the couch watching television and talked for hours after sharing gourmet meals in the dining alcove. Why was she so hesitant with him now?

She cleared her throat. “I feel better, but I’m having a hard time. You see, I really want to be with you…”

Oh.

“I want that, too,” he said slowly. “But we can take as long as you need,” he added with as much conviction as he could muster.

Truthfully, waiting was hellish for him. Being close to her while keeping the magnitude of his desire in check had been a challenge. In his youth, Trick hadn’t practiced much self-restraint when it came to women. Discretion—yes. While he’d played fast and loose in his teens and early twenties, after the success of the hotel, he’d been forced to be more discerning about the women he socialized with.

Making bank with the hotel chain put a target on his back, more so than his brother. As the more easygoing of the pair, he was the one in the crosshairs of every gold-digger in Manhattan. Consequently, he’d been forced to be more careful. Nevertheless, when he wanted a companion, ladies in his sphere were ready and willing.

With Tahlia, he needed to tread carefully. His desire for her was an order of magnitude greater than anything he’d felt before.

The subject of this earthshaking hunger was picking at her nails. “That’s not exactly what I mean. Iwantto be close to you. It’s just…I won’t know what to do.”

Wait.Was she telling him what he thought she was telling him? If so, this was going to require some tactful ingenuity. He wanted her to be comfortable taking the next step.

Inspiration struck as he caught sight of the stack of sealed decks on his bookshelf.

“I have an idea,” he said, taking one down. He walked to the dining table and wagged his fingers at her.

“What are we doing?”

His smile grew devilish. “Strip poker.”

Tahlia laughed aloud. “Seriously? Aren’t you afraid of getting whipped again?”

Trick waggled his eyebrows. “Oh, I’m comfortable in my skin. But what makes you think you’re going to win this time? I’ve played in every major casino in this hemisphere against players of all stripes—including one or two legends. I think my odds are pretty good.”

“All right, then. If you’re sure…” Tahlia sat at the table, holding her hand out for the deck.

A half hour later, he was naked except for a single vicuna sock—which he’d chosen to wear someplace other than his foot.

The game started well enough for him. He’d won the first hand.

Blushing a rosy pink, Tahlia’s eyes widened when she saw his cards.

“Why don’t you start with your shoe?” he suggested.

She tittered nervously and toed off one of the sneakers Peyton lent her. “Don’t get too cocky. It’s only a shoe.”

He grinned unrepentantly, shuffling and dealing by rote. “Be prepared to lose the other one. I’m coming after that sock, too.”

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