Page 1 of Big Bold Gambler

Chapter One

Jeannie

“Well, here we are,” my dad announces, his hand resting between my shoulder blades as he leads me into the casino on the outskirts of our small town. “You excited?”

“It’s not like I haven’t been here before.” Despite that fact, it’s hard to keep the smile off of my face as we step through the large glass doors.

“Ah, but it’s your first time being here legally.” My dad flashes me a smile. “You’re twenty-one.”

“I finally get to gamble instead of just watching you,” I laugh, blinking in the bright lights of the establishment.

It’s dazzling, almost overwhelming. Machines twinkle enticingly, rows and rows of them. Clumps of people of all ages sit in front of them, pressing buttons with glazed expressions on their faces. The slot machines occasionally play songs, the sounds of virtual coins falling.

Further into the casino, there are tables set up with dealers dressed in tuxedos. Patrons sit around the tables silently, tapping the velvety surface for another card. There are barsstrewn throughout the place, but I have no interest in them. If I’m throwing money around, I’d like to keep my wits about me.

My dad takes me to the guest services counter where I get myself a card for the machines and the readers at the tables. He loads more money than I think is entirely necessary onto it and leads me to a row of slot machines. At first I don’t see the appeal of these simple machines, but after a few rounds, I hit big and double my bet.

“Look at that!” Dad cups my shoulder, proud of my luck. “You’re a natural.”

“Come on, Dad,” I reply, rolling my eyes despite my wide smile. I fidget with my short skirt that’s starting to ride up. “You know all of this is up to chance.”

“That’s true.” As he speaks, he’s scanning the giant room. “Some people just have a special touch. Maybe you’re one of them.”

“Oh whatever.” I laugh to myself as I start the machine again, wondering what exactly he’s looking for. A few minutes pass in mostly silence besides the sounds of the slot machine.

Finally, my dad murmurs under his breath, “There he is,” before announcing to me, “Come on, there’s someone I want to introduce you to.”

“Hold on,” I call out, pressing the stop button rapidly as my dad starts walking away. As luck would have it, I hit a win again. Grinning to myself,

I cash out, taking my card and running after him.

When I catch up, he’s laughing with another man. He looks vaguely familiar with sandy blond hair that curls around hisears. This must be one of my father’s long-time friends. I’m fairly certain we’ve never been formally introduced, though. I think I’d remember that handsome face, the boyish smile if I had seen it up close.

“You left me at the machine,” I gripe playfully, sidling up beside my dad. He just chuckles, shrugging his shoulders.

“This must be the birthday girl,” his friend cuts in, extending his hand to me. “I’m Maxwell.”

I take it, surprised at his firm yet gentle handshake. His hands are smooth, like a man who works at a desk, but there’s a callus on his fingertip and his palm. I wonder what kind of tool would leave that.

“He owns the place,” my dad says, “and I’ve known him since I lived in New York.”

“Just ‘known’ me?” Maxwell laughs as he drops my hand. Inexplicably, I find myself immediately missing the contact. “Patrick, I thought we were friends.”

“You owning the place is a little more relevant.” Dad gives Maxwell a challenging smile and I repress the urge to roll my eyes at their silly testosterone battle.

“That might be so,” Maxwell finally concedes with an easy, unbothered shrug.

There’s a cool confidence around him. I’m sure that part of it is that he owns this place, but I get the impression that this is just how he carries himself. It draws me to him, and I want to stay close, get to know him better.

As I get lost in my thoughts, Maxwell and my father are talking about something, but I don’t quite hear them. I’m toobusy admiring the soft muscle just beneath his skin. His short-sleeve button-up showcases his underlying strength. While I’m staring, Maxwell turns toward me and my stomach swoops pleasantly.

“What do you say, Jeannie?” I can’t help but think that my name sounding divine coming out of his mouth. I’m not sure if he already knew it or if my dad told him while I was spaced out. “How about I give you a tour of the place?”

“I-I’d like that,” I stutter, cursing myself for being so distracted by him.

He’s so much older than me and my father’s friend. There’s no reason I should be checking him out. Plus, even if checking him out was something I should be doing, it’s not like I know how to flirt or show interest. I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life thanks to my dad. That’s been especially true since my best friend, Fiona, moved away and I lost the one person my dad trusted me around.

Maxwell inclines his head and says, “Well, let’s go.”

---