Page 5 of Castle's Cards

“I feel like I know that name from somewhere.”

“It’s a common name. No doubt you’ve met a dozen women with the last name Hughes.”

“I know lots of women, but none of them like you,” I taunt her suggestively.

She smiles for a moment before looking away. She must feel the spark between us, too.

“You’re all set. You can go back to your bar brawl now.”

“I don’t know, I think I like it back in the shelves. Maybe I’ll stay for a while.”

“The only way you’re staying back here is if I’m putting you to work.”

I laugh as I follow her into the hallway. She turns off into the store room and I continue on to the club floor, the wheels in my mind turning.

Then the thought comes to me. Her father’s name: Tom Hughes.

The man who was sentenced to prison for life.

For murder.

Chapter Two

Addy

Great.Thisisexactlywhat I need on a Friday.

“A dead battery? Seriously,” I mutter out loud.

“Who are you talking to? You sound like a crazy person,” Izzy asks from behind me.

Aren’t little sisters a joy?

“I’m talking to whoever is responsible for my dead car battery.”

“So you are talking to yourself.” I narrow my eyes at her and she points to the car. “You left your lights on. How am I supposed to get to school?”

“There’s this super cool thing that they invented. I think it’s called the bus?” I slam the door and sigh.

“The bus? It’s my senior year. Taking the bus would be social suicide.” Izzy crosses her arms and I sigh heavily.

“If you don’t like it, you can go and live with Mom in Nevada,” I snap.

Izzy pouts, looking so much like Dad that it’s jarring. Guilt flows through me.

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. But there’s nothing I can do about the bus situation right now. I’ll walk you to the bus stop.”

“Well, what are you going to do?” my little sister replies, shoving her backpack higher onto her shoulder. “You can’t walk all the way to work. It’s too far.”

I can’t help but snort.

“Being the hostess of poker tournaments doesn’t make me Princess Diana. Besides, I just started this week. Tonight is my first real tourney.”

“Exactly, they should send a car for you.” Izzy grins.

My mind, without my permission, jumps straight to Carter Castle and his gorgeouseverything.Thinking about him makes me feel light-headed and out of sorts. But I can’t be involved with him. I get the feeling he’ll lead me to trouble.

“All right, let’s just get walking. You don’t want to miss the school bus.” I bump her shoulder affectionately and laugh. “Actually, you probably do want to, but I’m not going to let you.”

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