Page 45 of Castle's Cards

When I exit the training ground door, Carter is parked right in front of the building. I smile as I approach the car and open the door. He looks over at me as I step in.

“Did the talk go okay?”

“It went great. Thank you so much for helping me find her. You really helped me keep a level head about the whole situation.” I reach over and squeeze his hand. Carter smiles and is about to say something when Izzy opens the back door.

“Hey, lovebirds,” she sing songs as she buckles her seatbelt.

“How’s Dragon doing?” Carter asks, turning to look at her. She beams.

“He’s amazing. I think we’ll be ready for the wide barrel race in a few weeks. He’s the best horse ever.” Izzy’s stomach growls. “Ugh, I’m starving. Can we go home?”

I laugh.

“You would be starving, considering you ran out before we could eat dinner.”

“Let’s stop somewhere and get something. Do you want JD burgers?” Carter asks, looking at the two of us. When my stomach growls he laughs and shakes his head. “Never mind, we’re going whether you say yes or not.”

Chapter Fifteen

Carter

Myeyesflitacrossthe room. Addy and I make eye contact as she works the tables at tonight’s tournament. When I smile she looks down and blushes as if she’s embarrassed to be caught looking at me. I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.

It’s not that I think it’s amusing that she gets embarrassed easily. It’s just sweet that she feels that way about me. Many women have fawned over me over the years, including women in this club. It isn’t the same, though. When Addy looks at me, I can tell that she’s seeingallof me -- not just the tough persona that I exude.

“Mr. Castle?” the dealer asks, looking at me expectantly. I look down at my cards, then at the spread on the table. Full house. When I look around the table at the other players, their expressions range from bored to impatient. I smile and push some chips toward the dealer.

“Raise.”

The other players groan as they each throw in their hands. I resist the urge to chuckle as the dealer gives me the chips and looks at her watch.

“Okay, players. We’re going to take a quick fifteen minute break and then resume.”

As the dealer leaves, the other players disperse, some heading toward the restrooms and some going outside for a smoke. Court approaches me, smiling easily.

“Carter! Just the man I wanted to see.”

“You’ve had the opportunity to see me all night.”

Court brushes off my comment before sliding his arm around my shoulders and leading me to his office in the back. The office is luxurious, with a large leather chair pushed behind the enormous oak desk. Court plops down in the leather chair before gesturing for me to sit down on the couch. I sigh and take a seat.

“This won’t take too long, right? I have a game to get back to and money to win.”

“Oh, please, Carter. I don’t see why you’re so concerned with the money. It’s not like you have a shortage of it.”

I don’t dignify him with a response, instead simply arching a brow. Court continues.

“All right, fine. Cassie and I have been talking about ways to boost club attendanceandgive back to the community.”

I lean back and cross my arms before smiling.

“Not a bad idea. I think the membership here would be pleased to see the Castle Club hosting a charity event. So what are you thinking? Poker Playing for Underprivileged Youths?”

Court shakes his head as his eyes soften and he smiles.

“No. Cassie suggested something a bit closer to home. It wasn’t obvious to me at first but after she said something I couldn't get it out of my head. It’s like a light bulb turned on out of nowhere.”

“Closer to home…?” I mutter and rub my neck thoughtfully. “I’m sorry, I just don’t know what you’re talking about.”

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