Page 28 of Seduction in Spades

CHAPTER FIVE

This weekend’s tournamentwill mean four long workdays with little to no sleep. I always stay at the penthouse during these big headliner weekends so I can catch a few hours of shut eye in between games.

Needing my rest, I leave the casino at seven, which is early for a Thursday night. The four of us have made goals to cut back on our hours. We’ve been running on adrenaline since we opened the casino, but burnout is in our future if we don’t find balance.

I toss my gym bag in the back of my Maserati and head home. I haven’t seen Avery since I left my office last Saturday, not that I expected to see her hanging around the casino.

Even if she did stop by to see her brother, she wouldn’t come by to see me. She made it abundantly clear what she wants and what she doesn’t want. I won’t use her for sex, and I won’t lie to Trey.

These past five days, I’ve loaded myself with work in a poor attempt to rid her from my mind. My sheets smell like her. I’ve buried my nose in my pillowcase every night inhaling her citrus scent. This morning I finally had the courage to rip my sheets off my bed and throw them in the wash.

Making my bed was somewhat therapeutic, only I doubt I’ll sleep any better tonight. I drive through the heart of the city and find a spot on the side of the road not far from my brownstone. I’m a few steps away from my front stoop when I see a figure sitting in the dark on the top step.

The light casts a halo over her blonde hair.

“Avery?” I hurry up the stairs and she rises to her feet. We’re at eye-level with her on the top step. “What are you doing here?”

Her shoulders and lips lift simultaneously. “Stalking?”

“Hell. How long have you been out here?” I glance up and down the street. I live in a relatively safe neighborhood, but still.

“Not long.”

“You shouldn’t be out here alone. Anyone could come by and...”

“Afraid your other call girls will see me?”

I let out a sigh. “I’m concerned for your safety. Not many people know I live here. You should have let me know you were coming by.”

“I wouldn’t be a very good stalker if I gave you a heads-up.”

“Next time you feel like stalking me, do it from inside.” I brush past her and punch in my code.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to add breaking and entering to my list of crimes. Stalking is about all I’m willing to take on right now.”

I stare down at her sassy mouth. She licks her lips, and I’m gone. I lower my mouth to hers and kiss her softly. She tastes like cherries and mint.

“Six-two-five-four-one-three.”

“I don’t have your number memorized, but I’m pretty sure that’s not enough digits.”

“It’s the code to the front door.” I sip at her lips and pull away before I give the neighbors a show. “After you.”

I breathe in her scent as she moves past me into the house. I have no idea why I so freely gave her the passcode to my private home. She has me doing things out of my comfort zone.

“Are those birthdays?”

“No.” I close and lock the door and follow her into the kitchen.

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