Page 10 of The Gamble (The Players 3)

Once outside, I realized we had a driver from the hotel. He opened the back door for her and as soon as she had settled onto the back seat, I scooted in beside her. Without speaking, I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone. Then I called Ty on speakerphone.

“Is this your ‘I’m free and on my way’ call?” Hechuckled.

“You know it. Talia was kind enough to retrieve me.” I smiled hesitantly at her. “We had a question about the wedding attire. On a scale of formal to casual, what should we wear?” Then I gnawed on my cheek while I waited for hisresponse.

“Let’s call it semi-formal. Guys in suits and tuxes. Women in cocktail dresses, nothing floor length. Does that help?” Ty sighed. “I’m sorry. I should’ve toldTalia.”

“Damn right, you should’ve,” she grumbled as she crossed her legs and wrapped her arms around herbody.

“Sorry, Talia!” Ty called out. Then he murmured. “Did she hear me? Did itwork?”

I glanced at her and watched as one brow rose angrily. “You may have to try a little harder. Like…buy the woman a drink at thebar.”

“Hm. I don’t think so, but I’m going to have chef set her up with a specialdessert.”

She shook her head and her jaw twitched. I chuckled. “Maybe flowers? None of your ideas seem to be working.” I shrugged at her and mouthed. ‘I’m sorry.’ Then I turned my attention back to the call. “Ty, I’m gonna go so I can tell the driver where to take us. See yousoon.”

Our call ended and I leaned forward to give the driver our destination. “Bellagio, please.” Then I sat back and looked at Talia, taking her in. “Okay. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to upset you.” I opened my mouth to speak again, but she silenced me with alook.

Her brows rose so far, I thought they’d meet her hairline. “You think I’m mad at you? Why would I be mad at you? You’re the one trying to keep me from making a complete and total fool of myself.Thank you. I don’t go to a lot of fancy weddings…as a guest. I thought I lookednice.”

I swallowed hard and paused to see if she was done speaking. When she simply shook her head, I decided to jump in. “You’re beautiful. Clothes are just…window dressing.” I chuckled. “You’d look equally attractive in a burlapsack.”

Talia studied me for a moment, and I had the sense she might not be used to compliments. “Thank you.” She reached her hand out and patted mine. “By the way, I’m not a killjoy. And I really hope you decide to have fun with me at this wedding.” She smiled widely and I felt my insidesmelt.

“I will. We will.” I tried to sound enthusiastic, but mostly, I tried to figure out how I was going to handle being around all those people without any alcohol. I could feel the anxiety kicking in. When I met Talia’s gaze again, I realized she was nervous too. “What’s bothering you?” I tilted my head, and then stiffened.Who was I?I never worried about other people’s feelings. Half an hour into being around this woman and I’d already changed. It made me feeluncomfortable.

“Well, I may need your help with the clothes. I have no idea where to shop or what to wear. And next, you’ll tell me I need shoes andjewelry.”

I laughed. “Not to mention a newpurse.”

She slapped her forehead. “Purse. Of course. I’m the worst girlever.”

“I can fix that.” Igrinned.

“Right.” She looked up at me through thick dark lashes. “You help me and I help you,huh?”

My mouth went completely dry. “Right,” I chokedout.

6

Talia

“Me first,”Drew announced when we pulled up in front of theBellagio.

My brows rose. “Excuseme?”

“Listen, I know it sounds selfish, but really, I’m being practical. We’ll grab my clothes first. I know the shops, I know where I’m going, and I know precisely what I plan to wear. Then we’ll have the rest of the time to focus on you.” He grinned and shrugged as he held out a hand to help me from the back of thecar.

I took his hand in mine and frowned. “Sosoft.”

“Soft is bad?” Hefrowned.

“Yes. Soft implies you’ve never had to work a day in your life.” I swallowed hard. My mouth had made it nearly impossible for me to end this conversation without sounding judgmental. “I’m sorry. Just another reminder we come from completely different worlds. Not that it matters.” I could feel my cheekswarming.

Drew nodded. “It’s true.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You know, Harry tried to tell me not so long ago that I needed a sense of purpose. I don’t suppose your coaching covers any of that?” He looked at me from his peripheral vision and I wondered if he meantit.

“If you’re serious, I’m happy to help you figure things out. My degree is in social work and counseling. I’m actually more than qualified…” My voice trailed off and I realized I probably sounded ridiculous tohim.

---