Playing the odds Read Online Free PDF Page A

you've got it unless I decide to scream assault and jump out of the carriage."
    He eyed her for a moment, first in curiosity, then in admiration. She'd do just that. He dropped his fingers to the nape of her neck. "What do you want to know?"
    "What are you doing on the Celebration?" Serena demanded, shifting away from the pleasure his fingers brought her. "You don't strike me as the type of man who'd go on a relaxing tropical cruise."
    "A friend recommended it. I was restless, he was persuasive." His fingers brushed her neck again. "What are you doing on the Celebration?"
    "Dealing blackjack."
    His brow rose at her answer. "Why?"
    "I was restless." In spite of herself, Serena smiled.
    The driver started his monologue on the highlights of the island, but noted that the couple wasn't interested in anything but each other. He clicked his tongue at the horse, then remained silent.
    "All right, where are you from?" Serena asked, looking for a starting point. "I have a habit of placing people in regions, and I can't place you."
    Justin smiled enigmatically. "I travel."
    "Originally," she persisted, narrowing her eyes at the evasion.
    "Nevada."
    "Vegas." Serena nodded. "You've spent some time there. I imagine it's a good town for people with the right skills." When he only shrugged, Serena studied his profile. "And that's how you make your living? Gambling?"
    Justin turned his head until his eyes met hers. "Yes. Why?"
    "There were only two gamblers at that table last night," Serena mused. "You and the man from Georgia, though he was a milder sort."
    "And the others?" Justin asked, curiosity piqued.
    "Oh, the Texan just likes the game; he doesn't put that much thought into it. The blonde from New York thinks she's a gambler." Because the gentle swaying of the carriage was soothing, Serena smiled a little and relaxed. "But she can't keep up with the cards or the odds. She'll end up dropping a bundle or winning on sheer luck. The other man from New York watches the cards but doesn't know how to bet. You have the concentration that separates a gambler from a player."
    "A very interesting theory," Justin reflected. With a fingertip he slid Serena's sunglasses down the bridge of her nose so he could see her eyes without interference. "Do you play, Serena?"
    "Depends on the game and the odds," she told him, pushing the glasses back up. "I don't like to lose." From the look in his eyes she realized they hadn't been speaking of cards, but a more dangerous game.
    Smiling, he leaned back again, gesturing toward the right with his hand. "They have beautiful beaches here."
    "Hmm."
    As if on cue, the driver began his spiel again, giving a running commentary on the island until he brought them back to their starting point.
    The streets were filled with people now, the majority of them tourists with bulging shopping bags and cameras. Both sides of the road were lined with little shops, some with their doors open, all with their windows crowded with displays. "Well, thanks for the ride."
    Serena started to climb down, but Justin circled her waist with his hands and lifted her lightly.
    He held her an inch above the ground for a moment while she gripped his shoulders for balance. Her lightness surprised him, making him realize that her sexuality and style had blinded him to how small she was. His fingers became abruptly gentle as he set her on the ground.
    "Thanks," Serena managed after she'd cleared her throat. "Enjoy your day."
    "I intend to," he told her as he took her hand again.
    "Justin…" Serena took a deep breath. The time had come, she decided, to take a firm stand. That brief instant when he had held her had reminded her how foolish she had been to relax even for a moment. "I took your carriage ride, now I'm going shopping."
    "Fine. I'll go with you."
    "I'm looking for souvenirs, Justin," she said discouragingly. "You know, T-shirts, straw boxes. You'll be bored."
    "I'm never bored."
    "You will be this time," she told him as he began to