Scarlet Lady Read Online Free PDF Page B

you do, just consider the kiss as a consolation prize.”
    She allowed him to draw her to her feet, trying desperately to figure a way out of the impossible situation she’d gotten herself into. Whatever had made her think she could do this? She was an accountant, not a gambler. Her stock-in-trade was logic, not odds. Her heart was pounding so, she could hardly speak. If he kissed her she’d … What was she thinking? She was about to win his money and his boat.
    To do that she had to let him kiss her.
    His mouth descended. Her heart was thudding, she was caught in his arms like a butterfly in a spiderweb. Neither one of them could escape.
    And then his lips met hers, expertly, masterfully. This time she didn’t close her eyes. She put her arms behind her, bracing herself against the table, feeling the crinkle of the bills beneath her fingertips.
    Money.
    With a prayer for divine guidance, she parted her lips and allowed his tongue to enter her mouth, using every trick she’d ever read about in a book or seen in a movie to hold his attention. She was on his boat, in his territory. She wasn’t taking any chances that he’d find a way to back out of their bet. Another kiss and she’d lose more than that bet. Behind her she found her purse, opened it, and slid all the money inside. Forget the boat for now. She’d settle for the cash. She’d think about the rest of the bet tomorrow.
    Finally, face flushed and, in spite of her attempt not to respond, eyelids heavy with desire, she pushed Montana away. She had to escape while he was still caught up in the moment. And before she herself was lost in the power of his attraction. “What will you do if I win?” she asked breathlessly.
    “You won’t,” he said, his eyes boring into hers, his fingertips digging into her arms. “One way or another, I always win.”
    “You’re right,” she said, suddenly afraid of the potential for big-time trouble. “I was bluffing. You win. You win me. But first I have to—I mean I should—I mean, please excuse me.” She pulled herself out of hisreach and stumbled toward the bathroom. “I’ll be right back,” she promised.
    And I’ll be ready for whatever you have planned next, he thought in anticipation. She’d been a reasonably good poker player, but no beginner’s luck was going to beat two pairs. And she was terrible at bluffing. Still, he hadn’t expected her to concede so easily. But she had. Why didn’t he feel good about it? Had he been so swept away with his lady in red that he’d missed something?
    The rocking of the boat had gradually lessened. They were coming to the dock. The riverboat whistle blared out, announcing that they were about to tie up. Montana heard water begin to run. A bath? That surprised him. He moved from the card table to the bed, drawing back the spread. Next he adjusted the lights, leaving just enough to see without being obvious.
    The sound of water continued while Montana ordered a bottle of champagne on ice. Still the water ran. His lady in red was taking a very long time to make herself ready to pay up on her bet.
    Finally he felt a flicker of concern. Everything was too quiet. Something wasn’t right. He knocked on the bathroom door, lightly, then more firmly. “Hello?”
    No answer. Except now water was seeping out from under the door.
    Seconds later the door was hanging from its hinges and Montana was standing inside a flooded empty bathroom studying the porthole glass swinging in time with the movement of the boat.
    “Damn!” She’d managed to stand on the toilet andcrawl out through the open window. She hadn’t even said good-bye.
    But she had. Scrawled on the mirror in lipstick as red as the dress she’d worn were the words SORRY , YOU LOSE ! Below the message was the imprint of her lips and a red feather held on by a sliver of water-softened soap.
    Montana whirled around and headed back to the table. He hadn’t noticed before, but all the money was gone. Finally, he turned