When we got back to the room, I took off my shoes and sat down on the plush couch, checking my phone for any messages. I was surprised that G hadn’t messaged me.

“Wine?” Simon asked.

“Yes, please.”

“So, tell me where you learned to play cards like that.”

“I taught myself. Curt and Darcy would have poker games at the house at least three nights a week. I would sit and study them as they played. I started playing when I was sixteen with a bunch of college kids when I lived with G. There were secret poker games going on in the basements of the frat houses. Some were small and some were big. When I attended Cornell, the pots and stakes were even higher because that was where all the rich kids went.”

“You never got caught when you won so much?” he asked.

“I didn’t win every time. If I did, that would make me look suspicious. That’s why I would win big one time and make it look like a fluke and other times, I’d lose on purpose. I never stayed at the same place long enough to get caught. That’s why I don’t stay at the tables that long. I lose first, win and move on to another table, then I stop completely. I can’t have the casino catching on to me.”

He looked at me with a small smile. “I’m honestly at a loss for words right now.”

I looked down at my hands. “It’s my little secret. The only other person who knows is G. I never told Brendon.”

“Well, I’m honored that you told me.” He leaned over and brushed his lips against mine. Our tongues met and danced as our lips moved in sync. He broke our kiss and placed one hand on my cheek. “You drive me crazy, Gabrielle.” He took my hand and we stood up. “It’s time for me to see your entire body.”

I became nervous but turned on at the same time.

“I bought you something and I want you to put it on.” He handed me a pink square box with a silver bow. “Go change in the bathroom and I’ll be waiting in the bedroom.” His finger lightly traced my jawline and then the outline of my lips. He smiled and walked to the bedroom.