Mule stood, his whole demeanor radiating indignation. “A man would get shot for cheatin’ at cards.”

Harlan shook his head at his friend’s idea of saloon-style justice. “Sit down, old man. I believe Ms. Runningbear will behave from now on out.” He met her gaze. “Isn’t that right?”

“I’ll be innocent as a lamb,” she promised. “Hands on the table. Eyes straight ahead. Lips locked.”

“I can hardly wait to see how long that lasts,” Harlan commented.

To her credit, she did exactly as she’d sworn she would. Unfortunately for him, she hadn’t mentioned a thing about any part of anatomy below her fingertips. Just as he was about to bet, he felt a knee nudge his...and stay there. The heat that rose through him this time could have roasted marshmallows. Turned them to ashes, in fact.

He found that he enjoyed the sensation a little too much to tattle on her. He folded and left Jenny and Mule to battle for the pot. Mule took it with a full house to Jenny’s two pairs. To his everlasting regret, Janet’s knee retreated to a safe distance. It was by far the most intriguing poker game he’d ever played in. So far, it had cost him five bucks.

He considered the money an investment in his future with Janet. He was learning more about her with every hand of cards they played. He doubted she knew how much she was revealing about herself. Maybe she was a risk-taker. Maybe she wasn’t. But she was definitely someone who liked to win.

She was also protective as a mother bear with a cub, where Jenny was concerned. And she had an absolutely fascinating, wild flirtatious streak. Just wondering how far she’d take it made his pulse scramble in a way that was downright disconcerting.

“I really think you ought to ante up,” he told her as Jenny shuffled the cards for the third hand. He glanced at her daughter. “Deal your mother in this round.”

Janet’s expression turned faintly uneasy. “Really, I don’t think...”

“Humor me,” he taunted. “I’ll spot you the fifty cents for the pot.” He tossed two quarters into the middle of the table.

Jenny paused, waiting for her mother’s decision before dealing out the hand.

“Okay,” Janet said eventually. “But I haven’t had as much practice as Jenny.”

Jenny’s mouth gaped. “Mom!”

“Quiet, dear. Deal the cards.”

Harlan chuckled at the exchange. He had the distinct impression now that everything Jenny knew about poker, she had learned from her mother. It was just one more facet to Janet Runningbear to intrigue him. Apparently she was a bit of a gambler, after all.