Stroke of Luck

“I gathered,” April responded.

As she walked by Austin’s side, passing people playing slots, blackjack, and other games she had no clue about, she wondered how people could stand sitting at these machines in the midst of the pedestrian traffic flowing around them. He led her past the machines, showing no interest in the crowded tables they were passing by.

“Where’s the usual?” she asked.

“There are VIP areas that are less crowded. Quinn and I have one we favor.”

They followed the flow of the crowd for a while, then he turned down a wide corridor. There were columns and plants and even a lovely fountain ahead. They passed by designer shops and restaurants as they walked. As they got closer to the fountain, which took up a long portion of the center space, a distinctive blond head caught April’s eye.

Oh, God, that was Sarah Piner and her husband, Jon, stepping out of Cartier’s. Just her luck that she would run into them twice in the same afternoon.

April’s body stiffened, and she slowed down. Sarah hadn’t seen her yet.

Austin tipped his head. “What’s wrong?”

She turned her head away from Sarah. “That couple. I don’t want them to see me.”

Austin stopped, turning toward her. His big body blocked Sarah’s view of April, but that wouldn’t last when she and Jon got closer.

“Really?” His lips turned up in a grin. “There’s an easy solution to that.”

The flare in his eyes caught her off guard, then she found herself pulled against his broad chest, his arms gliding around her. His mouth captured hers. His hand slid up to cup her head, and he drew her closer as his lips moved persuasively on hers. His tongue nudged her lips, and she parted them without thinking.

Her heart stammered at the sweetness of his tongue invading her mouth. Of his muscular body wrapped around her. Of melting into his arms and giving herself over to his passionate kiss.

It seemed to last an eternity. Her arms were around his neck, her breasts snugly pressed against the heat of him.

Then he drew back. His grin was gone, and he looked as dazed as she felt.

“I think they’re gone,” Austin said.

“What?” She had trouble drawing in air.

“That couple you were avoiding. They’re gone.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flushed, and she eased away, sliding her hands from his neck to his shoulders, but his arms were still around her.

Good thing, or she might have melted to the floor.

“Uh … look,” he said. “I know you and Quinn have a thing. I’m not making a move on you.”

“Good to know,” she said, finding it hard to think while pressed so close to his warm, masculine body, his strong arms around her.

“He’s my best friend, and I wouldn’t jeopardize that.”

“Of course. But…”

“But what?”

“Is there a reason you’re not letting me go?”

His expression changed, his eyes glittering as a slow smile spread across his face.

“I guess because I’m enjoying having you so close. I know I shouldn’t indulge myself, but”—he shrugged—“there’s really no harm done since it’s all innocent.”

He released her, and she stepped back, immediately missing his warm arms around her. People walked by totally ignoring them. He offered his elbow, and she curled her fingers around it. He rested his hand over hers, and the comfort of the gesture made her feel protected and cherished.

“So are you going to tell me why you were avoiding those people?” he asked.