Stroke of Luck

“It’s really important to me to pay back my debt to him,” she said, “and this is the only way I have to do that. This arrangement allows me to give him something he wants. I still intend to find a way to give him the money, but as he keeps reminding me, I’m not in a position to do that right now.”

Austin nodded. It’s too bad that Quinn’s emotional turmoil didn’t allow him to see the April that Austin saw. A woman who wanted to live up to her responsibilities. Who cared about others. And who just wanted to be loved.

“And why did you agree to me being part of it?”

A soft blush blossomed across her cheeks, and she stared at her fingers.

“When he suggested it, it caught me off guard, but it’s what Quinn wants.”

“I see.” He didn’t like the idea that she felt like she had no choice.

She glanced his way, and her eyes widened at his frown.

“I didn’t mean that to sound like it did. I’m not doing it because Quinn’s forcing me. I wouldn’t have agreed if I didn’t feel an attraction to you.”

He smiled. “Good to know.”

The moment hung between them, their gazes still locked. Then an awareness prickled through him. They were alone together. They shared a very strong mutual attraction to each other.

And she wore no panties.

His groin tightened, and he wanted to lean in and capture her full, pink lips. To slide his tongue inside her warmth, then draw her close to his body.

She seemed mesmerized as he leaned in closer. He wanted her, and the agreement between her and Quinn gave him permission to have sex with her. Quinn might have decided to go walk off his emotions, but did that mean Austin had to hold back?

The door opened, and Quinn strode into the room.

Austin eased back and in his head let loose a string of expletives. He’d almost made a reckless move that could have ruined his friendship with Quinn. Because, of course, it wasn’t all right for Austin to put moves on Quinn’s woman. Not unless Quinn was a part of it.

11

When Quinn had strode out of the room, he’d had no idea where he was going. He’d just needed space. After walking for a while, he’d found himself in a courtyard staring at the moon.

He’d had feelings for April once, but that was done. Now she was just a woman from his past that he’d helped out this morning. She wanted to pay him back and made an interesting proposition that meant he could finally act on their mutual attraction. They would both enjoy it, so it was good for her, and it was definitely good for him.

It was a win-win situation. Actually, win-win-win since Austin would be a part of it.

This arrangement between them was just about sex. Any feelings he had for her were squarely in the past.

So what the hell was he doing out here? He should be back in that room doing what he’d longed to do for years.

He walked into the lounge and approached the bar.

“Good evening, Mr. Taylor,” the bartender said.

“Good evening. Give me a bottle of the best champagne you have. On ice with three glasses.”

“Would you like it sent to your gaming suite?”

“No, I’ll take it up myself.”

“Very good, sir.”

The bartender signaled another staff member, then disappeared in the back. Five minutes later, he appeared with a bottle in a silver ice bucket and three finely cut crystal glasses.

Quinn signed the bill, giving the bartender a 20 percent tip, which was in the three digits. Quinn didn’t care how much it cost. Tonight was going to be a very special night.

He tucked the bucket against his body and curled his fingers around the delicate stems of the glasses. Moments later, he was at the suite door. He pushed it open and strode inside.