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His gaze never left hers. “A disappointment, but maybe for the best. The anticipation makes it even more exciting, like unwrapping a present.”
Cheyenne forced false bravado. “Are you that sure I’ll lose?”
“I’m certain of a lot of things when it comes to you. Like who you are, and who you aren’t. Like the feelings you hide and the truth you can’t ignore.
He didn’t know the truth – yet. She forced a nonchalant smile. “Are you going to talk all day or deal the cards? You may get heat exhaustion if you don’t hurry. Unless we get a sudden snowstorm, of course.”
“Now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit hot.” He dealt the next hand, and this time she had a decent spread. When she finished, she had three kings. It wasn’t enough. “Three aces?!”
He nodded, gave a Cheshire Cat grin. “The shirt?”
“The sneaker,” she said firmly.
“You know you’re just delaying things.”
Yes, she did. And unfortunately, now it was his turn to score back-to-back to back wins. She lost both socks. The next item would mean exposure.
He won it.
“You seem to be out of footwear.”
Yes, she was. If only she had more time, more options. Was there something else she could remove, something to delay things just a little longer? She gripped the bottom of her shirt with clammy hands, stopped as a jangling sounded. Of course. She smiled as she removed one of her earrings. “Will you hold this for me?” she asked sweetly.
He gave a mock groan. “Isn’t that cheating?”
She glared. “You want to talk about cheating?”
“Perhaps not.”
The jewelry gave her freedom, along with an actual chance. By fortune or fate, she’d worn a dozen bangle bracelets. It would not make up for all his layers, but at least it gave her hope.
Or not, she thought half an hour later when she’d lost every single one. She should’ve predicted he’d be wearing multiple layers of socks. Even worse, he started removing the socks before taking off his last shirt. After his subterfuge, she deserved an unimpeded view of that chiseled chest. When he took off his tenth pair, she crossed her arms. “How many?”
“A dozen.”
She gaped. “How do they even fit?”
“They’re very thin. Kind of useless, really, except for the occasion.”
“Did you buy them just for today?”
“Naturally.” The cat grin was back. “Are you afraid you’re going to lose?”
“Yes!”
It was a well-founded fear. Within minutes, she’d made it through the rest of her jewelry, including several rings and a necklace. When he won another hand, she had no choice. It was either her shirt or her shorts.
She thought he would make some sort of comment, a joke or a jest, but instead he just looked at her intently, waiting for her to make her decision. She chose the shirt. Not needing (another) slow undressing, she took hold of it and brought it over her head in one smooth motion. His gaze pinned her as he took in the breasts straining against pale pink lace.
“Next round.”
They played quickly and she won, finishing up his socks, thank goodness. Still he had his shirt, his shorts and who knew how many undergarments. Compared with her three remaining articles of clothing – bra, shorts and panties – her chances were dismal.
He won the next round, and without a moment’s hesitation she scooted out of her shorts and waved for him to deal. Best get it over with quickly so she could dive into those cool waters and swim far, far away. She held back a shiver when he won the next round. Why was she so nervous when he’d already seen her? Hell, she’d been ready to show him everything again yesterday. But this was different. He wanted her to admit it was more than just a fling. What if the temptation was too much? If she gave in, it was akin to admitting her heart was involved.
He cleared his throat. She reached around to undo her bra, sighing slightly as it loosened and freed her.Exposedher. She looked down as she slipped it off, but couldn’t miss his quick intake of breath.
“Possibly the last hand.”