Free Gamemaster by Unknown

desert
    setting of an expensive residential area, Shelley found herself suddenly eager to see the interior. Her curiosity about
    Joel Cassidy was unusual. She generally didn't care much about a client's personal life; only his or her financial
    situation. But with Joel things were different Dangerously different
    "It's lovely," she said sincerely as he walked her to the front door of the sleek, contemporary home. It was white
    with a red tile roof and surrounded by a deliciously cool garden.
    "Thanks," he nodded, obviously pleased. "I bought it a year ago. I'm glad you like it"
    As soon as she stepped inside, Shelley realized that the focal point of the house was the large private patio that
    swept the length of the structure. Wall-to-wall greenhouse windows took full advantage of the view of lush garden
    and sparkling, underwater-lit pool. It was difficult to tell where the outdoors ended and the interior of the house began.
    Polished wooden steps marked an inviting array of levels inside, leading down to a two-story living room and up to
    a circular kitchen and dining area, all opening out onto the patio.
    The rooms were furnished in cool woods, light natural shades that were well suited to the desert style of living, and
    here and there was a touch of unexpected drama, such as the gleaming stainless-steel fireplace.
    Automatically, Shelley went toward the wall of glass, drawn by the dramatically lit garden and pool on the other
    side. Behind her she heard Joel go into the kitchen and open a cabinet. "The place is beautifully designed," she said,
    turning as she heard him come back down into the living room. "Do you swim a lot?" She almost winced at the trite
    question. Somehow it was difficult to summon up the lighthearted banter she knew would be more appropriate to the
    situation.
    "Almost daily." He smiled, handing her a stemmed glass filled with a dark coffee-flavored liqueur topped with thick
    cream. "Do you?" The blue eyes flared softly.
    "Oh, yes, whenever I get the chance," she said hurriedly, wondering why the conversation, which had been so easy
    and casual all evening, was now threatening to disintegrate. She turned back toward the window, sipping the potent
    liqueur through the layer of cream. Joel came to stand close behind her.
    "Do you want to swim tonight?" he asked gently.
    Her head came up swiftly as she glanced back at him. "Not unless you happen to keep a closetful of women's swim
    suits handy for visitors!" she told him a bit tartly.
    "You'd insist on a suit?" he sighed.
    "I'm afraid so."
    "I could loan you one of mine," he said, grinning.
    "Thanks, but no thanks." She smiled, relaxing under the warmth of his humor. That slightly crooked tooth was a
    most endearing touch in his hard, bluntly carved face, she thought fleetingly. And the steel in those eyes wasn't a cold
    metal at all. Instead, it seemed to provide a platinum warmth that could ensnare a woman who wasn't exceedingly
    cautious.
    "Let's go out and sit beside the pool to finish drinking these." Joel slid aside a wide glass door and ushered her out
    onto the patio. He settled her into a padded lounger and seated himself in the one beside her. For a long moment they
    sipped their drinks and stared at the pool in companionable silence. The play of shadow and light on the underwater-lit
    surface was as intriguing as the flames of a fireplace. In the soft darkness it was possible to relax completely, and
    Shelley felt herself slipping under the spell of the moment.
    As she realized what was happening, Shelley paused mentally to hover on some invisible brink. It was suddenly
    important to make something very dear to Joel Cassidy.
    "Joel?"
    "Hmmm?" His eyes met hers with a steady warmth.
    "What you said about an accountant being somewhat like a—a girl friend . . ."
    He smiled but said nothing, and she went on cautiously, tearing her eyes away from his. "I don't make a very good
    girl friend, Joel."
    "Girl friend isn't quite the right word," he