Free Fair Play by Janna Shay

capable of that. I have to admit, though, I do like kissing you.”
    The waiter came over to take their order. Dani was feeling uncomfortable talking about sex with Jace, so when the waiter left, she changed the subject. “So tell me how did you get to be the owner of a casino?”
    “I won a lot of money in a lottery and decided to invest it in a casino. It’s proven to be a very lucrative venture. Now, it’s my turn. How did you end up in Vegas applying for a job as a cocktail waitress?”
    Her stomach jumped at his question. “I’ve lived in many cities over the past seven years, and on my way to Los Angeles, I stopped over in Vegas. The energy and excitement of the city was so alluring, I decided to stay a while and see if it’s everything I hoped it would be.”
    “And has it been?”
    “It’s so much more than I could ever have imagined. There’s so much happening all the time, I can blend in and be completely invisible.” Her breath hitched at the slip of her tongue. She quickly asked another question. “Is the excitement why you decided to buy a casino and live here?”
    “Yes, it is. I find it an interesting place to live. There’s always something new happening. Are you planning on settling down here?”
    Mesmerized by his lips as he spoke, Dani’s thoughts drifted to the way those lips ignited her blood and would make her burn with desire. She became restless and felt her pulse quicken. Not paying attention to what he was saying, and embarrassed by where her thoughts had led, she asked, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    Jace laughed, embarrassing her further.
    “I asked if you were planning on settling here in Vegas.”
    “I haven’t decided where I want to settle yet. When I find someplace safe, I’ll make my home there.”
    He tilted his head and peered at her. “You sound as if you don’t feel safe anywhere. Why?”
    Dani tensed and felt her hands shake. She quickly lowered them to her lap and clasped her fingers together tightly. Hoping to mask her fear, she said nonchalantly, “Why do you ask?”
    His brow furrowed. “What are you afraid of?”
    She took a calming breath to relax. “Nothing.” She crossed her arms and leaned forward on the table. “So tell me where are you from?”
    “I was born in Texas but have lived many places here and overseas. My father was in the military.”
    “So you’re a military brat,” she teased, relieved that he didn’t pursue his inquiry.
    “Military yes, but I don’t think I’m a brat. Do you think I’m one?” he joked.
    Her eyes lit up mischievously as she chuckled. “I can think of a few choice words to describe you, but brat isn’t one of them.”
    His eyes twinkled as he grinned at her. “Really, what words would you use to describe me?”
    “Stubborn, tenacious, oversexed. But to be fair, I’d have to also say confident, intelligent, and successful.”
    Jace laughed. “At least I have some redeeming qualities.”
    “I’m not sure you can be redeemed. You might be beyond saving.”
    “Maybe I need you to save me?”
    The waiter interrupted by clearing the dishes, then Jace continued. “I’m very attracted to you and I know you’re attracted to me. So why do you go out of your way to avoid me? Are you afraid of me?”
    Dani hesitated before answering. “I’m not afraid of you. I’ll even admit that I am attracted to you. But you’re my boss and getting involved with a boss is not a good idea. I know you’ve said that you can separate business from pleasure, but I’m not sure I can.” She picked up her glass and took a sip of champagne. “I really like my job, and I’m not willing to jeopardize it in any way. If we slept together, it might affect my job.”
    “Our becoming lovers would have nothing to do with work.”
    She became annoyed. Sex was not a subject she was ready to discuss with him. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
    Jace peered at her. “No, I’m an only child. My mother left with her lover