Bet on Love
Devon Vaughn Archer
It’s the most irresistible gamble of all…Bianca Wagner knows that love’s just a fleeting fantasy on Vegas’s dazzling and seductive Strip. But hot new casino owner Tanner Long is quickly changing the jaded reporter’s mind. Yet the high-flying bachelor isn’t a man who plays for keeps, until one passionate rendezvous in London leaves Bianca with an unexpected gift.Getting Bianca to say “I do” has become Tanner’s life mission . . . especially now that he’s going to be a father. But a misunderstanding has the potential to derail their relationship forever. What will it take for Tanner to convince Bianca that he’s a changed man? That he’s ready to wager everything for the chance to be a real family with the woman he loves . . .Kimani Hotties: It’s All About Our Men
It’s the most irresistible gamble of all…
Bianca Wagner knows that love’s just a fleeting fantasy on Vegas’s dazzling and seductive strip. But hot new casino owner Tanner Long is quickly changing the jaded reporter’s mind. Yet the high-flying bachelor isn’t a man who plays for keeps…until one passionate rendezvous in London leaves Bianca with an unexpected gift.
Getting Bianca to say “I do” has become Tanner’s life mission…especially now that he’s going to be a father. But a misunderstanding has the potential to derail their relationship forever. What will it take for Tanner to convince Bianca that he’s a changed man? That he’s ready to wager everything for the chance to be a real family with the woman he loves….
Flagging down a cab, Tanner opened the door for
Bianca. He wanted to kiss her badly.
Something told him she wanted the same. Or was that merely his fantasy?
Going with his instincts, Tanner lifted her chin and gazed into Bianca’s eyes for a long moment, before tilting his head and planting a kiss on her lips. They were, as expected, soft and perfect when meshing with his. He kept the kiss going for several seconds and then pulled back, not wanting to overdo it.
“That was nice,” Bianca uttered.
“Yeah, for me, too,” he assured her.
“Good night, Tanner.”
“Good night.”
He smiled and watched her slide into the backseat before he closed the door.
As the cab drove off, Tanner watched for a moment, wishing he’d gone with her. She’d left quite an impression on him—one that he did not take lightly.
Bianca Wagner may be just the lady I’ve been looking for all my adult life, he thought. But the trick was getting her to feel the same way about him. He would work on that and not allow this gorgeous woman to slip through his fingers.
DEVON VAUGHN ARCHER
is the bestselling author of more than a dozen Harlequin romances. These include Love Is in the Air and Say It with Roses, and three stories that take place on different Hawaiian islands, including Pleasure in Hawaii, Private Luau and Aloha Fantasy.
Archer has also penned the Kimani holiday classics Christmas Diamonds and Christmas Wishes.
He was the first male author to write for Harlequin’s Kimani Arabesque line with the moving love story Love Once Again.
To keep up with his latest news and upcoming books, follow, friend or connect with Devon Vaughn Archer on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, MySpace, Goodreads, LibraryThing and www.devonvaughnarcher.com (http://www.devonvaughnarcher.com).
Bet on Love
Devon Vaughn Archer
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Dear Reader,
I am delighted to present to you my latest Harlequin Kimani Romance novel, Bet on Love, as part of the Kimani Hotties: Promise Me Forever series.
Reporter Bianca Wagner is not much of a gambler, but when she makes a connection with handsome Las Vegas Strip casino owner Tanner Long, all bets are off! Rolling the dice becomes even more challenging when Bianca becomes pregnant and wants the winning hand before she gives in to all-consuming love.
The idea for this story came from a desire to build a romance amid the glamour, glitz and gambling in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Here’s a secret about the heroine, Bianca: she is the sister of Madison Wagner, the heroine of my previous Harlequin Kimani romance, Say It with Roses, in which Bianca made an appearance.
You are sure to find this charming love story an enjoyable read from start to finish!
I also invite you to read my recent Hawaii-themed Harlequin Kimani romances, Aloha Fantasy, Private Luau and Pleasure in Hawaii.
Kind regards,
Devon Vaughn Archer
I would like to thank my wife, H. Loraine, for her diligent devotion to me and my writings. I daresay I would never be where I am today as a successful author without your encouragement and support.
I also extend appreciation to all the Harlequin editors and staff that I have worked with over the years for their professionalism and friendship.
To “Beautiful Mermaid,” the love of my life who was a sure bet as someone I wanted as my bride and best friend. Thank you for being there for what seems like forever. Our best years are still ahead of us.
And to my mother, Marjah A. Flowers, sister, Jacquelyn V. White, nieces, and other ladies who believe in the power of love and romance in the world of fiction and real life.
Contents
Chapter 1 (#u801263cb-aef9-5bde-86c2-35914cb15656)
Chapter 2 (#u52d42a41-faf0-54ec-9fae-6cf4ffa225c4)
Chapter 3 (#u26b0818a-2a19-5dfb-a276-4c84182fd6c9)
Chapter 4 (#ud7b52d25-ba4b-543d-a1e1-00950c7e65d2)
Chapter 5 (#u3d88f32e-a996-543d-91f4-7c47027c1b49)
Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 21 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 22 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 23 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 24 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 25 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 26 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 1
Bianca Wagner felt exhausted, yet invigorated, when she got back to her two-story Spanish-style Las Vegas home on Tenaya Way after an early morning jog. She had just enough time to jump in the shower, grab a quick breakfast and head to work. It was a routine Bianca had perfected, along with spending long hours at home—often alone—and less time hanging out with friends. Admittedly, she would welcome the right male companion into the equation, but since that had been hard to come by of late, she chose to focus her attention elsewhere. Such as on maintaining her health at age thirty-three, both physically and mentally.
Bianca got dressed, put on her makeup and brushed her long blond hair with brown highlights. She grabbed a bagel and her travel coffee cup as she headed out the door and into her Subaru Legacy. She was an arts-and-entertainment reporter with the Vegas Valley Happenings newspaper. She’d taken the assignment six months ago after previously being the crime-and-courts reporter. Though she missed covering criminality in Sin City, she loved reporting on the city’s rich arts-and-entertainment scene.
Suddenly Bianca’s cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She took a quick glance and saw that it was her sister, Madison. Smiling, Bianca turned on the speakerphone.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hey,” Madison said cheerfully. “We just got back from a bike ride and I thought I’d give you a quick call.”
Bianca considered the “we” in her sister’s statement. That would be Madison and her husband of one year, Stuart. He had two lovely little twin daughters from a previous relationship, who often accompanied them on their bike rides.
Why can’t I be so lucky to have a gorgeous guy who adores me with all his heart? Bianca asked herself.
“I appreciate the call,” she told Madison. “But I’m on my way to work and the traffic is... Well, you saw how it is when you and Stuart were here last year on your honeymoon.”
“Oh, yes, I remember,” Madison said. “Call me later?”
“I will. And give the girls a big kiss for me.”
“Count on it,” Madison promised.
Bianca disconnected. She focused on the road, but couldn’t help but think that her younger sister seemed to have it all these days, which left Bianca to play catch-up.
Will I ever have everything Madison does? She could only hope. On the other hand, as a career-minded woman, would she ever truly be ready to take on the responsibilities of raising a family? Unlike Madison, maybe she simply wasn’t cut out to be a mommy.
Turning onto South Las Vegas Boulevard toward downtown, Bianca thought about the latest big news to hit the city—the upcoming opening of the Aloha Seas Hotel and Casino on the Strip. From what she’d heard, it would be like visiting the tropical paradise of Maui, with gambling and other Vegas-style entertainments as added attractions. Having been to Hawaii a couple of times, she was looking forward to the resort’s opening, both as a reporter and someone who couldn’t get enough of the islands.
The Aloha Seas’ principal owners were brothers, Tanner and Solomon Long. They were both handsome and seemed to alternate years being voted the most eligible bachelor in Las Vegas. From what Bianca had seen, they had beautiful women on their arms every other day as they enjoyed the perks of wealth, good looks and undeniable charm.
If that’s how they prefer to get their kicks, that’s their problem, she thought, while doubting either one saw it as a problem.
She had more worries than spending too much time thinking about spoiled, rich casino owners. For example, was she ever going to escape this traffic jam and get to work?
* * *
Tanner Long sat in the backseat of his limousine, talking on the phone to his brother, Solomon. As usual, they were at odds on how to do things, while trying to keep the peace as they took on their latest venture. This venture happened to be a very big one. There were only two days until the grand opening of Aloha Seas, the newest hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. As the majority owners, they had pooled their resources and gotten the right investors to roll the dice, so to speak, on making this new casino a big success.
But seeing eye to eye on the details took patience on Tanner’s part and seemingly more give than take, as he wanted this event to go without a hitch.
“You only have one grand opening, little brother,” Tanner argued in his role as chief executive officer. “And that means we need to make a splash while the attention is squarely on us.”
“I hear you,” Solomon said sharply. “And I agree. But that doesn’t mean we need to break the bank in the process. Cutting corners can be done without cutting the quality of the grand opening.”
Tanner chuckled. It seemed as if they were just going around in circles. At thirty-six, he was a year older and maybe a few years wiser than his brother. Or so he tried to convince himself. But, then again, Solomon did have an MBA and was the chief operating officer. Tanner’s degree was in hotel management with a minor in marketing. Rather than continue to bump heads, he gave in.
“All right, do whatever you think needs to be done—just don’t screw this up.”
“I won’t,” Solomon assured him. “I want this to work as much as you do, if not more.”
“I know,” Tanner conceded. Both had spent much of their lives trying to follow in the footsteps of their father, a very successful businessman. He and their mother would have been really proud to see just how much they had accomplished up to this point. I’m just glad they lived to see us receive our degrees and start building our legacy, Tanner thought.
Before he could cut the call short, the limousine suddenly shook violently and Tanner heard a loud thump as they came to a halt.
“What the hell...” The words spewed from his mouth.
He heard something similar from his driver, Johan.
“What’s going on?” Solomon asked.
“Looks like we’ve been in an accident,” Tanner said irritably.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Tanner said. “Don’t know if I can say the same about the limo, though. I’ll call you back.”
Tanner hung up. “What happened?” he asked Johan.
“The car ahead of me stopped suddenly. I slammed on the brakes, but couldn’t slow down enough.”
“Great! Just what I need,” Tanner grumbled. He watched Johan open the driver’s door and get out, then followed. Tanner stepped onto South Las Vegas Boulevard, jam-packed with vehicles that were now at a standstill, and made his way to the front of the limo. A cursory glance told him that the damage was relatively minor.
When he looked at the other vehicle, a red Subaru Legacy, it was clear that it had sustained the worst damage from the collision.
He watched as the Subaru’s driver got out and approached him. “I’ll handle this,” he told Johan before turning his attention to the female driver. She was tall by female standards, though still about eight inches shorter than his six-foot-four frame. Her blond, brown streaked hair was long and wavy, and she had nice lips that were presently a crooked line, but that didn’t stop him from finding her drop-dead gorgeous.
She gazed at her vehicle and then glared at him. “Look what you did to my car!”
“Actually, it was my driver,” Tanner said humorlessly, glancing at Johan. “Technically speaking. Beyond that, you didn’t exactly give him a choice with your sudden stop.”
“I stopped because a car swerved into my lane,” she snapped. “It would have hit me if hadn’t slammed on the brakes. Maybe if your driver hadn’t been riding my bumper for a couple of blocks, he would have had more time to react.”
Johan furrowed his brow. “You’re blaming me for this?”
She turned her brown eyes to him. “The damage speaks for itself.”
Tanner got between them as if they were ready to come to blows. He looked ahead of her car and saw that traffic had begun to move again, including the careless driver who had apparently been responsible for this entire mess. He didn’t doubt that she was telling the truth, knowing how crazy some of the drivers were in Vegas, but that didn’t change their situation.
“Well, what’s done is done,” Tanner told the attractive woman.
“What about the damage to my car?” she asked tartly.
“Isn’t that what your insurance is for?” Tanner asked.
“Yes, when it’s my fault. Other than that, I’d rather not have to go through my insurance company, only to have my rates go up unfairly.”
“I see.” Tanner put a hand to his chin. Though there was no way of knowing who truly was at fault for the damage outside of the other driver, he decided to cut her some slack. But only because he was in a hurry and didn’t want to drag this thing out any longer than necessary. Besides, a buddy of his owned an auto repair shop and owed him a favor. Now, with two cars that needed work, he would owe his friend a favor. “We’ll take care of it, no problem. I can call for a tow to take your car to be repaired and give you a lift anywhere you like.”
“Fine,” she said with seeming reluctance, as though he planned to kidnap her in broad daylight.
“By the way, I’m Tanner Long and this is my driver, Johan.”
“Bianca Wagner.”
Tanner took out his cell phone and met her eyes. This ought to be interesting, he thought. Maybe in more ways than one.
* * *
Bianca sat in the limousine, wondering if she would have been better off simply driving her car to the repair shop herself. But why should she? The rear end of her car was damaged, through no fault of her own, and Tanner Long was footing the bill to have it repaired.
She glanced at him as he sat next to her, checking her out. Pretending not to notice, she turned away. But the image of him was indelibly seared in her mind. After all, she’d seen him enough on television, the paper and online. In person, he was even more gorgeous, if that was even possible. Tall and trim, he was bald with chiseled features, gray-black eyes, a thin mustache and small chin beard. His business-casual attire was a perfect fit and suited him.
I’d love to ask him a few questions about himself and his business success, she thought, but I wouldn’t want him to get any more conceited than he probably already is. Especially since she was vulnerable as his passenger and a car-accident victim, rather than being here in her professional capacity.
“Where are you from?” Tanner asked, as if strictly for conversation.
“Excuse me?” Bianca’s eyes widened.
“It doesn’t sound like you’re from around here.”
“What does my voice sound like to you?” She was curious, considering she believed she had no accent.
“It sounds sexy,” Tanner said, a half grin playing on his lips. “Aside from that, I think I detected a slight Southern inflection there. Maybe from Texas, Georgia, or Alabama. Am I getting close?”
Too close, Bianca thought. “Actually, I’m from Houston,” she confessed.
He smiled. “Houston’s a great city. How long have you been in Vegas?”
“Awhile,” she responded, deciding to turn the tables. “Where are you from?” She seemed to recall that she’d read he was from the East.
“New York,” he said. “I loved it there, but my brother and I needed to chart our own territory, so we ended up here in Vegas.”
“Good for you.” Bianca paused thoughtfully. “And your brother is Solomon Long...?”
“Yeah, you know him?”
“Only of him—and you,” she said tonelessly. “I read the papers.”
“I see.” Tanner sat back. “So are you a gambler?”
Bianca met his eyes. “Not really. I only like to bet on a sure thing.”
He laughed. “Yeah. Me, too.”
She colored under the weight of his stare, as though she were that “sure thing” in his mind. Or was she misreading him as a man who was used to getting who and what he wanted?
“Is that why you’re opening up a casino?” she asked.
“Good question,” Tanner said. “Actually, I do consider it a sure thing. People come from all over the world to Las Vegas to gamble, among other things. There’s always room for one more place to spend and lose money.”
“Aloha Seas,” Bianca said.
“You’ve got it.” He smiled. “If you’d like to come to the grand opening in two days, consider this an invitation.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be busy that day,” she responded, knowing that another reporter had already been assigned to cover the event at the newspaper.
Tanner frowned. “Really? All day...?”
“Part of the day,” she said truthfully.
“So spend the other part at the grand opening. It’ll be fun, even for a nongambler.”
Bianca didn’t doubt that, even if she was sure he’d be far too busy as cohost to even notice her there. “I’ll think about it.”
“Fair enough,” he said evenly.
“You can let me off here,” Bianca instructed Johan.
He pulled up in front of the Owen-Knight Building.
Bianca looked at Tanner. “Thanks for the lift.”
“Anytime,” he said smoothly. “But hopefully next time it won’t be because we ran into your car.”
She smiled. “I agree. Speaking of...”
“It may take a few days to get it repaired, but my man will take care of it. If you need a loaner or...”
“I can wait. I’ll take a cab until then.” She certainly couldn’t expect him to shepherd her around. Nor would she want him to. They exchanged contact information. “Bye.”
“Till we meet again,” Tanner told her, as if it were written in stone.
Bianca wasn’t so sure about that. Yes, she was definitely attracted to the man. Who wouldn’t be? But that didn’t mean she was eager to become another notch on his belt. That was, if he hadn’t already lost count, she thought
She watched as the limousine drove off. Her thoughts turned to the grand opening gala at Aloha Seas and the opportunity to see Tanner again in his element.
Chapter 2
“Since when did you start arriving at work in a limo?” Melanie Rice, Bianca’s coworker and friend asked.
“Since the limo driver ran into my car,” Bianca said as they both went inside the building.
Melanie, who was the same age and a little taller, cast Bianca a doubtful look. “And that’s how he’s repaying you?”
“Something like that.” Bianca suppressed a smile. “The limo actually belongs to Tanner Long.”
“The Tanner Long?” Melanie asked, her blue eyes widening.
“Unless there’s another one I don’t know about,” Bianca joked.
“There’s only one man who looks that good,” declared Melanie as they entered the elevator. “Maybe two, if you include his brother.”
Bianca found it hard to argue the point, but decided to do so anyway. “He’s not that great. But Tanner did step up and offer to have my car repaired, free of charge.”
“Oh, really?” Melanie pushed a strand of curly dark hair from her face. “How’d you manage that?”
“Wasn’t too difficult,” Bianca said. “After all, it was his driver who was too close to my car when I had to stop suddenly to avoid hitting someone else.”
“Either way, my guess is that you left as much of an impression on Mr. Long as he did on you.”
Did I? Bianca wondered. Or would any attractive woman who kept herself in shape have impressed him?
“I doubt that,” she responded. “He was too preoccupied with the grand opening of his hotel-casino to be thinking about leaving impressions.”
“We should go to the grand opening,” Melanie said as the elevator doors opened to the sixth floor. “I know Oscar Presley has been assigned to write a piece for the paper. But now that you know one of the owners personally—”
Bianca chuckled. “I wouldn’t exactly put it that way,” she said, then admitted, “But he did invite me.”
“Then it’s settled,” Melanie said, practically jumping for joy, as if they had both won the lottery. “I’m sure he won’t mind if I tag along, and maybe I’ll even put a few dollars in the slot machines.”
“I’m sure he won’t mind,” Bianca agreed, especially when they would probably fade into the woodwork with all the city’s dignitaries on hand to welcome the Aloha Seas to Las Vegas.
Melanie beamed. “Now I just have to decide what to wear. You never know who we might run into.”
Knowing that her friend turned heads all the time, Bianca was certain that would be no problem. “I’m sure we’ll both look great no matter what we wear.”
“Maybe so,” Melanie said. “But there’s nothing wrong with a little icing on the cake, so to speak.”
Bianca grinned. “Whatever you say.” She reached her workstation. “I’ll talk to you later.”
Sitting at her desk, Bianca attempted to concentrate on a few articles she was working on. If only her thoughts weren’t filled with images of Tanner Long.
* * *
Tanner walked into the hotel. Everything sparkled, and it was a damned good imitation of Hawaii, complete with palm trees, sand, pool replicas of the ocean, an amazing luau area, and authentic Hawaiian cuisine and drinks. There were two nightclubs and a concert hall. Of course, there was also a casino that was pure Las Vegas with plenty of slot machines, blackjack tables, card dealers and a professional and friendly staff to keep things running smoothly.
He thought about Bianca. Perhaps it was serendipitous that their cars had collided. Otherwise he might never have laid eyes on the beauty. He was a firm believer in fate and that all things happened for a reason.
He liked the idea of getting to know Bianca better. But first, she had to show up for the grand opening. Then they could take it from there, assuming she didn’t bring a date. He certainly didn’t mind a little competition from time to time. But when it came to women, he preferred not to have to compete for anyone he had his eye on.
And currently that was Bianca Wagner, whom he knew far too little about at the moment. He hoped to rectify that soon.
“There you are....” Tanner heard the familiar voice, breaking his reverie.
He turned to see his brother approaching with Frank Regan, the general manager.
“For a minute there, I thought you’d gone to the wrong place,” Solomon said.
“I had to make a slight detour,” Tanner explained, gazing at his brother. They were the same height. Many had said they would be hard to tell apart between their close features and size, except Solomon chose to wear his black hair long and curly instead of shaving it all off. Tanner was glad that set them apart. The last thing he needed or wanted was to have people getting him confused with his brother and vice versa. Particularly where it concerned the ladies, as their tastes were about as different as night and day.
“Oh, right, the accident,” Solomon said.
“What accident?” Frank asked, scratching his thinning blond-gray hair.
“Just a slight fender bender,” Tanner said. “I took care of it. No big deal.”
“Glad to hear that,” Solomon told him. “We’ve got less than forty-eight hours till the big opening, and there’s still a lot to be done.”
Tanner smiled. “Including cost cutting?”
“Hey, someone has to watch the bottom line,” his brother said with a chuckle.
“And you’re the right man for the job. Don’t you agree, Frank?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “Together, you two are unbeatable.”
“Which makes the three of us that much more formidable,” Tanner told him, patting the fiftysomething general manager on the back. They began walking and Tanner regarded both men. “So bring me up to speed on anything I’ve missed, and I’ll do the same.”
“Well, for one, you missed the glamorous Kendre Kelly rehearsing for her opening act in the concert hall,” Frank told him.
Tanner frowned. She was one of the top singing talents around these days. They had secured her services for the next three months. He would have more than enough time to see her perform.
“Is she as good as they say?” he asked for effect.
“Better,” Frank claimed. “Back me up on this, Solomon.”
“Yeah, she’s good—including on the eyes.”
Tanner chuckled. “Leave it up to my brother to focus more on her looks than talent.”
“Look who’s talking,” Solomon tossed back. “I’m not the one who dated a hot-to-trot dancer, awed much more by her beauty than her footwork.”
“Guilty as charged,” Tanner said. “But then, she didn’t work for me. Have to draw the line somewhere.”
Solomon grinned crookedly. “Understood.”
Tanner wasn’t so sure he did, knowing Solomon had a weakness for beautiful women. The fact that Kendre was now employed at the Aloha Seas would not likely change this any.
For his part, Tanner could also appreciate a lovely, sexy woman. Bianca Wagner came to mind again. Good thing she wasn’t working for them, so there were no barriers standing in the way of them getting together, assuming the opportunity presented itself.
* * *
Bianca resisted the urge to overdress for the grand opening event, preferring to keep it simple and stylish with a sleeveless blue A-line dress and low heels. She decided to leave her hair down and loose, and wore little makeup, as usual, preferring the natural glow of her complexion.
Accompanied by Melanie, she entered the packed Aloha Seas and both women were immediately in awe.
“This is so cool,” Melanie said, taking in the glamor and glitter of the tropical-themed hotel. “Makes me want to check out Hawaii in person.”
“You should,” Bianca told her. “You’d love it there.”
“I’m sure I would, especially with the right man on my arm.”
Bianca smiled. “That’s always a plus,” she said.
“Aloha!” Bianca heard the familiar deep voice. She turned to find Tanner standing there with another tall, well-dressed man who, by the looks of him, could only be Tanner’s brother.
“Hello,” she said.
Tanner grinned. “Glad you could make it.”
“We wouldn’t have missed this,” Melanie said enthusiastically.
“This is my friend, Melanie,” Bianca said.
“Nice to meet you,” Tanner told her, shaking Melanie’s hand. “And this is my brother, Solomon.”
“Ladies,” Solomon said, smiling.
Bianca smiled back. She could see the resemblance between the brothers right down to the neatly trimmed mustaches and goatees, aside from the fact that Solomon had hair atop his head and Tanner did not.
“Was your car repaired to your satisfaction?” Tanner asked her.
“It will be ready in two days,” Bianca told him. “Thank you.”
“It was the least I could do, since Johan caused the damage.”
“I really love the hotel,” Melanie said.
“Mahalo!” Solomon responded, thanking her.
“Can’t wait to see the casino.”
“I’d be happy to give you a tour,” he said.
“I’ll take you up on that,” Melanie responded, beaming.
Solomon grinned. “Then let’s go for it.”
Bianca watched as the two walked away, leaving her alone with Tanner. “That was quick,” she commented.
“For Melanie or Solomon?” he quipped.
“Both.”
Tanner chuckled. “Solomon’s always had an eye for pretty ladies. Your friend certainly fits the bill.”
Bianca couldn’t argue the point. She only hoped Melanie knew what she was getting herself into. Or maybe Melanie didn’t care. Bianca was well aware that her friend was a free spirit, often living for the moment rather than the future.
“Why don’t I show you around,” Tanner said loudly, amidst an exquisite setting overflowing with invited guests, tourists and employees moving this way and that with blended chatter. “If you’d like?”
“Are you sure I wouldn’t be keeping you from anything?” she asked tentatively.
“I’ve got a lot on my plate today,” he admitted. “But I think I can spare a few minutes for a beautiful lady.”
Bianca warmed to the compliment, even though she suspected he used that line quite a bit on women. “Okay, in that case, I’ll take a few minutes of your time to check out the place.”
Tanner flashed a pleased smile. “I like your dress.”
“It’s just a dress,” she said, trying to downplay it.
“Not on you,” he insisted.
She laughed. “Are you always this smooth?”
He chuckled. “It’s not a line, I assure you. I always say just what I mean.”
“Then, thank you,” Bianca gave in, figuring she would accept the flattery since she could just as easily have complimented him on the designer clothing that seemed made just for him.
Tanner flashed another devastatingly handsome smile and proffered his long arm, pointing toward an enormous lobby. “Shall we...?”
* * *
Tanner was only too happy to give Bianca a tour of his pride and joy. He knew Solomon felt the same way when showing Melanie around. Though this hardly meant either of them was expecting more, Tanner would not deny that he was attracted to Bianca, and he sensed she was attracted to him, too. How far they would take that was anyone’s guess, but he was more than happy to see if it could go anywhere.
“Wow!” Bianca marveled as he showed her one of the pools that had the feel of being on Maui’s famed Kaanapali Beach, complete with palm trees, golden sand and plenty of sunshine.
“You like?” Tanner asked.
“I love it!”
“I take it you swim?”
“Of course,” she said.
“Then feel free to drop in sometime for a dip. The water’s always comfortable.”
Bianca looked at him. “Have you tested it?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I’ve been in a couple of times to break it in, so to speak.”
“Maybe I’ll take you up on that sometime.”
“I hope so.” And I just might join you in the water for some real fun, he thought. “Let’s go look at the lounges.”
“Sounds good.”
Tanner ordered them each a Mai Tai in the Island Lounge. “So what do you do for a living?”
“I’m a writer,” Bianca responded.
“You write novels, articles or—”
“Yes, articles for the Vegas Valley Happenings and some freelance stuff for online publications.”
“Cool,” he said, picturing her at work on her next article.
“Not as cool as owning your own hotel-casino,” she said flatly.
He chuckled. “It definitely has its perks and advantages, but that’s only a part of who I am.”
“And just who are you?” Bianca asked as she sipped her drink.
“I’m someone with a wide range of tastes and experiences.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah.”
“Such as...” she asked.
He was about to answer when his cell phone rang. It was Frank.
“I have to get this,” Tanner said reluctantly.
“Of course,” Bianca said.
He stood up and took the call, listening as Frank informed him that he had a welcoming speech to make in fifteen minutes.
“I’ll be there,” Tanner said. He gazed at Bianca, feeling that he could look at her all day and night. If only he had the time. “I hate to cut this short, but I have to play host in welcoming some dignitaries to the grand opening.”
“I understand.” She gave him a polite smile.
“Can you hang around for a while?” he asked hopefully.
“Maybe,” she said hesitantly.
He grinned. “Good. I’d like to finish what we started. In the meantime, have another drink on the house.”
Bianca tilted her head. “You’re not trying to get me drunk, are you?”
Tanner chuckled. “No, I’d much rather have you clear-headed. It’s sexier.”
“So you think I’m sexy?”
He saw no reason to deny it. “Not think. I know you are,” he said. “Well, I’ll leave you with that thought.”
Tanner walked away from the bar, hoping this might be the start of something good for both of them.
Chapter 3
That night, Bianca sat in a bubble bath, shamelessly fantasizing about Tanner Long. In spite of the definite sexual vibes between them, she wasn’t holding her breath that anything would actually come of it. She wasn’t the type of woman to just jump into bed with any man she was attracted to. Especially a wealthy man with a reputation for loving and leaving women.
She hadn’t exactly gone out of her way to become involved with anyone at this time in her life. And she sensed the same was true for Tanner. No involvement of a serious nature.
So where does that leave us as potential lovers? she asked herself, using her toes to toss bubbles in the air. Probably nowhere, which was probably the safest place.
Bianca thought back to being at the Aloha Seas in a very nice lounge after Tanner had left. She had quickly grown bored and gone to find him. She did, in a huge ballroom filled with people. Standing tall at a podium, Tanner had seemed totally in his element. Flanked by gorgeous showgirls, he’d welcomed the mayor and other dignitaries while promising a bright future for the city of Las Vegas and Aloha Seas as a new addition to the Strip.
She had left the hotel before he had finished entertaining his guests, figuring that was probably best all the way around.
Melanie had left with her, but not before making plans for a date with Solomon. Bianca had a feeling that any romance between them would be short-lived, if Solomon’s reputation was even close to the truth. The same feeling about Tanner left her less than enthusiastic about any future with him, should the possibility present itself.
* * *
The next day at work, all Melanie could talk about was Solomon.
“He’s such a hunk, and he likes me,” she gushed.
“He likes all attractive women,” Bianca reminded her.
“And I like all good-looking men,” Melanie countered. “Doesn’t mean I’ll sleep with every one of them.”
“I never said that.”
“You also never told me if you plan to see Tanner again.”
“Not if I can help it,” Bianca said, wondering if it was as simple as that.
“Give the man a chance,” Melanie said. “I saw the way he was looking at you. In fact, he couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
Bianca smiled diffidently. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Well, maybe you should. He’s a hottie, loaded and looks to be in the market for a special lady—someone like you. Don’t blow it by playing too hard to get.”
“I don’t play games with men.” Unlike some other women she knew. “I’m just not looking to go there right now. Okay?”
“Okay, I get it.” Melanie sighed. “Not interested. Doesn’t mean we can’t go to their casino together sometimes for drinks or whatever. As huge as the place is, chances are you’d never run into Tanner.”
“Sure, no problem,” Bianca said. Somehow she was sure that any time she set foot in the Aloha Seas, she would invariably run into Tanner.
* * *
Tanner worked out on the elliptical machine in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness room alongside his brother. They were in regular competition over who was the fittest. In Tanner’s mind it was probably a tie, even though he’d never admit to it.
He thought about Bianca. After standing at the podium yesterday, thanking everyone who had made it possible for the hotel and casino to come about, he had gone to look for Bianca. But she was nowhere to be found.
Though disappointed, Tanner had given her the benefit of the doubt in her absence. Maybe she got tired of waiting and had other things to do. Should he call her? Did she want him to?
Or was he interested in someone who wasn’t able or ready to reciprocate that interest?
Maybe it’s best if I don’t rush into anything for a change, he mused, only to end up feeling empty and ready to move on.
Tanner had a feeling that this wouldn’t be the case with Bianca. But he might never get the chance to find out.
“So what’s up with you and Bianca?” Solomon asked, as if reading his mind.
“Not much,” Tanner admitted. “She left before we could spend any time together.”
“But you like her, right?”
“I’m attracted to her, yes.” Tanner increased his speed on the machine. “Can’t say yet if I like her.”
“Maybe you should find out,” Solomon said, wiping perspiration from his brow. “She’s definitely got the looks.”
“So does Melanie,” Tanner said, eyeing him. “You two seemed to hit it off.”
“Yeah, we did. We’re going out tonight.”
“Lucky you—or is she the lucky one?”
Solomon laughed. “Hey, we’re in the business of luck, right? We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, maybe you ought to give Bianca a buzz and take it from there. Or are you still hung up on...what’s her name...”
“That’s over and done with,” Tanner interjected before his brother could finish.
“Thought so. Just checking.”
“Well, check no further,” Tanner told him, eager to distance himself from Angie LeBrock, an aspiring actress and singer he’d hooked up with a few times. While it had been fun for a while, she soon became too overbearing and clingy for his liking.
He was now ready to move on.
* * *
Bianca had just left work and was heading toward her car when her cell phone rang. She pulled the phone from her purse and saw from the caller ID that it was Tanner Long. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about him.
“Hello,” she said equably, just before her voice mail picked up.
“Hey, this is Tanner,” he said curtly. “You weren’t around last night to pick up where we left off.”
“Sorry, I had things to do. And, clearly, you were pretty busy, so...”
“Yeah, guess it was kind of crazy around here,” Tanner conceded. “You have any plans for tonight?”
She sucked in a breath. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
“Yes. One of our restaurants specializes in seafood, if that suits your fancy.”
“I love seafood,” she admitted.
“Great. So what do you say?”
Bianca considered the invitation. Did she really want to head in this direction with this man? She hesitated. “Actually, I’m busy tonight.”
“So how about tomorrow night?” Tanner persisted.
“Why me?” she asked bluntly. “Don’t you have enough showgirls and others to choose from to go out with?”
He chuckled. “First, you’re a beautiful woman and I would like to get to know you. Second, I don’t date showgirls. As for others, sure there are plenty of lovely ladies in Vegas to ask out, but I’m asking you.”
Bianca admired his honesty and, even if she was leery, couldn’t resist her attraction to him. “All right—tomorrow night.”
“I’ll have Johan pick you up.”
“Oh, no.” She laughed nervously. “I don’t know if I can trust him behind the wheel. I think I’m better off taking a cab there.” Her car was still being serviced.
Tanner seemed to take it all in stride. “Whatever you like. But, just for the record, Johan can only work with what he’s given, as far as reaction time goes.”
Bianca furrowed her brow. “Sounds like you’re blaming me for what happened.”
“I’m blaming the idiot who cut you off,” he said bluntly. “The important thing is that no one got hurt.”
“True,” Bianca agreed, glad they were on the same wavelength. Though Johan may not have been at fault, in reality, she didn’t want to be in an awkward situation on a first date, just in case it went totally the wrong way and she wanted to cut it short.
Still, she was optimistic that the date could turn out to be a good thing. After all, there was no denying that Tanner was a good catch.
* * *
That night, Bianca stuck with her original plans to meet her good friend, Vicky Poole, for drinks at a club on Paradise Road called The Palace.
She had known Vicky for a few years now—they met when Bianca was a crime reporter. Vicky, an ex-prostitute, had turned her life around and was counseling teen runaways and sex workers, getting them off the street. She now ran a safe house for prostitute girls.
“Hey there,” Vicky said, waving as she made her way through the crowd to reach Bianca.
“Hey,” Bianca responded with a smile, giving the taller, slender woman a hug. “I got us a table.”
“Cool.” Vicky put her oversize purse on the table and sat across from Bianca. They both ordered cocktails when the waitress approached.
“How’s the safe house?” Bianca asked, knowing how important this was to Vicky. Bianca volunteered there once every two weeks.
“It can be utterly exhausting at times,” Vicky responded, running a hand through her short brown hair with its golden highlights. “But I love being there for the girls, you know?”
“I know,” Bianca said. “And they love having you there, knowing someone cares.”
“Yeah, I do. I only wish someone had been there to care for me when I worked the Strip as a teenager.”
Bianca couldn’t begin to imagine the hell Vicky must have endured at that stage of her life. She reached across the table and touched Vicky’s hand. “The important thing is that you got through it in one piece and are doing good things with your life now.”
“Very true,” she said.
The drinks came and Bianca sipped hers thoughtfully.
“So bring me up-to-date on what’s going on with you,” Vicky said.
Should I or shouldn’t I mention Tanner? Bianca asked herself. After all, they hadn’t even gone on a date yet. She also wondered if she might jinx any potential they had by jumping the gun.
Then she realized that if it was meant to go somewhere it would. And if not, it wouldn’t.
“Well, I met Tanner Long,” Bianca said casually, knowing that he was well-known to most women in the city, thanks to his most-eligible-bachelor tag.
“Get out of here,” Vicky said in disbelief. “Or do you mean you met him as a reporter?”
“Actually, I met him as a car owner.”
Vicky cocked a brow. “Explain.”
“His limo driver hit my car and I ended up getting a ride from Tanner,” Bianca said nonchalantly. “Next thing I knew, he invited me to the grand opening of his hotel and casino. He asked me out to dinner tomorrow night.”
“Whoa—this is in warp speed!” Vicky said. “How on earth did you get from point A to point, let’s say, N or O...?”
Bianca giggled. “It just happened. Well, nothing’s really happened yet, but he seems to like me, so we’ll see where it goes, if anywhere.”
“Well you go, girl!” Vicky lifted her hand and gave Bianca a high five. “After being with too many losers, maybe you’ve finally met your match. Or should I say it’s the other way around?”
“Maybe a little of both,” Bianca said. “But it’s way too early to think about matches made in heaven. After all, this is Sin City, is it not?”
Vicky laughed. “It is, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still good people around with good intentions.”
“Tanner seems to have good intentions with Aloha Seas as a new place of employment on the Strip,” Bianca told her. “Not so sure what his intentions are as a confirmed playboy.”
“Hey, being a player usually only means the man hasn’t met anyone yet to get him to slow down. Could be you’re just the right person for the job.”
Bianca chuckled. “This isn’t an interview. Just a first date.”
“So enjoy, and see what the man is made of—besides millions.”
“I intend to,” Bianca said. She was in no way a gold digger—she was more than happy to support herself. But she did want a man who was self-assured, successful and wasn’t into head games. Or leading her on just because he could. Could Tanner be that man?
Or was she setting herself up for yet another disappointment?
Chapter 4
After a brisk morning workout, Tanner had showered in his penthouse suite and then attended a series of meetings with his management team. So far, so good for the hotel-casino. They had gotten a lot of press coverage. But he understood that they were in competition with every other hotel and casino on the Strip, as well as those off it. As such, they had to be innovative and welcoming if they were going to stay ahead of the game.
After the meeting ended, Tanner had hoped to talk to Solomon alone, but he was meeting Melanie for lunch—apparently in his room where she had spent the night. Admittedly, Tanner was envious of his little brother. He had sought out the prize and conquered with seemingly little effort on his part.
Whereas Tanner felt as though he was starting from scratch with Bianca. She didn’t strike him as the kind of woman who would settle for a one-night stand. Especially not the first night. And though he had been guilty of that a time or two, the truth was he preferred a steady relationship, contrary to popular belief. Finding a woman who could hold his attention was key.
Bianca certainly seemed like a good candidate.
After doing some paperwork, Tanner went to the hotel’s Mahalo Lounge to have a drink with his best friend and lawyer, Chuck Newman. Aside from the fact that they had known each other for more than a decade, Chuck was also one of the hotel-casino’s investors and someone he could trust to tell it like it was.
Tanner spotted him nursing a drink at the bar.
“Hope you haven’t had too many of those yet,” Tanner kidded.
Chuck looked up and grinned. “This is my first one.”
Tanner smiled, sitting next to the thirty-eight-year-old man. “In that case, I’ll order a second round for you and one for myself.”
“That works for me,” Chuck said. His short black hair was graying at the temples.
Tanner ordered the drinks from the bartender who promptly made them.
“Looks like this place has set the Strip on fire,” Chuck commented.
“Yeah, all the rooms are booked for the next couple of weeks and some high rollers have shown up hoping to get lucky.”
Chuck laughed. “That always helps. Unless, of course, you’re pulling for the house, which I am.”
Tanner chuckled. “You had me worried for a moment there,” he joked.
“Don’t be. I want to see my investment grow tenfold, if possible.”
“You and me both.” Tanner tasted the drink. “So how’s Deloris?” he asked about Chuck’s wife.
“Great. She’s in South Carolina visiting her mother.” Chuck looked at him. “And who’s the flavor of the week for you right now?”
Tanner laughed. “Sounds like ice cream.”
“Only sweeter, potentially,” Chuck shot back.
“I’m not seeing anyone right now,” Tanner told him.
“No...? Losing your touch, friend?”
“Been too preoccupied of late.” Tanner thought of Bianca. “Actually, I do have a date tonight.”
Chuck smiled. “Figured you wouldn’t go too long without having someone on your arm. I suppose she’s gorgeous?”
“Yeah, she is,” Tanner admitted.
“Why am I not surprised? Between you and your brother, you pretty much have the run of the best ladies in town.”
Tanner grinned. “I wish,” he said lightly. “Truth of the matter is both of us really just want someone we can grow old with and still be madly in love. Until that person comes along, all we can do is keep looking.”
“Then here’s to looking and finding that right lady,” Chuck said, lifting his glass. “Assuming you haven’t already...”
Tanner took that toast and sipped his drink, his thoughts squarely on Bianca and their date tonight.
* * *
After paying the cabdriver, Bianca headed into the Aloha Seas. She was feeling a little nervous, as though this were a high school date instead of an evening with a handsome, millionaire playboy on his own turf.
You’ll be fine, she told herself. Just keep the expectations low and the optimism high.
She had barely stepped onto the marble floor in the lobby, when Bianca saw Tanner approaching with a big smile on his face.
“Right on time,” he said.
“I could say the same for you,” she told him, in spite of the fact that he had the advantage of already being there ahead of time.
“I’d never be late for dinner with you.”
“Oh, really?” Bianca wasn’t sure if he was the consummate charmer. Or simply full of it. She preferred the former.
“Not when you look like that,” Tanner said, giving her the once-over.
Bianca colored as he admired her in a red scoop-neck top, black skirt and black pumps. She studied him in a gray blazer, dusty pink polo shirt and gray slacks before declaring, “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He laughed. “Thanks. I wanted to at least make myself presentable for the occasion.”
She doubted he’d ever have a problem when it came to style and taste, imagining he wore expensive attire regularly.
“So show me this great seafood restaurant,” she said.
Tanner grinned. “It would be my pleasure.”
They entered Seas and were led to a private table.
“Your very own table,” Bianca said as he pulled out her seat. “Impressive.”
“One of the bonuses of being majority owner,” he said coolly.
“Must be nice,” she teased as he sat.
“It’s much nicer to have you as my guest.”
She smiled while thinking, anytime. But that wouldn’t be true, as she wanted more from a man than a great table at a restaurant. Or, for that matter, a very handsome man as her companion. But both were a good start.
A waiter came over and handed them menus. “Can I get you something to drink, Mr. Long? Or Ms....?”
“Bianca,” she said, adding, “red wine, please.”
“Same,” Tanner said.
“Red wine, it is,” the waiter responded. “I’ll be back to take your order shortly.”
“So, what do you recommend?” Bianca asked.
Tanner regarded the menu. “I’ve only dined here once thus far, and I found the stuffed-shrimp dish with walnut-blended greens to be first rate.”
“Sounds good,” she said. “I’ll try it.”
“I’ll join you,” he told her.
A few minutes later, they were sipping their wine.
“Let’s get back to the wide range of tastes and experiences you were going to tell me about the other day,” Bianca said, eager to see all sides of the man.
“Thought you’d never ask,” Tanner said over the rim of his goblet with a chuckle. “Well, let’s see, I like to work out—including tennis, bicycling, jogging, basketball, swimming and hitting the gym. I’m big on traveling—mostly for business, but pleasure as well.”
“Where have you traveled?” she wondered, speculating that he had been all over the world.
“Lots of places, both in the U.S. and abroad. I’ve been to Hawaii a number of times, which gave me the inspiration for the theme of Aloha Seas. I’ve also been to Europe, Australia and, closer to home, Canada— Toronto and Montreal.”
“Looks like you’ve built up a lot of frequent flier miles,” Bianca half joked.
“Yeah, you could say that.” Tanner wet his lips with wine. “I have my own jet now, so the rewards of flying often are always there.”
“I’ll bet.” While she had met some people in the entertainment business who had private planes, Bianca had never known anyone personally who owned a jet. What other things would she learn about him?
“Getting back to my tastes, I enjoy professional sports such as basketball, football, baseball and boxing, reading the classics and contemporary mysteries and thrillers, watching music performances and plays, and, believe it or not, doing crossword puzzles.”
Bianca laughed. “That is quite a range.” And one I’d have a hard time topping, she mused.
“I also do my share of charity work, both locally and nationally,” Tanner said.
“Nice to hear.” She smiled at him, while thinking that he was certainly well-rounded and humble. Those were good qualities to have.
The food came and she watched Tanner dive right in. She did the same, as their wineglasses were refilled.
“Your turn,” he said, dabbing a cloth napkin to the corners of his mouth.
Bianca had expected this, but never really liked talking too much about herself. “What would you like to know?” she asked cautiously.
“What wouldn’t I like to know is more like it.” Tanner flashed her a serious look. “Have you ever been married?”
“No.”
“How about engaged?”
She smiled. “Not that, either.”
“But you’ve had boyfriends?”
“Of course,” she said. “I just haven’t found the right guy to get engaged to or marry yet.”
“So, no children, then?” Tanner asked levelly.
Bianca gave a little laugh, feeling as though she was being interviewed as wife material. Was that so bad? Or was it a bit too personal for a first date?
“No, I don’t have any children,” she told him. “Do you?”
“Nope,” he answered concisely.
“Do you want any?” Bianca had to ask for some reason.
Tanner sighed. “Someday. I’m not in any hurry, though.”
“Neither am I.” She wanted to make this clear, preferring to leave all the mommying to her sister for now.
He seemed content with her answer and resumed eating. “Tell me about your family. I know you said you’re from Houston. Fill in some blanks.”
She put down her fork. “Well, my parents are divorced. My dad lives in Biloxi and Mom in Galveston.”
“I lost my folks some time back,” he said sadly. “Dad from a heart attack, Mom from cancer.”
Bianca cringed on hearing this. “I’m so sorry about your parents.”
Tanner raised his chin. “So am I. But they had a good life for as long as it lasted.”
Bianca was glad that he seemed to have come to terms with their passing. She wondered how long it would take her to do the same when her parents passed away. “I have a sister who lives in Portland, Oregon,” she told him, “with her husband and his twin daughters.”
“Portland, huh?” Tanner leaned forward interestedly. “I’ve been there a couple of times, as well as Seattle.”
“The Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit,” Bianca told him.
“Aside from Texas and Oregon, where else have you been?” he asked curiously.
“Can’t say I can match your travels, but I’ve been here and there.”
“Such as...”
“Let’s see...most of the midwestern and western states, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans Miami, Seattle and Honolulu twice.” She paused to collect her thoughts. “Abroad, I’ve been to Brazil, Canada, the Cayman Islands, England, Mexico and Sweden.”
“Not bad,” Tanner said, slicing through his shrimp stuffed with crab and cheddar cheese. “So what do you do for sport? It’s obvious you keep yourself in great shape.”
“Thank you,” Bianca told him, happy that he noticed. “I jog almost daily.”
“Cool. Maybe we can run together sometime.”
“Sounds good to me.” She imagined seeing him in a T-shirt and shorts, showing off his well-defined, muscular limbs.
“Then we’ll make it happen.” Tanner lifted his glass. “What type of music are you into? I’m guessing pop and R&B, maybe a little jazz, cabaret and blues. How am I doing?”
Bianca laughed. “Not too bad. You can probably scratch the blues off the list, though it was my dad’s favorite type of music. But I’m definitely into R&B, pop and jazz. I love Alicia Keys, Adele, Bruno Mars, Kendre Kelly, Rihanna and Michael Bublé, among many others.”
“Yeah, I like them, too. Seems like we have a few things in common.”
“Seems that way,” she agreed, tasting the greens. “But I have to admit, I haven’t done any crossword puzzles in a while and generally prefer literary and romance novels to mysteries and thrillers.”
Tanner chuckled. “I could see that. Guess I’ll have to work on you with the crossword puzzles.”
“Oh, you think so?”
“Yeah, it could be fun trying to solve the mystery together.”
“Maybe,” she said, wondering what other common ground they might find. She watched his lips move sexily as he chewed. “So are you a self-made millionaire? Or did you get where you are through inherited wealth?”
Hope I’m not being too nosey, Bianca told herself. But she was curious and he seemed comfortable enough in his own skin to talk about almost anything.
“A bit of both,” Tanner revealed. “My father was a wealthy real-estate investor, among other ventures. While Solomon and I benefited from this, much of what my parents earned was donated to charity, as they wanted us to succeed on our own to a large degree. And we have, turning a small fortune into a large one.”
“That’s impressive.” She applauded him. “Obviously you’ve invested your money wisely.”
“Yeah, it’s worked out well so far, but I’m not taking anything for granted. I don’t expect to just sit on my butt and rake in the dough. I’m all about rolling up my sleeves and working as hard as any of my employees to keep the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in what I do.”
“Looks like you are very grounded,” Bianca said.
“I could say the same for you.” Tanner met her eyes in earnest. “Guess we’re cut from the same cloth.”
She chuckled. “Maybe not quite.”
His thick brows lowered. “Why do you say that?”
Should I go there and possibly ruin the mood? Bianca asked herself. “Well, if I’m not mistaken, you’ve built quite a reputation for yourself as one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. It seems like you’re not very interested in settling down with just one woman.”
Tanner tasted the wine. “As a writer, you shouldn’t believe everything you read or hear.”
Her eyes widened defensively. “Are you denying it?”
“I admit to never marrying and being in the company of single women from time to time. But that doesn’t mean I’m just a player and not looking for that one special lady.”
“So you are looking for that special lady?” Bianca asked bluntly, hoping it didn’t sound as though she were volunteering for the job.
“Yeah, I am,” Tanner said without preface. “And are you looking for that one special guy?”
“Of course,” she responded truthfully and then decided to tone this down, so there was no pressure either way. “But I’m in no hurry. When it happens, it happens. Until then, I’m just happy to be with some pleasant company.”
He grinned. “Touché.”
* * *
After the meal, which Tanner felt ended too soon, he walked Bianca outside. It was a warm night. He would like nothing better than to take her to his suite and make love to her. But it was obvious that she was not interested in a casual fling. Neither was he, where she was concerned.
“Are you sure I can’t have Johan give you a lift home?” Tanner asked. It would give him the opportunity to go along for the ride.
“Thanks, but I’ll stick with the cab,” Bianca told him.
He accepted her choice, while hoping this would change in the future. He got her a taxi, then Tanner opened the door for Bianca. He badly wanted to kiss her. Something told him she wanted the same. Or was that merely his fantasy?
Going with his instincts, Tanner lifted her chin and gazed into Bianca’s eyes for a long moment before tilting his head and planting a kiss on her lips. They were, as expected, soft and perfect when meshing with his. He kept the kiss going for several seconds and then pulled back, not wanting to overdo it.
“That was nice,” Bianca uttered.
“Yeah, for me too,” he assured her.
“Good night, Tanner.”
“Good night.”
He smiled and watched her slide into the backseat before he closed the door.
As the cab drove off, Tanner watched for a moment, wishing he’d gone with her. She’d left quite an impression on him—one that he did not take lightly.
Bianca Wagner may be just the lady I’ve been looking for all my adult life, he thought. But the trick was getting her to feel the same way about him. He would work on that and not allow this gorgeous woman to slip through his fingers.
Tanner went back inside the hotel and made the rounds, greeting guests warmly, even while his thoughts were decidedly on Bianca.
Chapter 5
The following morning, Tanner joined Solomon in the Tiki Room for breakfast. There were waffles and sausage links already on the table.
“You look tired,” Tanner said, taking a seat opposite his brother. “It must have been a tough night.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it tough,” Solomon said, sipping coffee. “Melanie kept me going and going and—”
“I get the picture.” Tanner lifted up a hand to halt him. “Glad to see you two have clicked for however long that might be.” He knew his brother had a habit of moving through ladies faster than he got rid of clothes.
“I’m not looking too far ahead,” Solomon told him. “Right now, I’m just enjoying her company.”
“And clearly she’s enjoying yours, too,” Tanner teased him.
Solomon dug his fork into the waffle. “How did it go with you and Bianca last night?”
“It was good.” Tanner stirred his coffee. “I like her.”
“So tell me something I don’t know. But is she any good in bed?”
“We haven’t gotten that far,” admitted Tanner.
“Holding back on you, is she?”
“We’re holding back on each other. I don’t want to rush things with her.”
“That’s a switch,” Solomon said. “Growing soft on Bianca before you even sample the merchandise?”
Tanner frowned. “She’s a classy lady, and I’d rather not screw things up by making it seem like all I’m interested in is getting her into bed.”
Solomon cocked a brow. “So, what are you looking for here—someone to marry and settle down with?”
“No, I simply want someone I can relate to and who can hold my interest in and out of bed. You should try it sometime. You might like it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Solomon said. “But I’m in no hurry to take that path. Maybe you’re not, either.”
“We’ll see about that,” Tanner said, feeling he was more than ready to leave the playboy life behind and start a real relationship. But was Bianca ready to take that journey with him?
His cell phone rang, and for an instant Tanner thought it might be Bianca. But the caller ID showed it was Angie LeBrock, the last person he wanted to talk to. He’d been avoiding her calls because she didn’t seem to take no for an answer when he told her things were over between them. Apart from not having much of a personality, frankly, she seemed more interested in what he had than who he was.
He ignored the call.
Solomon noticed. “Who was that?”
Tanner frowned. “Angie.”
“Thought you ended things with her.”
“So did I,” Tanner said glumly. “She thinks otherwise.”
“Is she stalking you now?” Solomon asked.
“I wouldn’t say that, but she is being somewhat of a pest,” Tanner said.
“So call her back and tell her to lay off.”
“That would probably only encourage her into believing there was still a chance for us to get back together.” He didn’t want to make this any more difficult than necessary.
Tanner then considered how much better off he could be with Bianca in his life, as they seemed to hit it off. Was she feeling the same way?
* * *
On Saturday, Bianca dropped by Melanie’s town house after finishing her laundry and other household chores. Her friend was bubbly.
“Solomon and I are going to check out Cirque du Soleil tonight,” gushed Melanie over tea as they sat in her breakfast room.
“Looks like things are really starting to click with you two,” Bianca said enviously.
“Just a little.” Melanie giggled. “Well...a lot in the bedroom. They man is insatiable and seems to know everything it takes to please a woman.”
Bianca colored. “Spare me the details, please.”
“I’m just saying...” Melanie bit into a piece of toast. “I’m so glad you met Tanner, which led to me meeting Solomon. I have no idea where this is headed, but I’m certainly enjoying the ride.”
“I’m happy for you,” Bianca said, and meant it. She only hoped Melanie wasn’t setting herself up for a fall. Solomon’s reputation as a ladies’ man was probably worse than Tanner’s.
“Thanks,” Melanie said. “I’m happy for you, too.”
“We’re not exactly where you are in our relationship, if you would even call it that,” Bianca pointed out.
“That’s not a bad thing,” Melanie said. “It doesn’t mean you and Tanner aren’t of the same mind.”
“I know. He seems to respect me and appreciate what I bring to the table, apart from expectations of what I may offer in the bedroom.”
“And just wait till he sees that,” joked Melanie. “You’ll definitely have him in your hip pocket then.”
Bianca laughed self-consciously. “We’ll see what happens. First, we need a second date. Do you think I should call him?”
“You could,” Melanie said, sipping tea. “But I’m sure he’ll call you if you don’t call him.”
Bianca thought about it. She didn’t want to blow it with Tanner. She also didn’t want to seem too desperate to be with him, although she just really enjoyed his company.
“I’ll wait till he calls,” she decided.
Melanie smiled. “I know you won’t be disappointed.”
Bianca sensed she would not be, but still felt a little tense.
* * *
That night, Bianca’s phone rang, causing her heart to beat a bit faster, thinking it might be Tanner. It was, which brought a smile to her face.
“Hello,” she said coolly.
“Hey.”
“And how are you?”
“I’m good,” he said.
“I’m sure the hotel-casino is keeping you busy,” she commented.
“Not too busy to find some time for you. I was wondering if you’d like to go on a walking gourmet-food tour tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’d love to,” Bianca said. She’d done it once before and had enjoyed it. She knew it would be even better with Tanner’s company.
“Wonderful. I hope I can have my driver pick you up and bring you to the hotel. Or if you insist, you can meet me there.”
“Hmm...” Bianca thought about it and realized it was silly to blame Johan for hitting her car when it was hardly his fault. “I think I’ll be fine having your driver pick me up.”
“Cool. Just be sure to save a lot of room in your stomach,” Tanner said. “There’s a lot to sample.”
She laughed. “Of course, but I have to show moderation to maintain my figure.”
“Understood and agreed,” he said. “Guess we’ll both have to pick and choose carefully while enjoying the experience at the same time.”
“I’m sure we will,” Bianca said, already looking forward to it.
They spoke for only a few more minutes and then Tanner had to cut it short as he was taking a break from a business meeting.
Bianca very much appreciated the gesture and that he cared enough to clear space in his schedule for her. She welcomed the opportunity to get closer.
* * *
When the limousine arrived at her house the next day, Bianca was ready. It was another warm afternoon, so she dressed lightly for the outdoor event in a purple short-sleeved V-neck top, white Bermuda shorts and wedge sandals.
Johan opened the back door for her.
“Thanks,” she said.
“My pleasure.”
Inside, she sat by her lonesome, wishing Tanner was there beside her. She decided to use the time without him to pick Johan’s brain about his boss.
“So, what can you tell me about Tanner?” she asked.
He looked at her through the rearview mirror. “Probably a lot. What would you like to know?”
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