Let it Ride (Casino Nights #1) Read Online Free Page A

everybody.”
    “Well, um…good. I think there are
some really interesting panels this time and I’m sure you can learn a lot.”
Francesca turned her body to face Remy. She rolled her eyes.
    “Gold digging ex-wife,” she mouthed.
    He nodded, trying to place the woman
who was now talking way too loudly to Marie.
    Carmen put her hand on Francesca’s
shoulder. “I’m so glad that I found you. I just heard that Steven Blake is
going to be here.”  
    Francesca didn’t show any emotion.
She did stare at the long red nails on her arm for a moment, then turned her head to face Carmen.
    Carmen dropped her hands to her
non-existent hips. “Well, I thought you would like to know. I mean, he’s said
some pretty ugly things about you and Jimmy.”
    Everyone in the casino world had
heard the ravings of Steven Blake. He had filed numerous complaints and
lawsuits claiming collusion and tampering with officials, each implicating
Jimmy O’Haire . Remy had read the findings of several
investigations and there was no merit to the claims. In Indiana, nothing had
been found to point the finger at Jimmy or his company. If Jimmy O’Haire and Rose Holdings had ties to organized crime, it
was buried so deeply that nobody could find the thread. Many different agencies
had tried over the years.
    “I’m sure that you’ve listened
intently to his ravings and would love to share them with me and my friends.
However, we have other things to discuss tonight.” Francesca gave the woman a
sweet smile. “Thank you for stopping by to say hello, but I don’t want to keep
you.”
    Marie added just as sweetly, “Don’t
let us hold you up, sugar. Run along.”
    Remy caught their server’s eye and
motioned her over.
    Francesca watched the viper leave
and slowly let out a long sigh. “Well that was fun.”
    “I thought you handled it very well.
She obviously wanted to stir things up and you shut her down very efficiently.”
Remy nodded his approval. “Now, would you like another drink?”
    “I think I deserve one, especially
if I have to deal with Steven Blake and his ugliness this week.”
    “Are you anticipating a problem?”
Blake was not the kind of man who was afraid to make a scene.
    She paused before answering. “Yes
and no. I don’t know of any new trouble from Mr. Blake, but he isn’t shy. I’m
not planning on interacting with him and I’ll be extra cautious. He’s a bit of
a wild card.”
    Remy ordered for both of them and
sent his credit card with the server to cover this round for the table.
    “I saw that, Remy. You need to work
on your sleight of hand.”
    “Well darlin ’,
I can honestly say that I’ve never had any complaints about my hands.” He
watched her closely. In the darkened bar, he couldn’t tell if she was blushing,
but his instincts said that she was.
    She took his hand into hers, running
her index finger across his palm. “They seem to be nice hands. You use them.”
Her voice turned husky. “You have callouses.”
    He let her continue to stroke his
palm, although he wanted to grab her wrist and bring her fingers to his lips
and nibble on each one. “I might have a desk job but I don’t spend my free time
sitting around.”
    “So would you say that you are
hands-on?” She winked at him.
    “I think I’d need to show you and
let you decide.” There it was. He clearly signaled he wanted her.
    Francesca continued to watch him.
“That sounds very interesting, Remy.”  
    The server had terrible timing. She
placed the black leather check holder in front of him and laid a pen on top of
it.
    When Francesca finished her drink,
she started to gather her purse.
    “Are you going someplace?” He was
having a good time flirting with her. “I’m getting sleepy and I want to get a
good night’s rest.” She scooted her chair backwards and stood.
    “I’ll come with you.” He stood also.
    They said their goodbyes and left
the bar.  
    The lobby was much quieter.
Francesca slowed to a stop. “Remy,