The Wild Card #2
A lock of black hair fell across his eyes. Cami reached up to brush it away, but stopped before she touched him. What has possessed her?
The shorter, balding man answered. “You’d best run along, little lady. We have business with him.”
“‘Little lady’?” Cami crossed her arms. That was twice today she’d been called that particular name and she didn’t like being dismissed. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until someone tells me what’s going on.”
The flippant man moved in front of her, blocking her from Mr G. “It’s only a game of cards, darlin’. No need for you to worry your pretty self.”
He winked at his partner and then reached a pudgy hand towards her. Before she realized his intent, he picked up a lock of her hair and rubbed it, his fingers grazing her neck. “I say we finish this game and see what we can show the lady .”
The taller one snorted. “She ain’t dressed like no lady.”
Cami gasped, for the first time afraid.
Mr G. yanked him back by the collar. “Remove your hand, now.”
He whined. “We don’t mean no harm. We just wanna finish our game, get what’s due.”
Mr G. released the man and shoved him away from her. “I intend to make good on my bet. It will be in the form of something other than coins.”
The coin. Cami realized she held Mr G.’s money. He’d only given it to her as part of the reality show. He obviously needed it back. She’d get paid later.
Cami held up the American eagle. “Will this be enough?”
Three
Seth Warner reluctantly tore his gaze from the beautiful woman who’d come to his aid and glanced at the ruffians. He saw their lust turn to greed at the prospect of more money.
“Sure it will, darlin’.” Both men slapped each other on the back.
Seth gave the woman another assessing look, agreeing with them on one point: she was most oddly dressed.
Blue trousers moulded to her very seductive curves and a white blouse, buttons scandalously open at the neck, gave him a glimpse of her lacy chemise beneath.
Her long, reddish hair hung in waves past her shoulders, free from any clasp.
He felt as if he’d been punched in the stomach.
Who was this siren of a woman? Why did she want to help him?
Seth approached her, intent on finding out. The other men had gone inside. He took her arm, guided her to the parlour and said, “To what do I owe this favour?”
The lacy fringe of her lashes lifted, genuine surprise on her face. “It was yours. I’m returning it.”
They arrived at the table and he pulled out a chair for her.
“Oh, I . . . really can’t stay,” she said.
Seth pressed her lightly into the chair. As he slid her towards the table, he bent in and whispered, “We’ll discuss your act of kindness after the game.” Her unique scent of lavender lingered as he took the chair next to her.
Seth put his hands on the table. “Gentlemen, I believe I have a benefactress for good fortune. Shall we proceed?” There were a few grumbles, but the dealer flipped cards face down to each player. Good. He may be down, but he wasn’t out.
The dealer said, “The game is five-card draw.” He nodded towards the woman. “In honour of our guest, queens are wild.”
Seth looked at his dealt cards: the nine of clubs, four of diamonds, eight of hearts, jack of clubs, and the five of spades.
Blast. He’d need a miracle to win this hand. He had to stay in. It was his last chance to get the money.
He leaned over to the woman and said, “Throw in the coin.” That was a mistake. Her scent beckoned him. He moved closer. She held out the coin to him. “I don’t want to play.”
“You’ll bring me luck. Let me show you.” He gently wrapped his hand around hers and steered her to the centre. “Now let go.” The coin clinked as she dropped it into the pile of money.
Keeping his face unreadable, he said, “I’m in.” Yet he was far from unresponsive to her. His body’s primal reactions heated up with a vengeance.
Two of the other players also stayed in. Only the man on his right folded.
When it was his turn, Seth chose the four, the five and the eight and tossed them into the pile of other rejected cards.
He tried to ignore the woman next to him, but he was aware of her nearness, the heat of her skin. Unable to stop himself, he angled towards her again. “Draw three cards from the stacked deck.”
Her face was pale and a droplet of moisture beaded her upper lip. He struggled to keep from touching her as another spike of desire caught him.
She handed him the requested cards singly: the eight of clubs, the ten of clubs and . . . the queen of hearts.
A wild card.
The fellow across from him folded. Only one other player remained and only one hand that could better his.
He allowed himself a small amount of hope. “Call.”
The last man laid down his cards and snickered. “I got a full house.”
“Very admirable.” Seth spread his cards on the table and smiled. “But it doesn’t beat a straight flush.”
Seth shoved his winnings to the edge of the table and into his coat pocket. The other men stirred.
Seth stood and whispered in the woman’s ear, “Let’s get out of here.”
He pulled her outside, then walked quickly down Pacific Avenue away from the hotel.
“Where are we going?” She tugged back. “I want to stay close to the hotel.”
He tightened his grip on her upper arm and kept going. “I don’t want those men following us.”
“Let go of me. I can walk myself.”
He eased his fingers away, but didn’t let up the pace. When they were a safe distance from the hotel, he stopped and drew her aside, out of the main flow of pedestrian traffic. She looked beautiful with temper flaring in her hazel eyes, colouring her cheeks. “Thank you for your help. But why?”
She threw up her hands, clearly agitated, for what reason he couldn’t fathom. “Look, no one is more perplexed about all this than me. I really don’t know. Call me crazy. It just goes with the rest of my day.”
Shaking his head, he chuckled. “Has it been so bad?”
“You have no idea.”
“Then it shall be my mission to make the rest of your day better, Miss . . .?”
An unwilling smile tugged at her lips. She held out her hand. “Cami Desmond.”
Seth took her hand, bowed low and gently kissed her knuckles. He straightened and said, “Seth Warner, at your service.”
“Wow. A real gentleman.”
Seth tensed, uneasy at the number of curious stares cast their way. “As much as I’m intrigued by your clothing, you should change into more . . . appropriate attire. You’re drawing unwanted attention.”
She looked down at her clothes. “Well, yes, I see your point, but I don’t have anything else with me.”
“I won’t permit you back to the hotel. It’s too dangerous.” He looked up the street, focusing on a storefront. He took her arm again, this time with less force.
“Allow me to provide what you require.”
Four
Seth led Cami into a woman’s clothing boutique. Even this “shop” appeared to be part of the set. It was small, quiet and totally Victorian. Richly crafted garments hung on hooks scattered throughout the room and several mannequins were dressed with complete outfits.
“Good afternoon, sir.” The woman who addressed Seth was plump, dressed to the nines in high fashion, from her lace-embellished pink shoes to the ornate hat decorated with ribbons and bird feathers perched on a mop of curls.
“What may I show your lady today?” The woman barely glanced at her, but Cami could hear sympathy oozing from her voice.
Seth turned to the proprietor and gave her money, probably as a tip. “I must see to an errand. Please outfit her with anything she needs.”
He bowed to Cami. “I shall return. I believe you are in good hands.” Cami watched Seth walk out the door, wondering if she’d see him again, or if another stagehand would come for her. Where was Gina?
“Shall I show you some day gowns?”
Cami turned her attention to the woman. “Yes, I suppose so. But maybe something less . . . elaborate than what you’re wearing.”
Cami spent the next hour trying on several outfits of varying fabrics, colours and styles. Standing before the large floor mirror, she couldn’t believe her transformation, even though it had taken some convincing to lace her into the tiny corset.
She’d chosen a simple walking dress in lightweight wool.
The lichen-green, flared skirt draped to the floor.
Her white silk blouse was high at the neck, buttoned at the side and fronted with lace.
The matching fitted jacket had puffy sleeves that tapered to her wrists, a wide collar, and was accented with gold trim and darker green velvet, the colour reminding her of Seth’s eyes.
The shop owner had swept Cami’s hair high on her head, revealing her gold hoop earrings.
But Cami had drawn the line at wearing a huge bonnet.
Instead she chose a simple, tailored straw hat with one saucy feather tucked on the side.
Cami twirled, the skirt flowing around her legs.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn a dress.
She felt feminine and sexy, in a totally new way.
“I approve of your choice. You’re stunning.”
Cami turned. Seth leaned casually against the wall near the door. He pushed away and came towards her.
“Good, because I don’t think I’ll ever get out of this corset.”
A wicked gleam darkened his eyes. He whispered, “I could help.”
Cami felt her cheeks flush. “Confidence killed the cat, not curiosity.” She turned away and regarded Seth in the mirror.
He’d also changed. His clothes were more casual, but he looked dashing in solid, light-brown trousers with a matching waistcoat, a darker brown vest and a crisp white shirt.
Seth also wore a straw hat, his dark hair curling at the collar.
“Would you stroll with me on the boardwalk?”
“This dress-up time has been fun, but shouldn’t I get back to the hotel? They’ll be looking for me.”
He stood before her and touched her hair, just a light stroke. “Who will be looking for you?”
“My friend Gina.”