Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [19]
He set the basket on the table, crossed his arms over his chest and asked, "Why? Are you afraid to be alone with me?"
"I'm not afraid, Ian, just cautious," she said as she struggled to maintain her composure. "And why do you feel the need to put your guard up, Brooke?"
Ha! He had the nerve to ask her that!
Irritation settled in her spine. "I'm not new to this game of yours, Ian." He cast her an innocent look. "What game?" She didn't hesitate in answering. "Your game of seduction."
His lips quirked. "Since you think you know me so well, why are you so uptight about spending time with me? You used to know how to handle me. At least you thought you did."
A soft chuckle escaped Brooke's lips. "I didn't think anything. I did handle you. I proved that I wasn't like those half-brain tarts you used to mess around with," she said, crossing the room to him and lifting her chin.
"And furthermore, Ian Westmoreland," she added, reaching out and tapping him on the chest with her linger, "your brand of seduction won't work with me."
"And why won't it?" he asked, grabbing her linger before she jabbed a hole in his chest. "It's always worked before."
"Always worked before? Oh really, well we'll just see about that," she said over her shoulder after turning toward the bedroom. "I'll be ready in five minutes."
"Need any help getting dressed'?"
"No. thank you. And if I remember correctly your expertise was in getting me undressed."
When she slammed the bedroom door shut, Ian couldn't help but smile. He remembered that fact, as well. It appeared that he would have to change his strategy a bit today, but eventually he'd have her right where he wanted her.
It was a beautiful day for sailing. The last time she had been on a boat was a couple of years ago when Malcolm had tried fixing her up with an old college pal of his. They had double dated on a deep-sea fishing trip Unfortunately, she and the guy didn't hit it off, had nothing in common and she'd spent the entire two hours comparing him to Ian. Luckily for her, but unluckily for Malcolm, his date got seasick, and they had to return to shore earlier than planned. "So what do you think?"
Ian's words intruded into her thoughts, and she glanced over at him and then wished she hadn't. He stood tall next to the railing, silhouetted against the noonday sun and looking every bit a sexy ship's captain. She dismissed that image from her mind and tried concentrating on the sailboat instead. According to Ian, the boat was owned by the casino, which in essence meant it was his. "This boat is a beauty, Ian."
He had surprised her by how expertly he handled the boat and all the sleek maneuvers as it glided across the waters of Lake Tahoe with ease. Whether Brooke wanted to admit it or not, it was the perfect day for an afternoon sail, and so far Ian had been the most gracious host in addition to being a well-behaved gentleman. The latter really surprised her.
The food had been delicious yet simple: ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, wine and cheesecake. Nothing fancy, nothing meant to impress. And because it shouldn't have, it did anyway. Sharing lunch with him had been wonderful. He had told her how Stone and his wife had met when they'd been on a plane together bound for Montana. He also told her of his uncle's three children. The Four cousins had forged a family bond with their newfound Westmoreland cousins from Texas, Uncle Corey’s triplets—Clint, Cole and Casey.
"You'll like Casey if you ever get the chance to meet her," he said, taking a sip of his wine. He smiled when he added, "Her brothers had just as much trouble keeping the guys away from her as we did Delaney when she was growing up."
Brooke lifted her eyes toward the sky and breathed in the fresh April air. It was a beautiful day and being out on the lake was exactly what she needed. Had she remained at the resort she would have probably spent way to much money shopping. "I bet it was hard on the three of them, already adults before finding out their father was alive and not dead as they'd thought."
Ian nodded. "Yes, Clint