Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [28]
She thought back to his question, doubting he would appreciate knowing Vance had given her a tour of his security setup. "I’ve been doing a lot of things but mostly perfecting my blackjack skills."
His laugh sent a warm feeling all through her stomach. "I hope you won't be breaking the casino before I return."
"I'll try not to, but I have been lucky a few times."
"Luck has nothing to do with it. Like I've told you, it's merely a matter of science."
"If you say so. Will you still be returning tomorrow night?"
"Those are my plans and so far things are running on schedule. I should be able to wrap up in the morning and arrive there by late afternoon."
Brooke nodded. She didn't want to admit it but she had missed him. The mere fact that until this week she hadn't seen him in four years meant nothing. Once she'd seen him her heart had remembered; unfortunately, so had her body.
"What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
His question pulled in her thoughts. "To shop until I drop." She then decided to mention something that had been bothering her all day. "I got a call from Tara this morning inviting me to Delaney's surprise birthday party. Why didn't you mention it'?"
"I really didn't think about it much. Besides. I figured sooner or later you would hear from some member of my family."
"And how do you feel about me being there?" she questioned.
"Why are you asking me that? Is there a certain way I should feel, Brooke?" "I don't know," she replied quietly. "I know how tense I made you feel being at Dare's wedding."
"At the time, considering everything, I think a certain degree of discomfort for both of us was understandable."
"And now?"
And now I think we're a lot more at ease with each other, don't you'?"
Considering how they'd been spending a lot of their time while they'd been together she would definitely say yes. "I just don't want you to get bent all out of shape if your family starts assuming things about us."
"I'm used to my family, Brooke. Maybe the real question is whether or not you'll get bent out of shape. My mom refuses to believe that you and I won't ever work out our problems and get back together, no matter what I've told her to the contrary. She likes you. Always has."
Brooke smiled. She'd always liked his mom as well. "So are you thinking about going?"
"Probably" she replied, hoping that making an appearance wouldn't cause a big commotion. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be any way to avoid it. Everyone had known how serious her and Ian's relationship was at one time, and she was sure some of them didn't know the reason for their breakup. Although he was close to his family, Ian was a private person when it came to his personal life.
"And you're sure you won't have a problem if I decide to go?" she asked again.
"Yes. I'm sure I won't have a problem with it." He chuckled. "Besides, it's about time I give the family something to talk about. Things have been pretty quiet since Durango got married a few months ago and I'll be the first to admit that we Westmorelands need a little craziness every once in awhile."
A half hour later Ian sat and reflected on his conversation with Brooke. He'd asked her if she'd missed him and before they'd hung up he'd gotten her to admit she had. That meant he was making progress. But the truth was that he wasn't faring much better. He missed her, too.
He should never have let her back into his life, but now that she was, he was in a bad way. It was crazy what mere kisses could do to a man.
It had been more than just the kisses, though. It had been her presence and the heated attraction that enveloped them each and every time they were together.
"Would you like anything else to drink, sir?"
Ian glanced up at the waiter. He had dined alone at a restaurant known for its sizzling and delicious steaks. The food had been excellent, but the only sizzling and delicious thing on his mind during the