A Scandalous Melody by Linda Conrad Read Free Book Online Page A

it?”
    Was that another none-too-subtle hint about her new dire circumstances? It didn’t matter. She was glad hehad found wealth, relatives and respect. Regardless of the fact that it meant he had control of her future now.
    Chase had always been the one really good guy in town in her mind. The good guy who had protected her and towered over everyone else in her estimation.
    She’d never doubted that he would do his best for the town. And soon the rest of the world would know it, too.
    Â 
    The waiter brought their salads, then their entrees, and the time passed quietly while they enjoyed their meals. After the chicory coffee was served and the candles on the table had burned low, Chase tried to clear his head of the congenial feelings and the sensual images that had been plaguing him during their dinner.
    Kate was too bright—too soft—too everything. In her sleeveless black dress with the little shoulder straps and the dainty high-heel sandals, the woman made his insides ache with wanting.
    He’d meant for this to be a fast meal where he could study her, find ways to get under her skin and make her want him. Instead, he’d opened his mouth and his heart and told her things about his past that few people had ever heard.
    Dumb. Well, he would just have to begin again. After all, his original intentions were to have her squirm, right?
    â€œYou ready to leave yet, Kate?”
    â€œLeave? Where are we going? Is the evening over already? I wanted to explain to you…”
    â€œNothing’s over. Get your things together. I’ll take care of the bill and then we’re going home.”
    â€œHome? To the B&B?”
    He stood back, studying her and waiting for the reaction. “To my home, chère. We’re going to Live Oak Hall. I have a game I think you might enjoy playing.”
    He waited for the question. But though her eyes were wide, she raised her chin and didn’t say a word. The ache in his chest from wanting her and yet trying to remember that he hated her was beginning to make him irritable. Why couldn’t this be easy? Why couldn’t she just be the heartless witch of his nightmares?
    â€œI’m going to give you the chance to gamble for what you want,” he muttered. “You want something from me, you have to win it.”
    â€œI’m not much of a gambler,” Kate told him quietly.
    â€œAh, but this game will be so enjoyable.” He slid out of the booth and turned back, holding out his hand to her.
    Finally she asked, “What game is that?” Ignoring his hand, she scooted out of the booth on her own.
    â€œLet’s just see how badly you want your favor.” He took her arm and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “A little game of poker ought to tell us all we need to know. Don’t you agree, bébé? ”
    â€œWhich poker? I’m not good at playing card games.”
    â€œIt’s better if you’re bad at it, Kate. This is the very best game to play between two old friends, and one I know I’ll enjoy—strip poker.”

Four
    â€œT hat’s cheating, Kate.” Chase said the words with a low growl, but his eyes were dark with mischief and mirth.
    â€œA shoe is an article of clothing,” she insisted.
    After already removing her watch, a ring and the clip from her hair, shoes were the only things left to go before the consequences of being a loser in this game became much too intimate.
    â€œBesides, I think you’re the one that’s cheating,” Kate argued. “The cards you’ve been dealing are just awful.”
    Chuckling softly, Chase shook his head. “I don’t have to cheat. You’re terrible at this game.” He leaned back and leered at her through the flickering candlelight. “But the article of clothing is a pair of shoes. You can’t lose only one of the pair.”
    â€œHmm. All right.” Kate grudgingly removed both