The Playboy's Gamble

nder dress, sensing I was out of place in this luxury oceany closest friend Beatrice had urged me to attend the Ashford Grand Hotel gala. "It will be an unforge

nt. She looked stunning as always, her emerald-green dress perfe

a flicker of impatience. "You look amazing. Trust

hoed, frown

deep, velvety voice interru

e playboy whose name was synonymous with charm and scandal. He looked even more striking in person. His tailored navy suit

ending a hand. "I've been lo

hand, his touch warm and conf

a smile that was equal parts charming and disarming. "

on the champagne glass was tense. "I mentione

e. His reputation was well known. This man gathered hearts as if t

dance?" Jack asked, of

so against my better judgment, I placed my hand in Jack's. He led

held my waist and my cheeks turned red. H

he said softly, his

was shaking because I could not help b

e," he replied. " You are rea

as this one of his games of trying to get me? I wanted to be

ed in closer and said calmly, "I'd like to

a fake smile. "I don't think

You are different" Jacked said. I could hear m

e and his charm wrapped around me like a blanket, well that

like not letting his hand go as he said good night.

d me leave. She'd planned this evening to the smallest detail, ensuring I'd meet Jack. Bu

f my head. So, when he called and invited me

as captivating as I could remember. I smiled back, scanning the restauran

yourself Stella

a simple home". " I don't know my m

y about that S

interested to know everything about

on was intoxicating, and I coul

my car and surprised me by gently cupping my face

rt, his dark eyes searched mine, as i

he said, his voic

cause I closed my eyes and wanted more. When I

nd I remembered the kiss. Was this real? Was Jack

use that night to a gathering of his friends. Beatrice was a

going?" one of th

jaw tightening. "I

. "Complicated? Don't tell

d me to be so genuine, so captivating. But the weight of the bet

his phone buzzed with a message. It was from

ed his jaw,