Read Online Luck Be A Lady (Destiny Bay Romances-The Ranchers Book 5) by Helen Conrad - Free Book Online Page B

come back and visit you later, you’ve got to treat it right.”
    Kelly felt as though she should be making a defense of her point of view, but in truth, it was getting fuz zier all the time. Just what did she have against gam bling, anyway? Here in the heart of the devil, as it were, gambling took on a charming, seductive quality she couldn’t find much fault with.
    But she made an attempt to call up her old fire. “Gambling ruins families, takes money people should be using to feed and clothe themselves and their loved ones. It’s a vice, a temptation. It encourages people to think they don’t have to work for what they want.   All they need is that Lady Luck you were talking about.”
    His shoulders lifted in the hint of a shrug. “I be lieve in free will, myself,” Cody said softly. “There are a lot of temptations out there in this world. If you can’t say no to them when you know they’re out to get you, then you’ve got a problem and you better get some help in dealing with it.”
    “Cold and hard, aren’t you?” she said, but couldn’t seem to get up much emotion behind her words.
    His grin was slow and mocking. “I suppose you want to take care of everybody, don’t you? Tell them what’s wrong and what’s right and make them eat their vegetables.”
    She bristled a bit at that. “I don’t want to tell others what to do. It’s up to them. But some people are weaker than others, or hit a weak time in their lives.”
    “Right.” Suddenly his fingers were smoothing the wisps of hair back from her cheek. “And some people are born more beautiful than others.” His fingers curled softly around her ear. “Or hit a beautiful time in their lives.” His voice was so soft, she could barely hear it.
    Kelly moved back, away from his touch. His hand stayed in the air where she’d abandoned it. “And some,” Cody said aloud, “are luckier than others.” His grin was suddenly wide and amused. “Like me.” He rose from the railing and slipped a hand behind her back to guide her again. “Come on, let’s go see if they have our table ready.”
    It almost felt as if she were floating. There was something about this man that threatened to set something free inside her. She wasn’t sure if she was frightened—or thrilled.
    The table had been set up beneath the main chandelier, right in the center of the floor, but far enough away from the slot machines to avoid their noise. Nearby tables were filled with card-playing gamblers of the high stakes variety and their conversation was muted. Off to the side, a small combo played light music. Crisp white linen covered the table. Hand-cut crystal and sterling silver reflected the light of the chandelier above. The scene reminded Kelly of a dream sequence—misty and shining and utterly un real.
    But it was set right in the middle of the action. They might as well have erected a stage.
    “We can’t eat here,” she hissed to Cody, clutching his arm.
    “Of course we can,” he countered, pulling out a chair with a flourish. “I’ve arranged everything.”
    Kelly sat numbly, looking around, her cheeks two bright spots of red in a pale face. Curious glances flashed their way, but after a few moments, no one seemed to be paying any attention to the strange cou ple picnicking in the middle of the casino. This was Las Vegas, after all. One didn’t stand on ceremony here. The town was full of characters. What were two more on a busy Thursday evening? She tried to relax, but her arms felt wooden.
    “Take it easy,” Cody murmured, pulling his chair closer to hers and moving the silverware accordingly. “More champagne?”
    He didn’t wait for an answer and that was lucky.   She didn’t give one. She was still looking around, nervous as a cat. She’d never felt so conspicuous before in her life.
    “I feel like I’m dreaming,” she whispered loudly to Cody.
    Cody laughed and touched her hand. “Dreaming is one thing. Acting out your dreams is