“Dealer’s choice,” her grandma piped up. “I’ll get the pennies.”
Her grandma leapt gracefully to her feet, heading into the kitchen where she kept the jar of pennies they used when they played cards. There had been many nights when Chris would join them, and almost as many, when Luther and Melissa would come over. Those nights had become few and far between over the past year, a fact that Cassie hadn’t realized until now.
A stab of guilt hit her as she realized just how distant she had grown from her grandma over the past year. She turned toward Devon, thankful for giving her this opportunity to spend time with her grandmother, especially now, with the danger and death that lurked around them. There may not be many of these nights left to share with each other.
She met his gaze, her doubts slipping away as she found herself charmed by the small smile he gave her. “Are you feeling lucky tonight?” he inquired softly.
Her toes curled, her face flamed. She hadn’t been feeling lucky at all, not until now, that is. “Maybe,” she responded with a teasing grin.
His eyes twinkled merrily in the light. “I hope so.”
Her mouth went dry, her fingers clenched at the innuendo beneath his smooth tone. “Here we are.”
Her grandma arrived again, happily slapping the jar of pennies down in front of Cassie. “Count them out dear, a dollar each.” Cassie dove at the pennies, grateful for the distraction they offered from the man sitting beside her. “Maybe Chris would like to play with us.”
Cassie shook her head, pausing at twenty three to look at her grandma. “He’s staying home tonight, he’s tired.”
A knowing, sad gleam came into her grandmother’s eyes as she leaned back in her chair. “I see.”
Cassie couldn’t stop herself from glancing back at Devon. He was smiling knowingly at her, a promising gleam in his eyes as he leaned forward. “Get those pennies counted.”
She swallowed heavily, her heart hammering with the knowledge that he would return to her room tonight. She thought her head would explode from the blood pounding rapidly through it. Anticipation filled her, causing her fingers to shake as she returned to counting the copper mound before her. She had to recount them three times as she kept losing her concentration, but finally she was able to get one dollar together.
Devon took mercy on her, taking the jar away to count out the remaining two dollars. When he was done, he leaned elegantly back in his chair, dealing the cards swiftly out to them. “Five card stud, penny ante.”
Cassie took hold of her cards, but her thoughts were not on the suits before her. She didn’t think she would ever be able to concentrate on anything when he was near. He squashed any reasonable thoughts that filled her mind; instead it was filled completely with him, and his presence.
After a little while Cassie found herself relaxing, laughing and joking with them both. The horrifying events from the night were not forgotten, but they did not burn as brightly inside her. The comforting company of the people beside her helped to ease the wounds and pain that the night had inflicted. She hadn’t realized how badly she needed to have a relaxing, easy night, until now.
They played for almost two hours, until somehow Cassie managed to win all of the pennies. Tossing in the last hand, Devon leaned forward as Cassie happily scooped up her winnings, which would be returned to the jar. “I guess you are lucky,” he remarked, his eyebrows lifted boyishly.
Cassie grinned back at him. “I suppose so.”
“Well kids, it is getting late, don’t forget that you have school tomorrow,” her grandma said gently.
Cassie shook her head. “Subtle grandma.”
“I try dear,” she replied brightly. “Devon it was a pleasure to meet you.” She extended her hand to him, grasping tightly hold of his. “You must come by more often. We will get everyone together to play next time. Perhaps we’ll teach them Faro, maybe it will be the one game that Cassie can’t win.”
“I doubt it.” He flashed the beautiful smile Cassie was sure had melted many female hearts before, and her grandmother appeared to be no exception. “But it will be fun to see if we could beat her.”
“Yes, yes it would. Goodnight kids.”
Her grandma kissed her lightly on the cheek before slipping from the room. “I suppose I should be leaving,” he said softly.
Cassie nodded, licking her lips nervously. “Yes.”
She followed him to the back door, standing anxiously by as he opened it slowly. She stood silently, impatiently, her body screaming for his touch. Bending low, he wrapped his hand gently around her neck, caressing her briefly as he bent to her ear. “It will be easier if you just leave your window open for me tonight.”
Cassie froze, trapped like a dear in the headlights as his words seared into her. There was no describing the feeling of longing that slammed through her. She had never felt this hopeful, wanting, confused, helpless, and needy before. In that moment she knew, that for him, she would do anything. No matter how many doubts she had about him, she knew her feelings for him would always win out.
She did not know how to feel about the complete loss of control she had over herself around him, but in that moment she couldn’t bring herself to care. She could only manage a small nod as his fingers stroked lightly over her cheek. “See you soon,” he said softly, brushing a light kiss on the bridge of her nose.
He pulled reluctantly away, turning swiftly and heading out the door. She watched him until she was sure that he made it safely to his car, wishing she could go with him to make sure he arrived safely at home, or wherever he was going until he came back. Her heart pounded with worry, but it also took all she had not to flee to her room to eagerly await his return.
Her grandmother was leaning against the doorway of the dining room, smiling softly when Cassie came back through. “He seems like a very charming, very nice man.”
Cassie stopped, trying to keep her face as impassive as possible while her heart pounded like a jack hammer. “Yes, he is.”
Her grandmother’s grin widened, a knowing gleam shone in her bright eyes. “You seem to like him very much.”
“I do,” Cassie admitted.
She stepped away from the doorway, moving with brisk agility as she came forward to clasp hold of Cassie’s hands. “I’m glad for you dear, but you must be careful.”
Cassie sighed heavily, squeezing her hands tightly. “I know grandma, I am being careful, I promise.”