The Marriage Mistake(45)
Sawyer Wells chuckled and copied the motion. Three deuces stared up at him.
“Fuck.”
“It’s been too long, Max. I’ve missed your humor. And of course, your lousy poker playing.”
Max buckled and lit his own cigar. The elaborate poker table fully stocked with chips was only part of the unique features of his longtime friend’s living quarters. The bar was just as impressive and one shelf alone held as many flavored vodkas, rums, and liquors as a guest could demand. The expensive artwork lining the walls would rival any famous collector’s. Decorated in vivid reds and earthy tones, Sawyer Wells always reminded him of a man who revered the life of luxury and focused on every element of pleasure without apology. “You’re just trying to get me drunk so you tempt me into a lousy deal with your hotel.”
The blond man shook his head and flicked the thick ash off the top of his cigar. His fair skin and golden eyes pegged him as a nonchalant surfer or bored prince. Until he turned sideways and revealed his scar. A wicked slash down his cheek, sometimes hidden by his long hair. Max knew both assumptions were dead wrong. The man made his own fortune, owned a sharp sense of humor, and a brain that challenged the most savvy executives. “Not my hotel. I’m just running the Venetian for a few more months. I’m building a brand-new chain to rival that asshole Trump.” Max laughed. “And as for your drinking ability, let’s just say it’s better than your poker game.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Bet that deck was rigged. I should’ve played on the main casino floor.”
“Somehow I don’t think you’ll be poverty-stricken from a few thousand.” His face reflected a memory Max never probed. They’d met on a yacht in Greece, where Max had his eye on a pretty princess trying to buck her overprotective daddy. Problem occurred when Sawyer swept in with the same intention. Max won the fight and the princess. He dumped her the next day, and both men ended up with a few bruises, a hangover, and a friendship that lasted.
When he discovered Sawyer knew Mama Conte, genuine like turned into deep affection, and they’d remained close throughout the years. But other than Sawyer’s success and lack of parents, Max knew nothing about where he’d come from. Fortunately, he didn’t give a crap. As he learned from experience, a past does not make a man’s future.
“Any other plans while you’re here?” Sawyer asked. “Other than my smoking you out of your money?”
“You wish. Dinner, some gambling, and letting off some steam with a companion.”
Sawyer arched a brow. “A particular woman?”
An image of Carina flashed before him. He deliberately took a puff of his cigar. “No. It’s better that way.”
Sawyer nodded. “Usually is. No one gets hurt and the ride is all pleasure. Still, something tells me you’re disturbed about something.”
Max snorted. “Don’t use your witch senses on me.”
“You must be afraid of them for a reason. Shall I set you up with someone?”
A grin tugged at his lips. “I can get my own women, Sawyer. I don’t need your sloppy seconds, but thanks for the offer.”
“You can only dream to have a shot at my rejects. Remember that time in Paris? I set you up with a model and you couldn’t close the deal.”
“I liked your date more.”
“So? I brought her home that night.”
“Yeah, but she slept with me the next weekend.”
“Bastard.”
Max laughed at the insult that held no heat. Sawyer had been his partner in many female escapades, all for the lure of the close and the prospect of pleasure. An odd emptiness pulsed in his gut. Ever since Carina bounded back into his life, he’d felt most of his relationships and actions were . . . flat. She made everything more vibrant and meaningful. What was wrong with him?
“Sawyer?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you ever want . . . more?”
His friend restacked the cards and neatened the pile of chips. “More what?”
Feeling ridiculous, he shrugged. “You know. More from women. More out of life.”
He paused in his shuffling and considered the question. “Not yet. I hope to one day, though. Why, Max? Do you?”
He pushed the emotion aside and deliberately laughed it off. “No, just wondering. I better go.”
“Yes, I will make arrangements to see you in a few hours when I can get the second half of your money.”
Max stubbed out his cigar. “What do you Americans say? Ah, yes, dare to dream.”
Sawyer’s laughter echoed through the room.
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