Joy by Jayne Ann Krentz Page B

delicate high-heeled sandals. She was about to comment on it when a familiar figure stepped out of a neighboring suite directly into their path. His back was toward them.
    „Hello, Brigman,“ Ryerson said easily.
    The redheaded man spun around, looking startled. Then he relaxed and gave them a rather forced smile.
    His eyes darted to the bracelet on Virginia’s wrist and then flicked back to Ryerson. „Evening. Heading for dinner?“
    „Thought we’d have a drink first,“ Ryerson responded.
    „Good idea. I’m heading in the same direction. Mind if I join you?“
    Ryerson hesitated, and Virginia knew he was trying to think of a good reason to refuse the casual request. Apparently nothing came to mind, because he finally nodded brusquely. „Sure. Why not?“
    „Thanks. I see you’re enjoying your winnings,“ he added with another glance at Virginia’s wrist. His smooth gambler’s voice almost succeeded in concealing the underlying tension that radiated from him. „I’ll have to admit that emeralds and diamonds do something for a woman. When are you going to give me a chance to get my bracelet back, Ryerson?“
    Virginia instinctively moved the bracelet out of sight behind a fold of her dress as Ryerson said something bland and noncommittal. Virginia glanced at Brigman. „Do you play poker regularly?“
    Brigman shrugged modestly. „It’s how I make my living.“ Virginia was startled. „You make your living at cards?“
    He smiled thinly. „What can I say? I’m good at it, and I manage to earn enough to be able to afford to live in hotels like this one.“ He waved a hand to indicate the elegant resort. „It’s a good life. Never gets boring, I’ll say that for it. The one thing I can’t take is being bored. There are a lot of places like Toralina with easygoing gambling laws. Around here they don’t mind if a few of the guests get into a private game and set their own stakes. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t generally lose.“ He glanced at Ryerson. „You surprised me last night. I would never have pegged you for a pro.“
    „I’m not. I surprised myself,“ Ryerson said coolly. „I told you, I felt lucky.“
    Brigman’s eyes narrowed speculatively. He did not appear convinced. „Well, my offer is open. If you feel like trying your luck again, let me know. I expect to earn enough tonight at the table to stake myself to another game with you. I’d like to get that bracelet back.“
    „Thanks for the offer,“ Ryerson said. „I’ll think about it.“
    „You do that. I don’t mind telling you that bracelet was pretty special to me. Old family heirloom, you know. Came down to me from my grandmother. It’s been my good-luck charm for years.“
    „I see.“ Ryerson’s tone was still noncommittal.
    Virginia was relieved when Brigman took himself off to a far corner of the bar. She touched the bracelet to reassure herself it was safe. „I don’t like him,“ she said as Ryerson found a private table. „He’s too slick. Reminds me of Jack, in a way. You’re not really going to let him talk you into another game, are you? Not with the bracelet at stake?“
    „Relax. I’ve lost all interest in poker. Last night was the first time I’ve really felt like playing in years, but the urge is gone now. I have no intention of gambling away that bracelet. It belongs to you and me. I think I’m beginning to see it as a symbol of some sort.“
    „A symbol of what?“
    Ryerson looked at her across the table, his gaze serious. „I’m not sure. Maybe a symbol of what we found together in bed last night. Emeralds and diamonds and gold go nicely with passion, don’t you think?“
    Virginia’s eyes were glowing with happiness as she leaned forward to touch his hand. „I think they go beautifully together.“
    Instead of answering her glowing look with one of his own, Ryerson frowned abruptly. „Sit up straight, Ginny. You’re going to fall out of that dress.“
    „I had no idea you had such