Debbi Rawlins - Good To Be Bad

A wave of nostalgia took her by surprise. For years she hadn’t thought about the converted carport where her mother had supported them by cutting and perming the hair of half the women in Searchlight. Or the combination drugstore-diner-gas station where Karrie used to bag Mr. Donner’s trash every day to earn vanilla-and-chocolate-swirl ice-cream cones. Yet the images were all crystal clear.

The waitress brought their food and Rob immediately dug into his seafood lasagna. Not as hungry as she thought she was, Karrie eyed her shrimp and fettuccine with less enthusiasm than when she’d ordered it.

“Hey.”

She looked up at him.

“Something wrong with your dinner?”

“No.” She picked up a fork, not wanting to examine her sudden melancholy.

He hesitated, and then said, “Weird coming home again, huh?”

“Not really. All these people moving here.” She shook her head. “I totally don’t get it.”

“They come for the bright lights and excitement.” His teasing grin lifted her spirits and tightened her tummy.

“We have that and much more in Manhattan.”

“Have you seen some of the new resorts on the strip?” he asked, keeping her gaze locked to his.

“You offering a tour?”

“Yeah.”

She took a big bite of shrimp pasta. There was time enough tomorrow to talk about land and digs and Sanax. Tonight was hers, and she intended to use it in the best way possible. “I’m game,” she said, hoping like hell he understood that she wasn’t talking about a tour.

“I FEEL LIKE I’M AT A REAL BEACH instead of at a casino.”

“That’s the idea.” Rob smiled at the look of amazement on Karrie’s face as she watched the electronically generated waves crash to shore. The beach at Mandalay even had lifeguards on duty. The mega resort was one of the newer kids on the block, vying for business by making Las Vegas a family destination.

“Okay, I’m totally impressed.” She turned to look at him suddenly, her hazel eyes sparkling and golden, and he had the dangerous urge to haul her against him and kiss that wide lush mouth.

“You’re easy.”

“Hey, don’t get personal.”

Hell, pretty, great legs and a sense of humor. “Wait until you see the Shark Reef.”

“Would it still be open?” she asked, glancing at her watch and trying to stifle a yawn.

“I forgot you’re still on East Coast time.”

“No problem. I’m not ready to go to bed yet.”

It was an innocuous remark. Certainly not one that could conjure such an erotic scene in his head. Karrie, sprawled out on his bed, naked, her back arching off the mattress, her golden red hair spread out like wildfire.

He shoved away from the railing they looked over. “Why don’t I take you back to your hotel?”

“I have a better idea.” She turned to face him, light coming from behind him glistening off her glossy pink lips. “Why don’t I buy you a drink as thanks for showing me around tonight?”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know.”

“Do you realize it’s after midnight your time?”

“I’m a pretty bright girl. I figured that out all by myself.”

“I don’t remember you being such a smart-ass.”

She laughed. “I’m surprised you remember me at all. You acted like you had on invisible blinders. Your attention went from the blackboard to the back of the room and didn’t stop anywhere in between unless someone raised their hand.”

“Right.”

“It’s true. Did you know we all suspected that you were gay?”

“We?”

“Some of the girls in the class.”

He hadn’t heard that one. “I’m not.”

“I know.” She turned away with a smug smile. And then frowned down at her feet. “I have got to get out of these heels.”

Was that a hint? It took that little to send him back to his earlier daydream. Even if she offered, he’d be a fool to entertain the idea of sleeping with her. Not until they made a deal about the dig. Although the ethics of the situation weren’t as black-and-white as getting involved with a student, it still wasn’t clear to him what kind of business relationship he and Karrie would have.

If it was true that Sanax was simply making sure they didn’t waste a public relations opportunity, and that they wouldn’t interfere with his plans, then there was no reason not to respond to Karrie’s unspoken yet clear invitation. At least he hoped the invitation was real, and not something he was conjuring because he wanted her so damn badly.

The problem was, she’d be gone tomorrow. Gone, with no intention of coming back to a city she loathed. It was tonight or never. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s head back to the car. If you still feel like a drink, there’s a bar along the way.”

She limped toward him and then reached for his arm. “Do you mind?”

He lifted his elbow, and she slipped her arm in his and the subtle scent of roses reached him. Heat from her body wrapped around him like steam from a sauna. She leaned toward him and her breast brushed his arm.

“You don’t have to walk that slowly,” she said, her warm breath close to his ear, and he realized that he’d practically stopped.

Few people milled around them. Although the casino was somewhat busy, it was a weeknight and very little activity extended as far as the beach area and the wedding chapel. Even the string of restaurants that led the way had largely emptied out.

He took a deep breath, her scent filling his nostrils, and then he steered them in the direction of the lobby, cursing himself for feeling stiff and awkward.

“Hey.” She stopped.

Reluctantly, he turned his head. He guessed her to be about five-eight with the heels, which brought her eye level with his chin. Her gaze lingered on the scar and then she looked up to meet his eyes.

“Is this weird for you?” she asked, her hazel eyes dark with concerned curiosity.

The strand of hair curling against her smooth cheek caught him by surprise. It looked so silky he had to fight the urge to touch it. Press it between his fingertips and feel how soft it was.

“Rob?”

He blinked at her, the sound of his name intimate on her lips.

Her tongue darted out to touch the corner of her mouth and he realized she was nervous. “I won’t call you Dr. Philips,” she said, obviously reading him correctly. “You aren’t my teacher anymore.”

“Of course.” He wasn’t sure where this was going. The male part of him had an obvious preference. Good thing they stood in the middle of the walkway.

As if on cue, a family of four headed toward them and Rob drew Karrie off to the side.

“I know it’s a term of respect and recognition, one you’ve earned, but I think my using it puts us back in our old roles.” She paused and audibly cleared her throat. “It creates distance,” she added, and then squinted at him, as if he were an errant child refusing to listen. “Am I making myself clear?”

He needed a second to ground himself. He had the feeling that if he answered her this second, his voice would crack like a fourteen-year-old’s. At least he hadn’t been imagining things. She wanted it. He wanted it. “Perfectly clear,” he said, grateful his voice remained steady and cool.

He reached for her, eliciting a startled gasp as she stumbled against him. She flattened her palms on his chest but swayed toward him, lifting her face, inviting his kiss.

Even as he lowered his mouth he knew it was a mistake. There was still unsettled business to work out, relationships to define. Things that mattered were at risk and here he was kissing the woman who could cause him all kinds of problems if this evening of delight turned to one of regret. But the attraction he felt was too potent, as if it had been dormant but simmering for the past six years.