Wes stood in the isle like a man that had just paid for a pleasure and stood on the verge of plunder. He watched the sassy woman hurry away from him. He patted his Stetson on his head and headed to the exit behind her.

Other passengers stepped between him and Shelia and kept him from catching her.

By the time he got thru the gate tunnel, she was gone. Probably a good thing he thought, she was a distraction he did not need. He hiked his briefcase and looked for the baggage claim area. A luggage valet soft placeisted him with collecting his luggage and together they exited the airport to hail a cab. As he stood waiting a ride, his mind wandered back to the kiss.

Not his, but the one she initiated after his. He could still taste her lips and smell the perfume that had sent his mind wandering. His fingers remembered the softness of her skin and his mind could visualize that sparkle from her eyes. He shook his head, trying to purge her from his mind.

He knew what forbidden fruit was, and she was it! A limo stopped in front of him, he tipped the baggage handler and dipped into the car. Hilton on the strip please he told the driver, as he made himself comfortable in the back seat. Wes paid and tipped the driver and stepped from the black limo.

A hotel valet gathered his bags and followed close behind him. He walked into the lobby of the hotel and presented his hotel complementary pass card to the front desk. As an invitee to the poker tournament, he was to receive 4 nights as guest of the casino. He filled out his reservation information and collected his room key. Turning from the desk he caught a glimpse of a women that resembled Shelia stepping into the elevator.

God! That woman was branded into his head. He realized she was likely in this hotel too. Given her notoriety as a card shark he figured she probably got a complementary luxury suite. He glanced at his key, making a mental note of the number and walked to the elevator. It was almost 3am in the morning now and he needed sleep to be sharp for the games today.

The tournament would begin at 3pm and he really needed time to size up the other players in the opening rounds.

His ranking gave him a first round bye. He could be certain Shelia got one too. He found his room, tipped the valet and settled into his new home for 4 days. Shelia fumbled with her room card and finally got the door to open to her luxury suite. Her valet deposited her belongings, accepted the gracious tip and bid her a good evening.

Once inside she leaned back against the door and blew out a long sigh.

She closed her eyes and felt a blush heat her face. The picture of his eyes, the frame of his face, the touch of his lips on hers populated her thoughts. She knew little about him he was certainly no legend on the poker circuit.

There were 256 people in this tournament, how the hell did she happen onto this one she thought. Her breathing quickened as she remembered the touch of his hands on her cheek, how it made her feel when he grazed her neck with them, how powerful his hands must be she thought.

She could feel his breath on her shoulder when he leaned over and looked out the cabin window. Her blush deepened when she recalled what he said about the sparkle in her eyes. She remembered his lips approaching hers, how it seemed as if he would never reach her. It was almost as if he wanted to give her ample time to reject him, to turn away, to slap his face and halt is bold attempt to kiss her. She wished she had. She was here to win a poker tournament, not spend time with a man, for sure not this one, a riverboat gambler? How amateur she hissed. Hell be gone after the first round. The morning wake up call sounded at 9am.

Room service knocked and pushed a breakfast cart into the room. Rising from his sleep, Wes helped himself to the country breakfast preordered when he checked in. He then showered and dressed in his signature black western gambler outfit.

He brushed a soft cloth over his silver tipped black leather boots and yanked them onto his feet. He stood in front of the full-length mirror and felt good about his appearance.

The tight black dungarees fit snug on his soft place, the large sliver rodeo buckle rested above his pubis and the wide black belt showed faint lines in the leather where the pearl handled colt sometimes rested. He patted his cowboy hat onto his head, glanced once more into the mirror. The shiny buttons on his black silk shirt beamed back at him. A small tuff of chest hair curled outward at the base of his muscular neck. A hit of gray rested over his ears, the fresh haircut and newly trimmed beard made him feel handsome. His brown statesman eyes reflected courage, determination and a passion to win he would need that more than ever today.

He smiled at himself, twisted his handle bar mustache one last time, stretched his arms out to his side, flared his fingers and said Its show time! and with a sly poker face opened the door to his room. High atop the hotel in her luxury suite Shelia readied herself for her opening round of poker. She too had a signature card playing outfit, soft red full-length tight form fitting dress accentuating all the right curves in her figure. She was a physical knockout and used her beauty against her mostly men opponents. She sprayed on her perfume, coated her lips and turned sideways to view her outline in the mirror.

She smiled at the reflection she saw. It pleased her that she had maintained her figure all these years. Sex sells she whispered And it pays well too, she giggled after she said it.

Her high heels gave her slim frame a little added height, her soft place curved gracefully from tops of her thighs to the small of her back. Her back straight, her head high, she took pride in her appearance.

Diamond earrings dangled from her lobes, sheltering the soft skin below them. Her hair was pulled back in a small bun behind her head, tightly wrapped and pinned with a diamond clasp to secure it. A few strands escaped and hung softly on her neck. She liked that, not quiet perfection but close. She turned to face the mirror. Her cleavage was accented with a diamond necklace, the spoils of a poker game in Chicago a few years back. She pinched the tips of her dress on her shoulders, lifting it and letting it settle again, flung her arms out to her side, toyed her lips and said to herself Its show time! She blew on her freshly polished fingernails, grinned and exited her room for the journey to the poker parlor.

Wes pushed the button for an elevator.

With a ding it opened. That chime! His mind raced again, returning to the night before. Almost the same ding that cut off the kiss with Shelia. Damn! Shaking his head he tried hard to focus on poker but it was hopeless. On the ride to the poker parlor floor he told his self over and over to forget her, think straight flushes and full houses. He was a master gamesman and he knew it. A clouded mind would destroy his thinking. He called on his inner strength and seemed in control when the exit ding sounded. Made it, he proudly whispered as he scanned the room full of poker players. Money, money, money his mind chanted. He was focused now. This Mississippi gambler was ready for the game. Shelia arrived in the poker parlor on the other end.

She scanned the room at the opponents. Some tables were active with qualifying rounds already. She could see eyes of desperation, faces of elation, and confused expressions on many of the rookies. She picked up a bracket sheet and scanned the names.

Opposite hers in another bracket she found the name Weston Sacket, Mississippi. Must be him she thought.

Should he make it, he could end up in the finals before she would play him. Giggling to herself she said, Hell never make it though. Rookie. The room was a buzz with card players, dealers and pit bosses. Pretty ladies served the patrons drinks at the tables between hands.

Wes noticed a bar at the far end and made his way there. He ordered a glass of pineapple juice and settled onto a stool.

Tipping his hat high on his head, resting the rear brim on the back of his neck, he searched the room, telling himself he was not looking for Sheila, but he was. Looking at his watch he sighed, its early he thought. His game started in an hour, table 6. He cared not to see the names of his opponents he just hoped one of them was not Shelia.

By 3pm the field was narrowed to 64. Tomorrow there would be 16 and Saturday there would be 4. Wes sat last at his table, trying not to appear anxious. A curtain enclosed the pit and the first hand was dealt. It was a struggle, but Wes made good calls.

He won his round. By 6pm, 48 players had lost 50k dollars each. Shelia breezed thru her round and made quick work of her opponents. She didnt even feel challenged.

She felt she needed a little release from the lack of action her game offered. She strutted to the bar for a drink.

Looking to the end of the bar she spotted Wes ordering a drink. Two shots of tequila please she heard him say. Yep, he lost she thought, gonna drown his sorrows now it seems. She decided to go console him. She approached him from behind and slid in beside him.

Sorry she said. Hearing her voice he turned around. He reined in the confused look on his face when he looked at her. Sorry? he replied. For what, you did nothing wrong he stated. I know. Its hard out here, you probably drew a tough table right off. Dont feel bad, she offered. He was looking at her that way again she thought. The same desirous way he did before he kissed her. Her words had not struck home with him yet. He failed to realize she thought he was out of the tournament. He could only look at her. Her beauty captivated him, stunned his soul and shook his inner strength. He could see her lips moving as she continued to make excuses for him, how she had been where he was now, but he was not listening.

He only thought of kissing her again, of holding her in his arms this time, of touching her skin, tasting her breath. Suddenly he heard her say, If you like, we can have a private game in my room tonight, kinda friendly game, low stakes for fun, maybe share a bottle of wine and talk a bit. She was fidgeting with her glass and looking shyly at it.

She could feel his eyes on her, but she dare not look at him for chancing a blush should appear on her face. Wes cleared his throat Ah, that would be wonderful he said as a smile widened his face. He was too shocked to say anything else.

Besides, his answer sounded so stupid, so passive, as if he had expected it. He didnt. Not in his wildest dreams would he have thought she would invite him to her room. She tilted her head down and sideways, looked up at him and winked with a smile Say, in an hour? she said. She scribbled her room number on a napkin and passed it to him. She patted the bar top and said Dont be late or Ill bite ya she grinned as she turned her back and moseyed off. The elevator door opened and Wes stepped out. He located her room and pecked the door with the back of his finger knuckles. The door swung open and he heard her say, Hi, come in. He removed his hat instantly a gesture a southern gentleman lets a woman see to demonstrate his respect for a lady.

She had the most intoxicating smile he had ever seen a woman display. I got the most beautiful bouquet of roses sweetie she beamed. Thank you so much she said as she motioned him inside.

Mamn, they are pretty, but they dont compare to your beauty he said in his deep raspy southern accent. Wes stepped past her and inside as she closed the door. There he goes again! she thought, Damn him! as she fought off the blush sure to paint her face. He tried not to look at her.

His eyes scanned the amenities in the room.

She took his hat and hung it in the closet. Make yourself comfortable Wes, Ill fix you a drink, she said as she moved behind the kitchen wet bar. Name you poison she said. Rum he said Rum and coke he finished. Wes walked past the green clothed poker table and stood at the sliding French doors leading out to the balcony.

He swung them open with both arms and stepped outside.

Shelia followed him and handed him the drink.

Arent the stars pretty she said. Turning to her and leaning his forearm on the railing Wes said, Sure are as he locked onto her eyes and smiled, then took a sip of his drink. She knew he was not referring to the sparkles in the sky.

She felt that blush again and hoped the Vegas night kept it hidden. Wes did not look away this time, as he did the night before. Her eyes stayed on his too, reading his mind, peering into his soul. Wes conjured up his courage. He lifted his body off the railing and stood in front of her. My God, Shelia thought, there it is again, that look, that damn look! Wes turned and found a place to set his glass. He turned back to Shelia and took her glass from her. She let go easily, still watching him, a desire for him to touch her growing.

The nightlife sounds of Las Vegas were fading into the background.

Wes recaptured Shelias eyes. He picked up her hand and placed his fingertips into her palm, softly stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

It was time to play his cards and he was not going to fold. He tugged lightly on her hand, pulling her body to him, guiding her hand to his side.

He let go when she was close her hand landing on his side near his hip, he felt the warmth thru his shirt when she touched him. He leaned closer until she felt his breath and paused his hand circled her and fell into the small of her back, inching her ever so close to him. He was in charge, moving to collect his spoils of the game, finally his lips touched hers. She let him feel her, explore the taste of her lips, offering only the outer lining to him. She felt her body tingle from his kind touches, his slow attempt to seduce her, to charm her first. The respect he had for her was rare in a man, she saw it in his darkening eyes and she felt it in the way he moved. He brushed his lips over hers, and then slid his face down her cheek, kissing her jaw line with small tapping kisses. His chest pounded like there was a thunderstorm inside it, his nerves steeled, his longing for her intensifying. She whispered with short pauses between each word Lets, go inside. She lowered her face to his shoulder, whimpered just as Wes kissed the soft spot in front of her ear. Ok the soft-spoken southerner said barley audible. She broke from him and took his hand, leading him to the bedroom. Shelia spun around at the foot of the bed to face Wes, his eyes full of anticipation, hers a raging firestorm of seduction. She lifted the flap of his shirt and loosened the top button, then moved slowly down his chest for the others. Wes tugged at his shirttail and lifted it out.

Using the underside of the bed rail as a shoehorn, Wes wedged out of his boots.

Shelia flipped the hook on his western buckle and flung it aside, releasing the button that held his jeans. She slid down the zipper, grazing his hardness as her fingers passed it. Wes wasted no time inching off the jeans. He put his hand behind her shoulder and spun her around, her back to him. He ran the hand across her shoulders down her back flatly before he lifted her hair and took care of the hidden hooks on the dress. It slinked off her smooth body and pooled around her ankles. She slipped from her high heels while he released the hook on her bra. She folded her shoulders inward, the lacey garment fell forward into her hands and she tossed it aside.

Wes held her by her upper arms and kissed her back, trailing kisses from one shoulder to the other.

Shivers ran thru her body, she closed her eyes and tilted her head back into him. He kissed his way over her collar and to the base of her neck.

She thought she would go mad.

He hoped she would.

She relished a man that took his time, built her up and savored the flavor of her body. He was doing that and more. His hands fell from her shoulders to the tender skin in the fold of her arms. He journeyed passed to her wrists, lifting her hands to her tummy, covering them with his there. He spooned his body into hers, molding her figure with his, blowing warm breath into the back base of her neck, savoring her smell.

She rocked her soft place against his pelvic, she felt his hardened member heating her backside, his swollen pent up shaft liquidating pre cum thru the boxer shorts he still wore. She was about to do something about that.

She bounced off him and dragged him to the bed, his leg filling the valley between her knees, her legs interlocking it, his frame positioned partially atop hers.

Their eyes never broke from one anothers. His hand was stroking her tummy from below her panty line to between her breasts, barley reaching her forbidden lands. Shelia hooked her thumbs under the band of Wess shorts and tugged them down.

Her hand caressed his soft place, timely scraping his skin with her fingernails to send the same sharp tingles thru his body he had sent thru hers.

Her turn to tease, she thought, as she nudged her hand between their bodies and ran her fingers thru his chest hair. Wes dipped his head to Shelias shoulder and nibbled a line of kisses up the side of her neck, over her chin to her lips, pausing to soak her eyes with his before he kissed her. She parted her lips and accepted his trespass. Shelia rotated her hand off his soft place to the pelvic area of Wess tummy and grazed the head of his length with the tips of her fingers.

She brushed it with her fingernails just a slight touch to let him know she approved and his patience and persistence would soon pay off. She sized him with her hand, down the full length, a gentle teasing stroke to see if she could command him with her touch.

Wes responded by brushing his hand up and over her breast, abiding the outer edge of her areola. He applied a circular motion, rolling the harden nip with the palm of his hand, and soon exploring upward her peachy soft skin to her shoulder. He flared his fingers as they passed her ear and nestled on the back of her neck, into her silk soft hair.

With his hand firmly positioned, he pulled her into a deepening kiss. She wanted this. Her body bloomed with passion she shut her eyes and tasted his lips and mellowed all her resistance she harbored for him. She gave in.

Her hand rose up his back and pulled him into her, the invitation he had longed for. Her breasts pressed into his chest, he felt the nipples of each mound against skin. She was a ravenous voracious she wolf, hungry with desire for this rogue of an alpha male devouring her. She sucked in his tongue and twirled hers around his, then pushed it back with hers and invaded his mouth. Her moans joined gasps for breaths as she drug on his back to get him on top of her.

She wanted to be completely beneath him, to look up into his eyes when she gave herself to him. Wes complied.

Gracefully he positioned his knees between hers, holding his torso just off her with one hand pressed into the silk sheets.

No part of his body had touched her moist sex until she rotated her hips to find him. His mushroom head touched her velvety moistened petals he allowed the tip to rest on the exit. He lifted his lips off hers, breaking the kiss and prepping her for his entry with his eyes. He put a finger on the hidden dimple of her face, extracting that infectious smile of hers and whispered I want you. As his finger passed down her jaw line, he simultaneously moved his lips to hers and penetrated her slit below with his swollen member. A distinctive moan of pleasure escaped deep from her throat as he entered her glory. Her fingernails dug into his back the deeper he entered. He reached her back wall and paused, allowing her to relax and fully encase him.

A smile widened his face and exposed his dimples on each side. Shelia put her hand in the small of his back and commanded his movement inside her.

For the moments that followed they made love, touching the spectrum edges of ecstasy. Together they approached the sexual intensity that carried them beyond rational thought.

Wes felt her body language and slowed and quickened his thrusts as if he had radar. Shelia too read him and pushed his senses and excitement to the edge, bringing him back to her when she felt like it. The essences of their lovemaking begin to reach their outer limits of control and each passed signals that preceded the impending sexual release.

Wes lost his control first. He pressed his lips firmly on Shelias and kissed her hard and voraciously. Shelia felt his explosion, arched her hips, landing him against her back wall.

His hot cum brought forward her contractions and she exploded with her wet offering, washing her creamy cum over him, soothing the tenderness that his ejaculation created.

With the same magical pace that took them to brink of their trysts, their bodies calmed in each others embrace.

You are wonderful Shelia, he whispered.

Oh Wes she cried, You are a pleasure to make love to and she hugged him tight. Wes slipped from her and rolled off. Shelia turned her body over and nestled her head on his chest, the top of her head resting under his chin and a hand tucked between her cheek and his bosom. Was stared heavenward at the ceiling, not focused on anything, stroking her hair tenderly until both were lost in sleep.

He wished this dream had no ending, but it would. For the rest of the night, it didnt have to.