Wolfe's Mate by Caryn Moya Block

then the smells. Bells rang, lights flashed, music played from speakers. It was a little intimidating, but also exciting. Many different smells touched her nose—perfume, deodorant, sweat, machine oil and food from the dining room. They went up and registered at the desk. Jared took one of the plastic cards they gave them and Granger took the other.
    Jared turned and looked at her . “Would you like to try the slots or play poker?”
    “I don’t know how to play poker ,” Esme admitted.
    “Then , perhaps the slots would be best,” Jared said.
    “I’m going to hit a poker table,” Granger said with a wink. “I’m feeling lucky.”
    With a little wave, Granger headed toward the tables. Jared directed Esme to the side of the room where there were rows of machines with flashing lights. Several women were laughing and joking with each other near the end of one row.
    “Have a seat, ma petit louve. ” Jared inserted the plastic card given to them at the front desk into a slot on the machine. “You push this button here. The wheels spin, and if they line up correctly, you win.”
    Eager to give it a try, Esme sat down and pushed the button. The wheels turned and the lights flashed, and the symbols didn’t line up. She glanced up at Jared.
    “Try it again. It may take a while to actually win something.” Jared squeezed her shoulders .
    Esme nodded and pushed the button again. The wheels turned and the lights flashed and this time a bell rang. Esme bounced in her seat. “What did I win? What did I win?”
    Jared chuckled. “You won a pound. Try again, push the button.”
    “Oh.” Esme pushed the button. More lights flashed and the wheels turned. This time not hing. Esme continued playing.
    She glanced at the women at the end of the row. They were still laughing and chatting with each other as they used the machines. One of the younger ones kept looking at Jared. Although, when Esme glanced at him, he didn’t appear to have noticed the woman’s attention. He smiled down at Esme.
    “Are you having fun, sweetheart?” He rubbed her shoulder before running his hand up to the nape of her neck.
    His warm fingers on her cool skin made her shiver. It was suddenly hard to think of anything except the feeling of his skin on hers. “Yes, this is very exciting. Can we walk around? I want to see everything.”
    “Of course . Anytime you’re ready.” Jared showed her how to cash out her winnings, then leaned over and kissed the top of her head.
    Esme felt warm all over. She patted his hand , which still rested on her shoulder, before Jared wrapped his arm around her waist as they strolled toward the back of the building.
    Loud music started, coming from one side of the establishment, and they wandered in that direction. They walked into a lounge. A bar covered with pink lights stood at one end. Up on a raised dais a band played.
    Esme recognized the song they were performing, and soon her foot tapped along with the beat. An older couple got up from one of the tables and began to dance. Esme watched in fascination as the older man twirled his partner. They were very good. It was apparent they’d danced together for many years.
    “Do you dance, Jared?” Esme held her breath, waiting for his answer. Would he think her silly?
    “I’ve been known to, on occasion. Would you like to?”
    Esme nodded. Her voice caught in her throat. Jared took her by the arm and led her onto the wood dance floor. She was surprised by how much she wanted to dance with him, even though she’d never danced with a man. He pulled her into his arms, and they began to move together.
    Esme took a step and tripped, accidently stepping on Jared’s foot. He grabbed her around the waist to steady her.
    “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you? I’ve never danced,” Esme said. Her face warmed, and she lowered her eyes.
    Jared put his hand to her chin and lifted her head to look at him. “You’ve never danced?” He frowned.
    “Not with a partner. I’ve