Day 10

"If it wasn't for the fact that you're probably better at it than we are, Kozue and I could strangle you," Tanaka announced.

Locke had just finished dressing for his dinner date with Meliza. He adjusted his hands-free set in his ear, already regretting calling his friend to see how things were doing back in New York. Asking about Tina in his place eventually led to him casually mentioning to his friend that he'd met a woman who was interested in him.

"What are you, a monk?" Tanaka's rant continued. "Don't answer that. You're not normal, you know that? A beautiful woman is offering you probably the greatest sex you could have in years, and you say no."

"I never said I didn't want to sleep with her," Locke corrected.

"Wait...what?" Tanaka shouted. "Are you serious?"

"I'm just willing to wait until we have a more established relationship," Locke continued.

"Are you listening to yourself? The fact that she's been with you pretty much every day says that she likes being around you. You two have fun together. You talk. If that isn't a relationship, then what is it?" Tanaka continued.

Locke frowned. "It-"

"She's just not in the mood right now to put a label on whatever is happening between you two. I don't care how awesome your supposed self-control is. There is nothing wrong exploring the attraction you two have, as long as you do it with an open mind. It doesn't have to be black or white."

He was silent for a moment until his friend's next sentence shocked him.

"You can always seduce her into going out with you."

Locke scowled. While that technique had obviously worked for Tanaka in the past, he didn't quite trust his ability in that department. "I'll try something else."

"It's fun," Tanaka laughed.

"Does your wife know you still gloat about that?"

"Yeah. And she punishes me for it. But it's worth it."

"I don't want to know-"

"She'll cook American food three days in a row. You know that any form of cow does not taste good after you've had it for three dinners?" Tanaka lamented. "Anyway, so what's the plan? If you want this woman in your life so badly, how do you go about pursuing her?"

"She agreed to go on a date with me. It was her idea," Locke spoke up. "She's even letting me pick the place and drive."

"Wait, she doesn't want to have any say?"

"No."

"Wow. Here's your chance to make a lasting impression. But I still think you should seduce her."

Locke's eyes strayed to the bathroom counter, where the housekeeping staff had been very forward in their thinking, considering the hotel room was currently being occupied by a man. He pulled out two plastic square packets, tucking them in his back pocket. Never hurt to think of the different scenarios that could happen tonight. Even though that wasn't on the agenda, he was a man who liked being prepared.

000

Meliza put the final touches of her makeup before spritzing her wrists and neck with plumeria. A glance at her bedside clock told her that it was nearly six p.m. In reality, she had finished getting ready for her date early. Meliza paused to inspect her reflection in the full-length mirrored doors of her closet.

She was a firm believer that each woman should dress according to their own style, showing whatever features they chose. Tonight she'd chosen to wear a black silk chiffon top with a pattern of roses printed on it, a black pencil skirt ending just above her knees with a slit up the back. Thigh high stockings with black scallop lace tops encased her long legs. Generally, she preferred wearing feminine undergarments that coordinated. She liked the texture. And thigh highs were far more convenient than pantyhose. Always having to stretch the damn material before putting it on...it was a pain. Meliza pulled on a red cardigan shrug, making her way to the living room when her doorbell rang.

A quick check to the peephole and she took a step back.

Locke.

Right on time for their date. She took a breath, and much to her dismay, her fingers shook as she removed the chain and deadbolt. When she opened the door, she schooled herself not to admire his usual immaculate appearance. He had worn all dark colors - a black pinstripe shirt, dark denim jeans and a casual blazer. Just as she was about to greet him, she noticed that in one hand he held two grocery bags, and in the other, a small potted plant.

"Hi," she spoke up, slightly confused. What was he up to? Remembering date etiquette, she stepped back to let him in.

"You look nice. And nice earrings."

Apparently he'd remembered his date etiquette as well. And he was observant. She'd chosen to wear the crystals he'd purchased.

"Too fancy?" Meliza inquired.

"No." Locke handed her the pot. "This is for you."

"Oh?" Meliza accepted the item, studying it. No leaves. Nothing. Not a single bloom.

"It's an orchid," Locke explained, watching her carefully. "I assumed that you are a fan of tropical flowers, given your perfume. The stem is still fresh, so it should bloom within the next couple days."

Meliza lifted her eyes to his, wondering if there was extra significant thought behind picking this particular gift. Most men she met for dates already had bouquets on hand. Locke had deliberately decided to buy her a flower that had yet to appear. Symbolic?

"Thank you," Meliza replied. Then with a slight smile, she added, "Good thing you selected an orchid. I heard they're great flowers for people who don't usually have flowers in their home."

"It's because of the flower's nature. They appear delicate, but are much more resilient than one would think."

Meliza studied him carefully. Was that another double meaning?

"Unlike your plumeria," he added.

She turned to close the door, glancing at the other bags in his hands. "Is there something I can put away for you?"

"This is our dinner," he announced.

Her eyes widened in shock, and he moved into the kitchen. By the time Meliza brought herself out of a shock and inside the kitchen, Locke had folded up the sleeves of his shirt, his blazer hanging over a nearby stool and was in the act of sprinkling two steaks with garlic powder, pepper, and salt. He paused as Meliza stopped two feet away from him.

"You're cooking?" Meliza asked incredulously.

Locke arched a brow. "I remember seeing a grill in your backyard last time I was here."

Meliza continued to stare. Good thing her mouth was closed, otherwise she'd look like a fish. "I...I..." When was she ever this speechless?

"A meal at home seems unconventional for a first date," Locke admitted, pulling other items from the grocery bags. "But you're used to going to fancy restaurants with Atlantic City's elite. Or elite tourists. So I'm doing something different."

Was he ever. Meliza was impressed. And she couldn't help but show it with a wry smile. "You really play to win, don't you?"

"Have you ever known me not to?" he responded.

"Point taken." Meliza peered at the other items on her kitchen counter. "Is there anything I can-?"

"No," Locke interrupted.

"But I could at least set the table."

"Outside? Sounds good."

"Outside?" Meliza blinked.

"You do have a table and chairs outside, right?"

The doorbell rang, surprising both of them.

Locke turned to her. "Expecting company?"

"Not really." She was in the middle of putting ice in a bucket. "Do you mind?"

Locke moved to the door, opening it.

"Hi, I just...you're not Meliza," came a woman's voice.

Meliza moved to the door, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of a redheaded woman wearing a stylish tunic and skinny jeans, a small dessert box clutched in her hands. "Robin! Hi!" Meliza opened the door wider and proceeded with introductions. "Dev, this is Robin, my neighbor. Robin, this is Devlin, a friend of mine."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you," the other woman said, shaking his hand.

"Likewise." He glanced down at the box she juggled with one hand. "I'll take that."

"Oh, thanks. It's actually for Meliza, anyway. Or...both of you."

"Robin is a dessert chef who lives next door. She just graduated, so she gives me a small cake at least once every week. Anything I don't eat I bring to the office," Meliza informed as Locke lifted the lid. "Wow."

"I'm impressed." He studied the intricate gold piping on the cake.

Robin blushed. "Thank you. It's white cake with lemon filling."

Meliza watched as Robin continued to talk about her desserts, not really all that surprised at Locke's charming façade. He was polite, friendly, and attentive.

When the conversation reached a break, Meliza politely interjected. "I'll be sure to bring this to the office. Thanks for stopping by."

"No problem." The redhead smiled warmly.

"Um…Robin?" Meliza started, clearing her throat delicately. "I'm not sure if you read the gossip columns, but-"

The younger woman smiled, shaking her head. "Don't worry. I won't say anything to anybody that you have a visitor."

"Thanks."

Ten minutes later, the table outside was set for two. The sun was starting to disappear, so Meliza lit several outside lanterns, along with three candles on the table with various heights. The bucket of ice chilled several containers of fruit and cheese. A bowl of spinach salad topped with walnuts and cranberries was set at the center of the table. Locke checked the items on the grill before settling across from her and taking a drink of wine.

There was something awfully unsettling about being in such close proximity with him. In spite of the times she had been around him, there was something…different about this occasion.

"Interesting setup for someone who lives alone," he commented idly, surveying the backyard.

They were currently on a small deck that overlooked her small and unfinished backyard garden. She was hoping to grow some flowers in the back. Nothing too time-consuming, of course. Just something pretty to complement the landscape.

"Miguel convinced me to get this area set up," Meliza said. "After Hyun. Once it was set up, Miguel and I spent a lot of time here. Dinner at my place was much easier than dinner at his." She had to admit that she was glad she'd invested the time and money into her home. "Miguel and I actually built the deck together." As she went into the story of how her backyard came to be, Locke listened, occasionally sampling his wine and asking several questions.

It suddenly occurred to her why she was drawn to this man. It felt exciting to be the center of his attention, during moments like this he was completely focused on her. But even when they were in the same room yards apart, she could feel that a part of him was tuned into her. Over the past few days thanks to being in close quarters, they had developed a quick connection. And even more so...he knew her from before, so he didn't care for the wealthy heiress or the partying socialite. He knew her as the gambler...as the woman who kept getting herself into sticky situations. He had clearly put thought into the gifts he'd given her. The plumeria lei...the orchid...even a dinner like this...

What would it be like to give herself to such a man? The idea had crossed her mind several times since his arrival, but she never really had the chance to think about it. Men like Locke didn't indulge with women unless there was a reasonable amount of trust involved.

Meliza took a long swallow of wine as Locke went to check on the grill. Her eyes studied the broad shoulders of his back as he lifted the grill's lid to inspect their dinner. She really wasn't giving him enough credit. The man had saved her life before. And she knew he would have done so even if there had been no unresolved feelings between them.

Even after the disaster with Hyun, Meliza told herself that if she chose to get involved again, she wanted two qualities in a man. A good heart and an adventurous spirit. Locke definitely had the first, even though he didn't really let the rest of the world know that it was there. And as for that adventurous spirit? Meliza instantly recalled their horizontal kiss at the vineyard, smiling faintly. Well. The man had that, too. That particular side of him was even more hidden from the world.

A cell phone rang, echoing in the dusk air. Meliza glanced down at Locke's phone on the table, picking it up and holding it out.

"Chinatown Flowers," Meliza said. Then she cringed. "Sorry...I didn't mean to look..."

"It's fine," Locke assured. He picked up the phone, staring at it for a second. "Hello." He frowned. "Xia, what are-? No, I...But she knows that I'm not in the shop until...Fine." He closed his eyes momentarily. Meliza watched as his eyes opened after a few seconds, his countenance completely composed. Then he began speaking in Mandarin.

Interesting. Meliza continued to watch, fascinated by the sound of his voice in a foreign language. She didn't recall ever hearing him speak anything but English. When they had gone to the all-night Chinese restaurant nearly a week ago, he had spoken in English to their server. His English was very good, he spoke perfectly, his speech pattern clearly indicating that English was not his native language, but lacking in any accent.

After a few more minutes, Locke hung up. "One of my biggest clients has been coming in to the shop almost every day since I did a wedding two months ago."

"Must have been that important..."

"She's an event planner. She handles all the events for New York's Asian families," Locke explained. "Her couple from two months ago spent over seven thousand on flowers alone."

Her eyes rounded. "Wow."

Locke leaned back in his chair. "That particular wedding received a lot of publicity...so the shop has more clientele thanks to that."

"You must be proud of the work you've done. Not bad for a shop that's been around for only two years, right?" Meliza responded.

"I wasn't expecting to be busy," Locke admitted. "I thought I would just own a small store and make minimal profit per day."

"But is having that type of clientele such a bad thing?" Meliza asked.

"Not necessarily."

"So why a flower store?" Meliza asked before sampling her wine.

Locke frowned in thought. "It seemed the least suspicious."

"Meaning?"

"Do you think an assassin would disappear into anonymity by running a flower store? Most people would assume he'd be a bartender or mechanic."

"I see your point." Meliza leaned forward. There was so little she knew about him. No time like the present. "So how did you get into the event part of the business?"

"I took classes from the rec center," Locke said after a moment. "I made arrangements for the nearby restaurants as a gift announcing that I just opened. They became my best advertising."

As someone whose grandparents started their hotel business from the ground up, Meliza could appreciate the hard work that went involved into starting and keeping a business. She wasn't surprised at all to discover that Locke was a cautious businessman. It was in his nature to make several plans, and he definitely had ideas on how to juggle various clients and how to generate business during slow times. Assassin. Gambler. Protector. Business owner. Another layer to add to the man she was getting reacquainted with...

0000

Meliza had insisted that she clean up since he did the cooking. He brought several items from outside into the kitchen, but settled on the couch, casually playing pyramid solitaire with cards he'd spotted on the living room table while she put food away and put dishes in the dishwasher. It took about fifteen minutes, but she joined him in the living room, bottle of wine in hand, refilling his glass.

He looked up as she settled on the couch by the window, taking a sip of her drink.

"You up for a game of Blackjack?" she asked.

Locke reached for the cards, placing them in a neat pile. "I didn't see any chips."

"Actually, I was thinking of something else."

"Such as?"

She took a drink of wine before setting her glass at the corner of the table. "For every game lost, the loser has to forfeit something of the winner's choice."

Slowly, his eyes lifted to hers. She smiled back, not the least bit concerned about what she had to lose. She was looking forward to seeing more of what the bubbles covered from his bath her last day at the Flagship.

"Fine."

She turned away to retrieve several card decks to add on to his. Meliza took her original seat, shuffling multiple piles of cards before dealing and setting aside the deck.

She won the first hand easily.

"Your watch," Meliza requested.

He easily pulled it off and set it on the table.

No need to hurry the whole thing along. Besides, she could barely contain the glee at facing such a worthy opponent.

She won the second hand as well. "Roll up your sleeves, please."

He did so without flinching, his black eyes never leaving her face as he pushed the cuffs of his collared shirt back, making sure the fabric gathered just below the elbows. His forearms were lightly tanned with just a hint of definition. Meliza bit her lip, hiding her smile behind the pathetic excuse of a fan of cards that had formed eighteen after multiple hits. She always was a sucker for a man in a collared shirt. Especially when the sleeves were rolled up.

"Good enough?" Locke said coolly, accepting another hand.

"I guess." Meliza hid her smile.

Unfortunately, she was a little distracted and wasn't adding correctly, so she went over twenty-one.

"Finally." Locke settled back in his chair, studying her for several long moments. As his eyes roamed over her, deciding on his forfeit, Meliza fought the urge to fidget. His perusal was unnerving. And he knew it. Arrogant- "Take your hair down."

Interesting first request. Hmm. Maybe she was right about him and his patience. It'd do wonders in the bedroom-wait...she had to stay focused. Meliza slowly reached up and removed the clip bounding her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders and down her back. Just for extra measure, she shook the tresses out with her fingers, taking great satisfaction in seeing his eyes narrow just that little bit.

Careful.

She lowered her eyes, not wanting to reveal that she had read that particular thought of his. Was he trying to warn himself? Good luck with that. Meliza never engaged in a game like this unless she knew she could win. Either way, the man better have an open schedule the next day. And possibly the next day. If she won, it was guaranteed that he wouldn't need any clothes and that he wouldn't be leaving her house anytime soon.

"Untuck and unbutton your shirt, please," she requested sweetly after she won the next hand.

He took his time, she knew partially because of his shoulder, but she also knew he would never ask for her help in the task. Besides, that wasn't how the game was played. She didn't bother to hold down a sigh of appreciation. It was so rare she got to see this - only when he was injured or needing help, sometimes both, so she enjoyed viewing the small stripe of sculpted muscle between the edges of the fabric. She really had a thing for men in unbuttoned collared shirts.

Meliza lost the next one.

"Sweater," he commanded.

She blinked. "Really?"

"Is there a problem?" he inquired politely. Far too politely.

"I thought for sure you'd ask for an earring after the hairclip."

He paused for a second, his eyes trailing over the line of her throat and down. Meliza forced herself not to fidget again.

"Those can come off later," he said decisively.

She suddenly wondered if Locke was the type of man who liked his women wearing jewelry...and nothing else. If so, that would explain why...

"Meliza."

"What?"

He sat back. "Sweater."

She sent him a brief glare at his authoritative tone. Then she carefully reached up, grasping the front lapels of her cardigan, easing it over her shoulders and down past her elbows. A little wiggle of her shoulders that would make a belly dancer - or Vegas stripper - proud and the material slipped from her arms. She'd been watching him the whole time, and she swore that his gaze lingered a little too long, particularly below her neck.

"Satisfied?" she prompted.

"I haven't won yet," he reminded.

Meliza hid a smile and added, "By the way, in case you forgot...I tend to favor feminine material underneath." She trailed her index finger over her collarbone.

"I didn't forget," he said casually.

The air suddenly felt much, much thicker...and the living room much, much smaller.

She couldn't stop the grin forming after her next win.

"Shirt."

He took his time again, unrolling his cuffs before freeing his arm from each sleeve. He really was nicely put together. Meliza sat back and watched, one leg crossed over the other, schooling her expression into just mild interest. Which was pointless, since she had been pretty obvious when he unbuttoned his shirt earlier. It took a lot of willpower to not reach out for that smooth skin. His countenance was neutral the entire time, but if she didn't know any better, his eyes revealed something else entirely. Interesting for a man who prided himself in holding back emotions.

She got so distracted again, she lost.

Locke took in her outfit, frowning slightly. "Top."

Meliza arched a brow. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

She sighed in defeat. "All right." Meliza reached for the hem of her shirt. Her head lifted to study him. "Last chance."

His eyes were slow in moving to her face. "I'm not changing my mind."

Meliza pulled the fabric over her head, exposing a red corset with black lace trim. She tossed her shirt to the side. She shifted in her seat, facing him expectantly. After a second, he still hadn't moved.

"Locke."

He blinked, cleared his throat, and set his cards aside so she could deal again.

Her win. Meliza stared at him from hooded lashes. "Belt."

He looked at her for a moment, then rose, unhooking his belt and pulling it off, tossing it somewhere behind him. She bit her lip to hold back a laugh, unable to recall the last time she had this much fun. Locke, to her surprise, was a good sport when he lost. He'd given her the forfeits with graciousness, and not once did he display any frustration at being bested by a woman. And he wasn't as indifferent as he let others believe.

She dealt again.

"Skirt."

As if it was the most natural thing in the world, she stood up and let it drop to the floor and kicked it aside. Her position, she noted gleefully, gave him an excellent view of the entire package, red and black lace, matching bikini panties, thigh highs and all. Not that he didn't already know what her bare arms and legs looked like. He had seen her in shorts, after all. Of course, those shorts hadn't been made out of black lace.

Doesn't she ever wear anything practical? Like cotton? Locke's thought could easily be read. But there was more...anticipation and desire. Good. He definitely wasn't indifferent.

He lost his sock. And the other one after that.

"Your prize?" Locke prompted.

Meliza tipped her head to one side, studying him for a few seconds, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "One kiss. On the lips."

Locke arched a brow. "Isn't that against the rules?"

"How so?" Meliza grinned. "We never said touching wasn't allowed. Besides...unless my guess is wrong...you're down to two items. Technically, I'm still wearing more items." She flicked her earrings as emphasis.

His eyes darkened. "True."

Meliza leaned back against the sofa, watching as Locke moved towards her. Her breath stalled in her lungs when he took hold of her shoulders, bending slightly to press his mouth to hers. She reached up, covering his hands with hers.

"You win. I'm done playing," she murmured when they finally broke apart.

"I'm not."

000

Later, Locke's eyes slowly opened before coming to rest on the ceiling of Meliza's living room. It took less than a second to register that he was lying on the soft carpet on his back. From the corner of his eye, he could see various clothing items tossed haphazardly around them and over the edges of the couch. Meliza lay a foot away to his right side, her head against one of the throw pillows, her eyes closed.

Locke rarely had any desire to lengthen the amount of time he spent with his lovers after. Locke enjoyed his own company, his own solitude. And yet…he glanced down as Meliza shifted…he tried to recall the last time he felt this…content around a woman. Or this drained.

This date had not gone according to plan. He stared at the ceiling, trying to work up any amount of regret for what they'd just done. It was impulsive and unlike him. Maybe if he sat up he'd start feeling regret, but he didn't think he'd have the strength to even manage that.

He glanced over at her again, knowing that she wasn't asleep due to her too precise breathing pattern and the tension radiating from her. His head lifted. Something was stuck to the small of her back. Playing cards? Locke carefully reached over and pulled the pair off. Meliza's thick lashes lifted, and she turned her head to look over her shoulder.

He flipped the cards over. Queen of Hearts and King of Diamonds. No doubt he had cards stuck to his own back. He tossed them aside with a wry smile.

Meliza placed her head back down on the pillow, releasing a long sigh. "Wow."

"Yeah."

A hint of a smile pulled at the corners of her mouth, but she bit her lower lip instead. "Still...I...I'm not sure it was a good idea," she said quietly after a moment.

He arched a brow. "This coming from a woman who has friends with benefits?" At the flicker of hurt in her eyes, he released a breath, turning his eyes to the ceiling again. "I didn't mean...Never mind."

Meliza idly touched one of the playing cards scattered by her pillow, causing it to glow blue. They both were quiet for a very long time. She causing certain cards to glow and fade, while he continued to stare at the ceiling.

He was terrible at this. No wonder he always preferred that his lovers sleep right after. Then he wouldn't have to deal with the emotional awkwardness. Good thing he and Meliza never went to bed together two years ago. The afterglow, or lack thereof, probably would have been even worse. He wanted to grab the nearest throw pillow and place it on top of his face, in hopes of blocking out the rest of the world.

The silence was becoming much too uncomfortable, even for him.

"I have a confession," Meliza spoke up after a while.

"What's that?"

"Earlier...back at the hospital..." she began quietly. She sounded...uncertain. As if what she was about to say would reveal too much. Just as he thought. Meliza didn't want him to see her vulnerable. She turned on her side so she faced him, her top knee bent, hugging a pillow to her chest. Was it some self-preservation technique of hers? It wasn't as if he didn't know what she looked like. Now. "What I said was pretty cold. You're not a one-night stand. Or a friend with benefits."

He rolled to one side, propping his elbow on the carpet, cradling his head in one hand. "That's a lot...coming from you." And it was. Locke knew he had to tread carefully. Thinking he could change things to a lighter mood, Locke reached out, rubbing one of her crystal earrings between his thumb and forefinger before letting his hand drop. "So is this what you meant by starting over?"

Meliza's lashes lowered. "Well...this isn't exactly a normal start for me."

"So I am making progress." Locke eased the confident tone in his voice with a small smile as he met her gaze. "Are you free tomorrow?"

"I have to be back at work...interview a few potential assistant casino managers." Meliza tucked some hair behind her ear. "Why?"

"I leave in a few days, so I should make the most of my time here," Locke declared. He couldn't be too sure, but he could have sworn that her eyes had turned a little sad. Sad about him leaving? That couldn't be right.

"I agree," she said after a heartbeat.

He lifted his brows in question, taking in her tousled hair and curves highlighted by the single lamp in the far corner of the room. She had the same look in her eyes when she started the card game.

"I say we go on more dates. You have me all to yourself while you show me what exclusivity is like," she suggested.

The woman could drive a man crazy with her constant changing opinions. "Interesting idea. And how do you plan to spend the next few nights?" he asked.

Meliza narrowed her eyes slightly as interest flickered in her gaze. "You plan on monopolizing my nights, too?"

"I believe in taking advantage of opportunities. Exclusivity includes nights as well," he pointed out.

Meliza pursed her lips. "Are you always this overbearing? No wonder you're still single." But a quick glance at her revealed brown eyes shining with laughter at her deliberate attempt to bait him.

Locke had a feeling that she was always going to try to get the last word in. Ah well. He could live with that. Maybe he'd find a way to counter her. Eventually.