Scott tucked his hand under Raine's elbow and drew her away from the set through an open door that led to the casino floor.   For the television show they were using a high stakes poker room off the main casino.  

"Where are you taking me?"

"To my lair," he said.

She laughed.   "Okay, so you're not the big bad wolf."

"Who said that?"

"Stop trying to scare me.   It won't work."

"I'm not trying to scare you.   I'm attempting to find some common ground."

She pulled to stop in a small alcove well out of the way of the foot traffic.   "I'm not sure there is any."

"I know there is," he said, curving his body in front of hers to block them from the view of passersby.  

She stared up at him and he realized her eyes were a beautiful shade of deep blue.   He'd never seen them up close before.   Here eyes weren't what he expected.   With her thick dark curly hair they should have been brown.

What else was she hiding?

"Why is this so important to you?   I'm sorry I don't smile at you but I'll try to do it from now on."

Scott rubbed the back of his neck.   "I want more than a smile."

"I don't date..."   She tipped her chin down, staring at her feet.   This woman was different from the director he'd seen on the set.   Which was the real Raine?

"Actors? Gamblers? Rich men?"   But he knew she meant him in general.   He'd bet half his fortune that she was like most woman thought if she found some palatable word that he'd not take it personally.   But he knew from the way she watched him that it was Scott Rivers who made her nervous.   Not his profession or his money.

"All of the above," she said, glancing up at him.

He stared into her eyes losing himself there.   He'd never admit it out loud but there was something in her eyes that called to his lonely soul.   He wanted to explore that--find out exactly what it was.   "I don't act any more."

"That's right, you haven't since--when?" she asked.

"A lifetime ago."   He remembered the day with a kind of fondness now.   He'd been acting since he was 9 months old.   To say he'd chosen that profession was a huge exaggeration.   He'd learned to act the same way he'd learned to walk and talk.   Some times he wasn't sure that he knew how to really live.

"What about gambling?   Can't deny that.   You are being paid to play right now."

"Ah, but that's not really gambling is it?   I'm out there playing for charity and trying to out-bluff the other contestants."

"And you always do it."

"Winning's important to me."

"Why?"

"Because losing sucks.   Surely, you've found that to be true."

"I have.   That's why I play by the rules."

"What rules?"

"My rules for safe living.   Its not that I'm not attracted to you.   Who wouldn't be?   But you're not worth the risk."

"Risk, honey, you're safe with me."

"Don't call me, honey, you call everyone that."

"Okay, but don't treat me like I'm nothing more than a list of professions or money.   I want a chance to get know the real Raine."

She shook her head.   "I don't have time.   And we both signed a waiver saying no fraternization with the cast or crew."

"Live a little, Raine.   Take a chance.   We both have some free time."

She bit her lower lip and he realized that he was pushing her.   He analyzed Raine and the situation, if he backed down now, she'd never let him get her alone again.   But maybe...   "Dare you."

"What?"

"I dare you to go out with me.   I dare you to see past the flash bulbs and the gossip sheet rumors about me."

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