Playing for Keeps — Tawny Taylor

Maddy Beaudet needs to shake things up a bit, but playing a board game isn't exactly what she considers exciting. Jace Michael has just moved across country to recover from an ugly divorce. Anxious to dive into work with both feet, the last thing he needs is a distraction, but the minute he meets Maddy, his employee no less, and learns about the game she's playing with her friends, a whole different game comes to mind.(Previous published as PRIVATE GAMES)SAMPLE"What game is that?" He lifted one eyebrow but left the other where it was."It's this stupid game my friends insisted I play. Candace bought it, and it involves stupid challenges, like collecting men's underwear in a public place and modeling lingerie in a store."Did you do that, model lingerie? And I missed it? Damn!" He slapped his hand, palm down, on the table and gave her a crooked smile."No!" Feeling herself smiling right back, she fought the temptation to reach out and touch his hand again. It was so close, and the brief connection they'd shared earlier had been so electric. She raised her gaze to his face. Damn it, he really was cute. Not only did he have a serious, in-charge kind of look that turned her into a puddle of goo, but a playful little boy kind of look, too. Did she want more than sex? Did she need more? Even the idea of seeing him naked was making her blood simmer. No man had stirred that kind of heat in her, ever. Feeling her panties getting wetter, she shifted in her chair. "I'm playing along because I want the prize, but I'm not enjoying the challenges." Except for one, meeting you-at least up until now."So, was I one of your challenges?"She nodded, feeling a little guilty for admitting it. "Kinda. Last week, I had to find the best-looking guy in the bar and get his name and phone number."Best-looking? Me?" He looked genuinely stunned, which made him that much more appealing, if that was possible. Truly, he had to realize what a hunk he was! She'd never seen a guy with such a gorgeous f