Pressure Rising (Rhinestone Cowgirls Book 2) (16 page)

“Well, someone’s gonna be a lucky son of a gun.”

“Then it might as well be us, bro.” Jax pushed back his chair. “As far as I see it, we have nothing to lose.”

“But slot machines aren’t our thing. Let’s go back to the poker table,” Dayton grumbled.

“Go ahead if you wish. But I didn’t see you doing too well earlier.” Jax didn’t hear his brother’s response because he was already heading toward the Mistletoe Kissing slot machine still hot from lovely brunette. Anything was worth a try. At this rate, he and Dayton would be heading home with nothing to show for their hard work but ten dollars and a busted ego. Jax had never played so poorly in his life.

Grabbing a couple of quarters from his front pocket, he lined them up on the top of the machine. He had enough to play two pulls and then he’d have to call it a night.

Dropping the quarters into the slot, the lights flashed. He blew on his palms and rubbed them together, then pulled the handle. The large panel whirled while the blue light continued to flash. “Come on, three mistletoe.”

The panel came to a stop. “Shit!” He didn’t want the candy canes and star.

“I told you. There’s no luck here. That’s why the ladies ditched the machine.” Dayton leaned his arm over Jax’s shoulder.

“Shut up, bro. I have enough for one more pull.”

Money inserted, lights flashing, he pulled the handle. The shapes rolled on and on, and it was looking bleak. Jax turned and shook his head. “I guess you were right, Dayton.”

Dayton’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped. Jax looked. Three mistletoe had lined up on the panel. The red light on the side of the machine started blinking and loud festive music played. The word WIN lit up on the display. “Well, mother fu—”

Someone poked him on the shoulder. “That was my machine!”

“Who the hell are you?” He swiveled and came face to face with an angel. It was the brunette, the one he’d practically slobbered over. And by her narrowed expression and tight lips, she wasn’t pleased. His chest tightened.

“You won.” She crossed her arms over her waist and her cheeks turned pale.

“You left the machine, lady.” He didn’t like that his voice shook.

“I went to the bathroom.” Her skin turned a faint greenish color.

He almost felt sorry for her—almost. “But you left. I won fair and square.”

Dayton stepped forward and looked over Jax’s shoulder. “What did you win, bro?”

Jax scanned the machine and smiled. “I think I won three-thousand.” He stabbed the screen with his forefinger.

“Congratulations. Looks like we have a winner.” All heads turned to the attendant who approached them. He was dressed in a red vest, a long sleeved starched shirt and black slacks.

Dayton pulled out his phone from his pocket and snapped a picture. Between the camera flash and the neon lights on the machine, Jax’s eyes stung. Miss Brunette continued to stare at him like she could chew him up and spit him out.

“Would you come with me, sir? The manager wishes to speak to you about your winnings while we verify that you did indeed win.”

“But—but—” The brunette started again but she bit her bottom lip.

Jax heaved a raspy sigh. No, he couldn’t feel guilty. He didn’t do anything wrong, except play on a machine that was open.

“Come on, Dayton.” Jax stood up and motioned for his brother to follow.