Page 54 of The Revenge Agenda

I snort. “No. That’s why it’s harder than I thought. I don’t love him. I don’t miss him. So I really didn’t think it would bother me at all.”

“I’m sorry.”

His confused, stilted tone makes me smile. “Not a situation where you need to apologize, but thank you for trying to connect with me.”

I’m not sure of the look that crosses Rush’s face because I leave to grab us both another drink and try not to picture taking his hand again.

When I get back, Rush has finished his first drink and immediately turns to the second. “You know, it’s almost like you’re trying to get me drunk.”

“And why would I want to do that?” If anything, I’d prefer to let myself get a little tipsy, to the point where I stop censoring my words and wants. To where I’d let myself ask Rush if he liked the kiss as much as I did. If he wanted to do it again.

“So I’ll put out.”

I almost choke on my gulp of beer. “You really think I’m the type of guy who’ll take advantage of you like that?”

“Nah, but drunk, sloppy sex is fun.”

My dick perks with interest. “Only if both parties are willing while they’re sober.”

“I already told you I’d have sex with you,” he points out like he’s making a comment about the weather. “But you never said the same, so I understand your point. The drunk thing was a joke anyway, but I’m more than happy for you to cover the drinks all night.”

I knock his knee with mine under the table. “Ah, but that sounds suspiciously like a date.”

“Does it? I thought most people split bills these days. Something about the patriarchy.”

“Not with me. If I ask someone on a date, I cover it all.”

“Very chivalrous of you.”

“Nah, not that. I figure if I’m the one doing the asking, then it’s on me. If the other person asks, I’m more flexible.” Then, pushing my luck, I add, “I guess I’m a giver.”

“That’s a very good quality to have.”

“In all areas of life.”

Rush’s eyes flick up to mine and away again before he shifts in his seat. “So, since I asked you out for a drink, does that mean I should pay?”

“This isn’t a date, Rush.” We’ve somehow leaned a fraction closer to each other. “But the drinks are on me.”

“Well, that?—”

Only I don’t get to find out what “that” is because his phone goes off again. It sets my teeth on edge, but this time, it isn’t because of whatever potential message is there. It’s because it interrupted … whatever that was between us.

“What does it say?” I ask stiffly.

“I told him that I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear it, and he asked me to give him a chance.”

“A chance to screw you over again.”

“Probably. But thankfully, I have a secret weapon this time.” He glances up with one of his rare moments of eye contact. “You.”

I light up inside. “Me?”

“Yep. I’m only going to message him while you’re with me. Then you can help. It’ll be the reality check we both need.”

My need to touch him makes me lean over and tap him on the shoulder. “Teamwork, huh?”

“Exactly.”

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