Page 12 of The Bet

“Yes?”

“Can we pretend tonight’s a real date and not a part of the bet?”

My heart sputters, and the butterflies that had been swirling in my belly make a loop de loop before settling back down. There’s nothing I want more than the date to be real. I bite my bottom lip and nod. “I would love that.”

“Me, too.”

As we walk arm in arm to the restaurant’s front door, I feel like I’m dancing on air. This is a dream come true. I’m on a ‘pretend’ real date with Rich Anderson. Too bad curvy virgins don’t get the ‘real,’ real dates, but I’ll enjoy what I can get.

Chapter Nine

Rich

After we order our meal, I study Chloe as she sips from her glass of water. Her pink lips press against the rim as she drinks. She’s beautiful. When she’d opened the door, I’d been speechless for a moment.

The shy teen I’d hauled back and forth to high school has blossomed into a woman with soft curves and a wide smile. When she walks, the hem of the short flowing dress brushes against the flesh of her upper leg, giving me a sneak peek of her tan legs. And I’ve been fighting a losing battle against my cock since.

“Did you talk to Jenna?”

“No. I missed her last week when I tried to catch her.” There went my erection.

Initially, I was avoiding Jenna because I didn’t want to tell her about Jim. Now? Now, it’s ten times worse. Jenna is a bloodhound. Once she figures things out, the lectures will begin. Her words will be painful, but nothing compared to the right hook to the face I can expect the next timeI see her. “I need to call her, but it doesn’t seem like the right time.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t approve of what we’re doing.”

“Yeah.” I glance around the restaurant. Kameron said he and his girlfriend also have reservations at eight o’clock, but I haven’t seen them. Maybe, Kameron is blowing smoke about the entire thing.Shit. If I find out he’s jerking my chain, and there isn’t a bet, will I tell Chloe the truth?

My cock is in complete opposition to being truthful. However, my conscience would make me tell the truth. She thinks I’m a good guy. She trusts me.

“Do you see him yet?” Chloe asks.

“No.”

“Good.” Chloe shudders. “I would prefer to never see him or Jim again.”

“Jim got fired today.”

“What?”

“I told the Captain he was an ass the other night at the bar, and since he was on probation, he got canned.”

“Crap.” Chloe grabs my hand. “You shouldn’t have gotten involved. What if he tries to fight you?”

“Chloe, I can handle my own.”

She flushes. “I don’t mean it that way. I don’t doubt you could kick his butt. I meant that you shouldn’t get yourself in a bad situation. Over me.”

“Babe, I’d do whatever I needed to protect you.” I lace my fingers through hers as I stare into her eyes.

I’m knee-deep in a bad situation. I’m in the middle of a bet I want nothing to do with while planning to make love to the woman I want to have a serious relationship with – and she’s going to walk when our time’s up.

“Chloe. Rich. I’m surprised to see the two of you here.”

I turn and look up at Kameron and his girlfriend, Tabitha Young, who’s glancing down her nose at Chloe.God, I can’t stand two-faced, snarky bitches.“Hey, Kameron.”

Chloe tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and batts her eyes at Kameron. “I’ve heard the food’s great here.”

“Oh, Chloe.” Tabitha rolls her eyes. “You’re so predictable.”

---