Page 16 of The Bet

When I return to the bay, I feel a million times better. I’ve showered, changed clothes, and eaten a mouthwatering, freshly baked croissant. Now, I need to fall into a bed and sleep for twelve hours. A smile flashes across my face. Tomorrow night I’m going to sweep Chloe off her feet.

The second I see Tony, my face falls. This is going to be a blast. I jerked my headtoward the exit as I approach him. “Let’s go.”

The request for my best friend to take me home because my pickup is getting serviced is now a giant pain in the ass. As I slide into Tony’s red Corvette, I inhale the Black Ice fragrance, leather, and new car smell.The fucking perks of pro football. Asshole.

Tony pushes the ignition button and shoves the vehicle into gear. “I can’t believe you’d fuck over Chloe.”

“I’m not fucking her over. She made me take the bet.”

His mouth drops open as he flips on the blinker. “What in the fuck are you talking about?”

“It’s a long story, but she was dating Jim Ferguson, and I found out he was cheating on her.”

“So, that means you get to treat her like shit too?”

“Stop busting my balls and listen.” My head pounds like a jackhammer’s going off in it. If this is how well Tony is taking the news, Jenna will lose her shit. “I toldChloe what happened. Then, Jim texted her and said the only reason he was dating her was because of a bet he’d made with Kameron Willoughby.”

“Fucker.” His jaw clenched. “Did you kick his ass?”

“Wanted to, but I didn’t. Anyway, Chloe wanted me to take the bet and tell them we had sex so I could get the money, and she could get back at them.”

“That’s a stupid-ass plan.” His hands clutch the steering wheel as if they’re wrapped around Jim and Kameron’s necks.

“Yeah, that’s what I said. Then, Chloe said she’d find someone else to do it, if I didn’t.”

Tony’s shoulders relax. “And, you didn’t want anyone else to take the bet.”

“No, I don’t want anyone else having sex with Chloe. All I can picture in my head is her wearing a Little Red Riding Hood costume and bringing me a basket of baked goods.”

Tony snorts. “Man, that’s classic.”

I run a hand through my hair and lean into the leather seat.Good God, I’m tired.If I weren’t exhausted, I would have never shared that piece of information. “Somehow, I’ve got to keep this from turning into a clusterfuck.”

“Yeah, because Jenna will kill you if you break Chloe’s heart.”

“Don’t I know it.” I glance out the side window and watch the buildings as we pass by. “I would love to get out of the bet, but I don’t think she’ll agree.”

“You don’t want to have sex with her?” Tony’s eyes dart toward me before he tears his attention back to the road.

“I want to have sex with Chloe, but I don’t want to tape it and show it to someone else.”

“What the fuck?” Tony’s foot hits the brake.

“Watch it.” My hand clasps the dashboard. “How did you miss that in the text messages?”

“I don’t know, but that’s ridiculous.” Tony’s mouth tightens. “This Jim motherfucker was going to tape himselfhaving sex with Chloe for five hundred dollars? And, you haven’t kicked his ass?”

“I got him fired from the fire station. And, if Jim touches Chloe ever again, I’ll rip his balls out through his throat.”

“Ah, that’s the Rich I know and love.” Tony laughs. Then, he sobers and raises his eyebrows. “Does she know you’re in love with her?”

“Not yet, but I fully intend to show her. Man, I’m glad you’re back home. I’m going to need a best man and a godfather to my children.” Although I say it lightheartedly, I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.

If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to marry Chloe and get her knocked up before she knows what hit her. That way, she can never leave.

Chapter Twelve

Chloe

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