Page 34 of The Bet

“What’s going on?” Rich whispers.

I tilt my head and cock an eyebrow. “Apparently, our mothers were scheming our relationship.”

“You should have said something.” Rich glances at me as we sit on the loveseat across from my father.

“Why? It was fun to watch you sweat.”

He leans over. “You’re going to pay for this.”

“Promise?”

“Wench.” Rich puts his arm around my shoulders and tucks me close against his side.

I rest my head on his chest. Maybe I should have told him my parents would be in favor of our relationship, but it was fun to watch him agonize on the trip over from his place. He’s been terrified they’d oppose it, and then, I’d dump him.

Fat chance that’s ever going to happen. If my parents didn’t approve, it wouldn’t have changed anything. I love him andwouldn’t break up with him for anything. It’s marriage or – it’s marriage. Or living in sin. Whatever.

Rich and his stupid hang-ups that he’s too rough for me, and no one would approve of us being a couple. I wanted him to see my parent’s complete support.

“Well, if your mothers didn’t trick you two into dating, you must have seen the light on your own.” My dad flips on the television. “Let’s catch some of the game while we wait for dinner to get done.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I can’t believe Tony is back in town.” My dad shakes his head as he turns to the football game.

“It’s great. I’ve missed having him around.”

“And we need a damn good tight end. That last guy was a total moron.”

“Martin!”

I giggle as my mom yells from the kitchen.

“Sorry, honey.” My dad rolls his eyes and whispers, “the guy sucked ass.”

“I can still hear you.”

Rich chuckles. “Yes, Sir. That guy was a train wreck. I think he had three fumbles in one game. Tony is going to take this town by storm.”

I smile as they continue to chat about football. He’s going to fit in great during Sunday dinners.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Rich

One week later, I high-five Chloe as we cheer Tony’s thirty-five-yard catch and run. He’d gotten the ball on the opponent’s thirty-five-yard line and ended up on the thirty-yard line for our team.

The crowd outside the glassed-in suite is rivalrous as they celebrate the first down. Tony has already caught one touchdown, and by the end of the first home game, there’s no way he’ll be able to walk down the street without a crowd of fanatics following him.

“Rich, this is so much fun. I can’t believe I didn’t go to a single game last year.”

“Well, Sugar, you’re in luck. We’ve got the hook up now.” I’ve been to other pro games, but this is the first time in a suite, with my girl, and watching my best friend light it up. It’s an incredible day.

“Yes, we do.” She turns and waves at Tony’s parents, who’re on the other side of the room with Tony’s other relatives.

I looked out to the field and wait for the next play to begin. Chloe’s fingers clutch my hand as she jumps up and down beside me. Our team is down by one point with under a minute and a half remaining in the game.

As the players line up, the crowd noise lowers to a quiet din as they allow the offense to call the play.

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