Page 3 of The Bet

“What? Are you going to tell Chloe?”

“I should,” I mutter under my breath.

“Who cares.” Jim shrugs. “While you’re at it, let Ms. Won’t Put Out know we’re done.” He sneers.

“Damn.” Eric laughs as he grabs his beer off the table and guzzles it. “That’s harsh.”

The muscles in my jaw ache from the tension. “You break it off with her. She’s your girlfriend.”

“God, you’re such an ass. The only reason I was dating her was over a bet.”

“A what?” My breath catches in my throat.A bet? What’s he talking about? Shit. It doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, Chloe is going to be devastated.

“A bet. Kameron Willoughby wagered me five hundred bucks to get into her pants, tell her about it, and then dump her ass.That way, she knows a man like me would never be interested if he wasn’t getting paid. In my opinion, the bitch owes me.” He raises his eyebrows. “If I see her, I might tell her about the bet, or I might collect instead. What’s a second piece of ass tonight?”

“Stay away from her.” I roll my neck. The popping sound is loud in my ears.

“Why? Do you want in on the bet? You wouldn’t get any farther than I did.” Jutting his chin out, Jim raises from the table.

“Screw you.” I jump up and inch into his space. “You touch her, and I’ll rip your dick off.”

It’s been years since I’ve been in a fight but spending time with Jim makes me want to clock the motherfucker. He’s trash. However, the thought of telling Chloe that Jim had only been interested in her to earn five hundred bucks makes me feel worse. It’ll break her heart, and I can’t do that.

“Please, you don’t have the balls to do it.” Jim crosses his arms and glares while Ericlurches out of his chair and backs away from us.

“Yes, asshat. I do have the balls to do it, but I’m not going to make a scene in front of a crowded bar.”

“Pussy,” Jim growls.

“Don’t plan on coming in to work on Sunday.” My head pounds from the tension in my body. Every muscle is on high alert as if I’m a jaguar preparing to attack. I glance around to see if anyone’s paying attention. The music is playing so loud that no one gives us a second look.

I take a step back to have enough room for me to swing. I’m not going to start it, but if he makes a move, I’ll knock him the fuck out.

Eric, Jim, and Kameron, the bet maker, work at the fire station. Kameron is a good guy. Or so I thought.How in the hell did he get involved in this? He’s not the type to treat women like trash. Or to waste money.

“What the fuck?” Spit flies out of Jim’s mouth as his eyes narrow into tiny slits. “You can’t fire me.”

“The Chief can, and you’re on probation,” I smirk almost daring him to punch me. I’d love to beat the shit out of him. “Any inappropriate conduct and you’re out.”

“I’ll kick your ass.” Jim shoves the table and steps into my space. We stand chest to chest as several other patrons turned to watch the show.Shit. Now they want to watch.

“Dude, you and what army?” I eye him. Jim isn’t small, but I have at least fifty pounds on him – and it’s all muscle.

“Eric has got my back.”

“Hey, leave me out.” Eric raises his hands in defense and steps back. He bumps into a group of customers who’ve stopped to watch the argument. For whatever reason, drunk people love to see spilled blood. “This is your fight. I’m keeping my job.”

Jim’s shoulders sag.That’s what I thought. Pussy.

I tip my head to Eric. “While you’re at it, you might want to find better friends.” I turn on my heel and walk to the exit. Neither of them makes a move to follow me.

Sweet mother of pearl. I have to break Chloe’s heart, and I’ve never even had the chance to take her out on a date.

Please, God, don’t let her cry.I swallow over the lump in my throat. Chloe is the sweetest, most sincere woman I’ve ever met. She deserves someone who’ll treat her with respect and love – like me.Yeah, right. I’ll never have her – especially after this. The messenger always gets the shaft.

I’m rough and crass, where Chloe is soft and sensitive. I curse, drink beer, and fight fires for a living. Chloe drinks herbal tea and bakes heavenly delicious desserts. Hell, I’ve never even heard her curse. Not to mention, she’s my sister’s best friend. Jenna would slit my throat.

Chapter Three

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