Page 31 of How to Play the Player

No comment. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t.” I can practically hear his smirk through the phone.

“Please don’t,” I groan. “Ian already beat you to whatever talk you’re thinking of giving me.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then I’ll just add on.” I can imagine the smug smile on his face. “Based on your tone, and that you’reat the Brick right now, I’m going to assume Quinn showed up looking like a million bucks.”

I roll my eyes as he continues.

“And am I right to assume you were struggling to keep your eyes on the venue instead of her?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I turn my attention to Ian. “Dude, have you ever considered investing in a gag for your fiancée?”

Ian only laughs as he walks off to help another customer.

Jake continues. “Actually, I got my info from Jonathan. He said you were?—”

I cut him off. “Like Kami, my brother needs to mind his own business.”

“Are you kiddin’? Your love life is his favorite reality show right now,” Jake says, not unkindly. “By the way, he just arranged for a meeting for tomorrow morning.”

“What?” I take another sip of water, already sensing I won’t like what’s coming.

“Ten a.m., his office. You, him, and Quinn. He wants to discuss the social media schedule for the wedding announcements.” Jake’s voice has that too-casual tone that tells me he’s enjoying this. “You should have the calendar invite right about now.”

I pull my phone away from my ear. Sure enough, there’s the notification. I bring the device to my ear again. “Fantastic. Nothing like a little ambush planning from my dear big brother.”

“Word of advice? Maybe not wear a suit and tie. If you’re trying to win this bet, beat her at her own game.”

“What do you think I’ve been doing?” I snap.

“I’m just saying, a dress shirt that’s a size too small might do wonders.” Jake’s tone is too innocent.

I consider hanging up, but that would only confirm I’m rattled. “Was there an actual reason for this call, or are you just entertaining yourself at my expense?”

“Can’t it be both?” Jake laughs. Then his voice turns more serious. “Okay, all jokes aside, be careful.”

“Why would I need to be careful? It’s not like I’m going to battle.”

“What I’m trying to say is…if neither of you will be backing down, someone’s going to get hurt. Just don’t push it too far.”

“And what if she does?” I point out. “Don’t worry; I’ve got it all figured out. See you later.”

I end the call. Ian returns from the other end of the bar. “Ready for another drink?”

I consider it, tempted to lose myself in the comfortable buzz of alcohol and the bar’s atmosphere. But tomorrow’s meeting looms large in my mind, and I need all my faculties intact if I’m going to stay one step ahead of Quinn.

“Just the check,” I say, reaching for my wallet.

Ian waves me off. “On the house. Consider it payment for turning down Kami when she tried to replace me with you as her fake fiancé.”

“Safe to say things worked out in the end, huh?” I manage a small smile as I lay down a ten-dollar bill on the bar anyway.

“Definitely. Stay safe, man.”

The night air is cool against my face as I step outside, clearing my head further.

Tomorrow’s meeting feels daunting in my mind. As though I’m about to walk into a minefield. But Quinn forgets I know her weaknesses just as well as she knows mine. That spot just below her ear that makes her breath catch, the way her body flushes pink when I stand close, how she always bites her lower lip when she’s trying to maintain control.

---