Page 60 of Billion-Dollar Dating Game

As if she hadn’t got the memo already.

It hurt so much more than it should.Stupid, Skylar.This was only a game and apparently for him it was no longer fun. Was hebored? After all, they’d had a few more dates than one.

She shouldn’t have asked. She’d sounded pathetic and needy. She forced a smile to cover up and was so, so glad the chauffeur had pulled up outside of her apartment. ‘Sure. Of course.’ She opened the door and as she scrambled to get out of the car, she muttered, ‘I guess you’re going to be busy.’

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ZANESTOODALONGSIDEGRACE, unable to sling his arm around her shoulder like they’d agreed. He’d managed to stand with his hand hovering at her back on their way into the restaurant and he knew the photos had been uploaded directly to socials. Even so, he’d endured dinner with her at the restaurant just below the rooftop bar they were now heading to for the final part of the evening. He’d hated every second but he was determined to see it through. There would be more photos taken at the bar, which would ensure there would be no doubt—Zane deMarco was back to his one-date wonder ways.

‘At leasttryto smile,’ Grace murmured as they moved past the next photographer.

Tonight’s event was a frivolous summer celebration. No worthy high society charity do, this was a vibrant night offering excess and excitement and some new EP from some famous music producer. One that high-profile influencers posted live on their social media accounts. All pumping music, vibrant lights, short dresses, tight shirts, sparkles and skin...pure festival vibe. The rooftop club and bar was packed while the famous DJ dropped his best beats.

Zane shot his senior analyst a rueful look. ‘Thanks for this. I’m going to push off shortly.’

Grace didn’t even try to convince him to change his mind. ‘Thanks for getting me in here. I’ve always wanted to see this bar.’

‘Enjoy.’ He knew she’d be fine—she was on track for a fantastic night. Whereas he was officially over people and parties. He wanted nothing more than to be alone. He’d pay his driver triple time and go back to the beach tonight. He might have to take a bottle of whisky with him.

But he couldn’t resist a moment to check the stunning view of the Hudson River and the city lights, but three steps along he came face-to-face with Cade Landry.

‘Hey.’ Zane braced.

‘Who’s that?’ Cade jerked his head towards Grace, currently stalking her way through to the dance floor. ‘I thought you were seeing some petite brunette who works at Helberg.’ Cade’s eyes narrowed. ‘Which is pretty interesting, given everything.’

‘Didn’t work out,’ Zane said shortly.

‘No?’ Cade lifted his glass with a smirk. ‘That isn’t her heading towards us right now?’

Zane whirled and scanned the balcony, instantly spotting her petite frame amongst the revellers.

He’d died and gone to hell.

The scarlet minidress stopped his heart. The look in her eyes ripped it from his chest. Five days since he’d seen her. Five interminable days and endlessly restless nights.

She’d not been in touch and he’d been doing everything to keep himself distracted and not succumb to the temptation of calling her. He’d left the city for a couple of nights just to stop himself. It was while he was away then that he’d made this plan. Because he needed to be clear ofeverythingshe was associated with.

Quickly he turned back to Cade. ‘I’m out of the bet. I don’t want Helberg. You and Adam carry on without me.’

Cade’s jaw dropped. ‘You’re—’

‘Done. I’ve dated two women since the bet started. There’ll be more in the next few days. I’m out. Completely.’

He didn’t explain further. He just had to get away. From Skylar. From trying to explain it toherwithout...he didn’t know what.

He pushed through the crowds and got to the elevator, hitting the buttons to get him down. Out. Away. The lift didn’t come and the tightness in his chest worsened. He’d take the stairs. He weaved through the crowds again, no relief from that image of her in his mind, and as he turned the corner she was there. Right in his path, as if she’d just been waiting for him all along.

‘Why are you running away so early?’ she said.

Because he couldn’t stand seeing her. Especially not in that scarlet minidress. The long sleeves and high neck were made of something see-through while a silk slip the same colour covered her best bits beneath—but only just. It was playful and provocative as hell. Her hair was in that high ponytail and his ruby earrings sparkled in the light. But it was her eyes he really couldn’t handle seeing. Not the gleaming anger in them.

Why wassheangry?Hewas the angry one.

‘What about your date?’ she asked over the top of the thudding music. ‘Are you just going to leave her alone here?’

His chest tightened even more. She was concerned for hisdate? She wasn’t jealous at all—not even theslightest?

‘She’s fine,’ he said tightly. Grace wouldn’t be at all bothered that he’d vanished. He desperately needed to get to the beach and down that bottle of whisky. Maybe two.

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