Page 25 of The Billionaire Dating Game

“You’re not still peeved about our last game, are you Popova?” Heath arched a brow but there was a mischievous smirk at the corner of his lips.

“The game where you cheated yourself to victory? What gave you that impression?”

Heath chuckled, then explained to Candice, “Every year before spring training, we host a game on the field for the donors.”

“A friendly game,” Latricia added.

“Alexei’s team lost,” Heath said. “Katya scored the winning run. I can’t thank her enough.”

Candice bit back a smile. Heath was vicious.

“If I didn’t love my sister, I would disown her for that traitorous act.”

Heath grinned. “Next year, she’s all yours. What kind of organizer would I be if I didn’t allow you at least one good player?”

“No way,” Latricia said. “Next year, we women play against you men.” Then she winked at Candice. What do you say, since I suspect you’ll be part of our team?”

Candice’s eyes widened. She didn’t have the heart to tell this woman that any plans regarding Alexei were null and void. They had two weeks remaining. Candice didn’t want to think about their time being up.

“I do like winning,” she said, taking delight when both men grunted.

Latricia faced her husband, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I know you want your wife to win.”

“Are you trying to manipulate me, woman?”

“I would never…” Latricia grinned, linking her arm threw Heath’s and dragging him away.

“They are nice.” The departing couple exuded playfulness and comfort in each other’s company, making Candice suddenly jealous of their relationship.

“As long as you don’t come between him and his two brothers.”

“Not so different from you then, with regards to family.”

“Even more reason why you shouldn’t be on anyone’s team but mine.” He drained his glass of champagne before depositing it on one of the many pub-style tables bordering the banquet hall. “I’m possessive about what’s mine.”

Her heart thundered. Did he just include her in his circle? It would be cruel to hope. They’d made an arrangement, hadn’t they? Yet, the question played over the passing hours as he introduced her to business associates, investors, and other wealthy donors.

These past weeks were both confusing and exhilarating. She didn’t want their time together to end. The Popovas were close knit. The more Alexei let his guard down, the more open he was about his relationship with his siblings—he even began answering their calls in her presence. A time or two, he’d passed the phone when Katya or Dmitri inquired after her.

Their current relationship didn’t feel fake. But as she looked into his smiling face, wanting badly for more, she hesitated to give hope roots.

She squeezed his hand. “I’ll be right back,” she said, leaving his side in search of the lady’s room.

His grip tightened, pulling her back for a quick kiss. “Don’t make me come after you,” he teased, nipping her lower lip when she flushed at the heat in his glance.

He made her hot all over. Her thoughts were so preoccupied with Alexei that she bumped into Mr. Rodriguez. Alexei said the man came from a wealthy family but she didn’t get the sense that he was fond of the overconfident younger man.

“Sorry.” She tried to sidestep him. “I didn’t see you there.”

“I didn’t think I’d see you again after Paris.”

She frowned.

“I had hoped to see you again.” He smiled. The tilt of his lips reminded her of a wolf, and she retreated a step. “I’m also surprised Popova isn’t weary of you.”

Did Alexei date that many women after Jasmine or did Rodriguez think Alexei was still pining over his ex?

Either way, the insult stung, reminding her of Anna’s words about men not wanting her for herself. She repeated the mantra that she was worthy, then she remembered where she stood. This was a business event, and she couldn’t punch him in the face. “If you’ll excuse me—”

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