Page 47 of Dirty Secret Love

When I put down my phone, I find Callahan leaning back against the wall, studying me with a smirk. “You’ve been awfully distracted today.”

Gael chuckles, taking a sip of his water. “He’s probably sexting his fiancée.”

“Shut it,” I snap, anger rising.

“Oh, come on,” Gael teases, waggling his eyebrows. “Rumor has it things got quite ... steamy during your little retreat.”

I send him a sharp glare. “What are you? Thirteen?”

He leans in, his eyes dancing with mischief. “I could stop, but where’s the fun in that?”

“So, I’m guessing you don’t want me to fuck the librarian anymore?” Bach taunts me.

In a flash, I’m inches from Bach’s face, my anger palpable. “You touch her and I swear, you’ll die.”

He holds his hands up in mock surrender, his grin never wavering. “Okay, okay.” Then he glances around. “But you all owe me money.”

Cal shakes his head. “I stayed out of that ridiculous bet. To me, it was pretty clear that he was going to end up not only fucking her but falling madly in love.”

Frowning, I ask, “What the hell are you talking about?”

Seriously, do they need more coffee so they can start making sense? I was only gone for a few days and they’re talking crazy. Me in love with Sutton? Ha. As if. I, River Thorndale, never fall in love. This is just a favor to a new friend. In exchange, I’m getting not only to live away from my siblings, but also great fucking sex with a minx who has a dirty mind just like mine.

“It’s very simple, River. You’re falling for the pretty librarian. We’re just enjoying the benefits of a good bet,” Bach says with a straight face, but I can see the smirk he’s fighting. Asshole.

“But you’re wrong,” I argue.

“Just saying.” He shrugs. “Every time you told me to make a move on her, you looked like you wanted to punch me.”

Gael nods in agreement. “Honestly, man, even before this whole ‘fake engagement,’ every time you saw her, it was like you had heart-eyes. We all noticed.”

But they’re wrong, aren’t they? She’s just a little fling.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Sutton:

You were trying to hook me up with your brother Bach? What is wrong with you?

River:

I thought you two would be a great match.

Sutton:

I can get my own dates, thank you very much.

River:

Sure you can, but . . . I’m helping you avoid Tarantula man, ghost boy, and . . . well, you get the idea.

Sutton:

Are you seriously using my dating history to defend yourself?

River:

No, I’m making a point.

---