Page 43 of Her Devils

10.

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Lenley

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THE OUTSIDE PORTIONof the sky bar is even more impressive than the inside.

It looks like a lush garden with an infinity pool, a dance floor, and another smaller bar on one side.

There are seats and tables scattered throughout, almost up to the glass and metal railing that surrounds the top of the building.

The music is great, and people are mingling whether they are drinking at a table, swimming in the pool, or dancing to the beats of a popular DJ.

“Hey, princess.” Jameson’s deep voice reaches me as a waiter approaches our group with another tray of shots. “Want to look around this awesome place?”

I’ve never been too much of a drinker, and we all know what happened last time I overdid it with shots of vodka. “Yeah, why not?” I accept his hand and rise from my seat, shaking my head to banish the memory of losing my inhibitions and spilling my heart to Darrius only to have it crushed to pieces.

We walk around the outdoor sky bar, hand in hand, observing the party around us. His palms are warm, and his fingers are slightly rough as they twine with mine.

“How did you get rid of Anna?” I ask him as we reach a quieter spot near the edge of the railing. “She was all over you, as usual.”

“I introduced her to the Reno Arrows,” Jameson replies with a satisfied smirk. “Those guys party harder than anyone I’ve ever met, and they kept ordering shots, so I was able to slip away.”

I snort at the thought of a drunk Anna. “I hope they can handle Anna. She can drink anyone I know under the table. She claims you don’t last at Harvard if you don’t know how to drink.”

Jameson shrugs. “Yeah, sober or drunk, I just wish she got the message that I’m not interested. She’s the last woman I’d ever fuck.” I’d be lying if I said that I don’t feel a perverse sense of satisfaction over the fact that Jameson isn’t attracted to Anna.

“Good, because you know if you liked her, it would be a deal breaker for me.” I immediately regret my words. I know Jameson and I aren’t dating, and I keep repeating that to myself, but I can’t help it. I hate seeing Anna constantly trying to gain his attention.

“I’d sooner fuck one of my teammates than Anna Penn, believe me,” he says with a shudder. “Women like her are what make me totally uninterested in ever trying the whole relationship thing.”

I laugh at the look on his face. “Yeah, don’t tell Channing and Peyton, since I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be up for it,” I say, trying to hide a hint of disappointment I have no business feeling at his words. Our deal has many purposes, but changing the guys was never one of them, and I need to remember it.

His next words, however, have the opposite effect. “Women like you though...” He leans closer to whisper into my ear. “Constantly make me hard.”

I have a full body reaction to his warm, minty breath. My nipples harden against the fabric of my sequined dress, and my breathing quickens. “Is that so?” I whisper, lifting my gaze to meet his smoldering gray one.

“You’re the best of both worlds, princess,” he says, pulling on my hand and rounding the corner. “You’re beautiful and a lot of fun, and we’re becoming friends. I love how non-bitchy you are, and it makes me want you more.”

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