Page 29 of Player For Hire

“I don’t care. That was really so nice of you.” She peered into the bag then her gaze shot back to mine. “Oh. You got me the book. I thought you got it for you.”

“You’ll have to tell me how it is.”

Her big blue eyes sparkled with drunk pleasure. “I will. And…” She dug deeper and found the little box. “Can you hold this?” She shoved the bag at me and flipped the flaps of the little gold box open carefully. Then she squeaked and held it against her chest. “You didn’t.”

“I did.”

She threw her arms around me. “Colder, I love it. He’s the cutest ever.”

The scent of raspberries and warm female crashed into me, and I couldn’t stop myself from wrapping my arms around her. “I’m glad.”

She wiggled free and looked at the little crystal dragon with such adoration that my blood warmed and my chest actually tightened. “I shall name him Reid.”

“Reid?”

“Yeah, he looks very wise and studious.”

I laughed. “If you say so.” He just looked purplish blue to me.

Carefully, she tucked him back in the box. “I love him and the book. You’re really nice.”

“You’re really drunk.”

She licked her lips. “Yes. I am very drunk, but you’re still really nice. And I have a question for you.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Can you show me sex?”

I was pretty sure my jaw unhinged. “I’m sorry?”

“Sorry, that didn’t come out right. I want to have sex with you. For research purposes.”

“How much have you had to drink?”

“Quite a bit. Which is why I’m asking actually.” Her brow furrowed. “I don’t think I’d have the guts to do it if I wasn’t drunk.”

“Uh.”

“I’m writing. And I love my story so much.”

“That’s great.” The topics of conversation were flipping fast, and I had to be more exhausted than I thought. “I’m glad you’re working on your book again.”

“I am too. I really, really love it. But I need help. Your help.”

“To read it?”

She shook her head. “No. God, no. I’d die a little bit if you read it right now. It needs work. Lots of work.” She pushed her hair out of her face. “But I need work too.”

“You definitely do not need work. You’re killing me here.”

She frowned. “I know it’s asking a lot. I’m a really good student though. Like more than a 4.0.”

I laughed. That didn’t surprise me in the least. “That’s not what I mean. You’re drunk and I’m so exhausted I’m obviously not comprehending what you’re saying.”

“I want to pay you for your research.”

“You want to what?” Now my jaw was officially dislodged and rolling down the hallway.

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