Page 23 of The Red-Hot Stakes

His eyes darkened as I sashayed over to him, and he muttered, “How about I take off my shirt and pants, and we see how much stammering you do?”

I grinned, smacking the menus into his chest. “Some other time. I narrowed dinner down to these two places. You decide while I get dressed.”

His confusion brought out that adorable furrow as he processed my words. “I’m staying for dinner?”

“That was the point of your visit, right?”

A slow smile spread over his face as he plopped onto the couch, eagerly scanning the menus.

A few minutes later, I returned in a hoodie and yoga pants. “What’d you decide?”

“Subs.”

We called in our food, me rolling my eyes at the size of the order he placed.

“What? I’m hungry?”

“Yeah, but where do you put it?” I scanned his fit body. “There’s no fat on you.”

He smirked. “I don’t sit on my ass all day, G. Derek’s not the only one using the gym.”

Ooh, what time do they work out and would they mind me watching them? Would it be too distracting if I brought popcorn? I wasn’t above enjoying a decent view, and Liam’s body was delicious. Even if he was annoying.

“No.”

“What?” I asked defensively. I hadn’t even said anything.

“I don’t know, but whatever you were thinking, the answer is no. The look on your face spelled trouble.”

I waved him off. “What do you want to do while we wait for dinner?”

“Do you know how to play cribbage?”

It had been one of my favorites growing up, and it had been ages since I’d played. I nodded eagerly. “Love it!”

He knew right where Derek’s board was and brought out a deck of cards too. The game went fast, both of us getting decent hands. We were in the final stretch, and I got to count first. I turned over my cards, barely keeping in my gasp. Not only did I have a double run, I had fours through sevens, a good combination which gave me a lot of points. I carefully analyzed the possibilities, deciding to keep one four, two fives and one six.

It was my turn to cut the deck. I held my breath, nearly screaming Liam turned over another five. That gave me nine more points, putting me out before he even got to count.

When I laid my cards down, he just whistled. “That’s some hand.” A knock on the door let us know our food was there, and Liam pretended to pout. “Why couldn’t he have come five minutes ago?” He winked to show he was teasing, and my stomach flipped. He got our food, paying while I put away the cribbage board.

“What do I owe you?” I asked, eagerly taking my sub.

“Nothing. It’s on me.”

I bristled, hurrying to swallow the mouthful of food. “I was getting dinner either way. Let me pay you back.”

He frowned, leaning back in his chair. “It’s no biggie, G.”

“If it’s not a big deal, then let me pay for my own sandwich.” I held his stare until he dropped his chair back on all four legs with an equally heavy sigh.

The plastic bag rustled as he dug for the receipt. He tossed it to me.

“How much did you tip the guy?”

Liam’s growl told me I might have pushed him too far. I threw a ten at him, my share plus a couple extra bucks.

He snatched it up and shoved it in his pocket. “Happy?”

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