Page 84 of For the Sub

Niles had the opposite problem.

He’d thought he’d married a wonderful woman.

And he couldn’t have been more wrong.

“If you’ll go with me to the event, I promise to stay by your side.”

“That’s not a factor for me. I can take care of myself, Sir. Have been for a long time.”

“And doing a great job of it. I know I’m being selfish by asking you to go with me, but with you there, I might enjoy the function. And…” He decided to use every tactic in his arsenal. “That day, at the grocery store, you told me you’d owe me a favor if I manned the barbecue.”

Holding up a protesting hand, she scowled. “Hold on, Master Niles. You can’t—”

“Time to pay up,” he countered. “Unless you want to earn a reputation as someone who reneges on her word?”

“That’s unfair, Sir.”

“I play to win. You already know that.” He smiled in what he hoped was a charming way. “And I want you to go with me.”

“Do any rules apply to you, Sir?”

“No.”

She exhaled.

“At least think about it.”

“Sir…”

“Please?”

Brandy closed her eyes. “You’re relentless.”

“When I want something, I don’t give up until I win.”

“I haven’t agreed to go with you.”

“You will. I’ll even buy you breakfast as a way to sweeten the deal.”

“What?”

“John told me his pecan waffles have been rated among the top in the state.”

“The restaurant is probably not what you’re expecting. It’s more of a diner than anything. I can make us some eggs here.”

“Are you calling me a snob again, Brandy? You might want to watch your words.”

She worried her lower lip.

“You admitted I’m not like them, so stop thinking I’m too damn good for you and your friends. You’re walking a thin line.”

“I—” She exhaled.

“It’s breakfast,” he said, reining in his frustration. “Nothing more.”

But he was lying to both of them.

Going out to breakfast at her friends’ place represented something more than a casual hook-up or scene.

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