Page 33 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

“I am not needed for this.” Scowling ahead, he changes his mind on the drink. He’s the definition of denial.

Jake grins behind his glass, watching the both of us. Instead of assisting, he busies himself with his drink.

Ignoring Rhett, I continue. “Jake’s already had some fun and I spent a night with her.”

Putting it out there, Jake hardly looks upset. He even chuckles against his glass. “And here I assumed you got attacked by some loose animal. She did quite the damage.” He hums as he looks to his right. “How long until Rhett gets a craving for our sweet baker?”

Before he can insult Jake, I nod my head. “Exactly. This conversation is necessary before it gets to this point. I don’t want us to fight. Not in general, or over her. Instead of focusing on who gets the girl, I want us to put Eloise first. Let her pick properly.”

“You were serious about not making this a competition?” Jake sighs and sets his glass down. “Here I thought I stood a pretty good chance at snagging her up. Well, I suppose I got a bit ahead of myself. Eloise doesn’t have an issue making it clear if she wants you.”

No, no she does not.

Rhett’s scowl deepens as he cradles his glass. He’s not going to be much help in this conversation. Even if he doesn’t want to include himself, he should know what he’s getting himself into.

“Iam willing to play fair,” Jake promises before he glances at Rhett. “As long as our buddy doesn’t start breathing down her throat once he realizes how much he’s missing out on. Oh, and no more trying to scare her away. If you can’t tell by now, she’s not going anywhere.”

“You’re delusional.” He grunts and looks at me. “You won’t have to worry about me.”

I suppose that’s reassuring. At least the words have been said.

“Nic, tell me about this night of yours.” Jake leans in looking like a young girl hunting for juicy gossip. “If I can’t keep her to myself, then humor me. I find this far more interesting. Don’t spare any details. Make this visit worth the traffic.”

If Jake wants to hear about her pleasure, then I’m all for it. Rather than to make him jealous, it feels more like sharing details on a topic we both enjoy.

Starting with our coffee date, I pause. If she hadn’t eaten the cookies, I’m not entirely sure my night would’ve ended the same.

“I didn’t play fair,” I admit, “she ate something she wasn’t meant to.”

Both men look at me with confusion.

“Did you slip something in her food?” Jake’s smile slips away. “Tell me you’re notthatcrazy.”

“What?” Realizing my words may sound suspicious, I scoff. “No. Fuck, no. She just ate some cookies.”

My explanation doesn’t lift their confusion in the slightest. Right, they don’t know Eloise’s weakness. She’d kill me if I revealed her secret.

If I want this to be a fair fight, then I should tell them the truth. A greedier man would want to keep the upper hand. While I can admit I’m greedy for Eloise, I’d never put myself before her.

“She’s got this thing with sweets,” I explain with a half-shrug. “Get her to eat sugar and she melts like a puddle. Like an aphrodisiac on steroids. Puts her in heat.”

Jake beams like the sun at the information. “That’swhy she doesn’t eat them? Hell, that’s hot.”

Amusement dances around his eyes and I can see the plans already forming in his head. He’s going to be the one who makes me regret spilling her secret.

Rhett squints at me, unbelieving. “You’re full of shit.”

Throwing my hands up, I shrug. “Doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. It’s the truth. You both know now, so we’re on even footing.”

While the eldest of us wraps his mind around this information, Jake snorts.

“She continues to get more and more interesting.” He’s grinning, hardly upset about my progress with the woman. “I’m jealous. How was she? I haven’t been able to get her out of my head.”

I’m not the type to kiss and tell, but Jake seems genuinely curious.

Rhett stands, already checking his watch. “I’m leaving.”

“Yes, old man. It is near your bedtime, isn’t it?” Jake scoffs with an eye roll. “What, don’t want to listen in about everything you’re missing out on?”

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