Page 70 of Holiday Hire

Amusement fills her expression. She finally asks, "Alright. So, what are we going to bet on?"

I don't hesitate. It rolls out of my mouth before I can even think about it. And it's strange because I didn't have it in my mindgoing in. I blurt out, "Next Saturday, there's a race at the track. We'll go and each place a bet on the horse we think will win."

She stares at me as if I'm crazy, then states, "I don't know anything about horses or betting. And I don't have money to risk losing."

"Don't worry about the cash. I'll give it to you," I say.

She huffs. "That's not fair."

"It's fine. You pick your horse, and I'll pick mine. If you win, you keep the winnings too."

"What if neither of our horses win?"

"Don't worry, my horse will win," I cockily state.

She laughs. "And there you are again, so sure of your bets."

"Yep."

She tilts her head, asking, "So this is your version of responsible gambling?"

"Yep. So, are you in?"

She takes a few deep breaths, then asks, "Are you sure I don't have to put money down?"

"Nope. Don't worry about it. I'll give you $1,000 for your bet."

"$1,000 dollars! That's a lot of money!"

Amused, I try not to laugh. I realize she's in a different financial position than I am. Maybe I should have said $100, but I normally toss $10,000 down. So I decide it's best to keep that detail to myself.

Her eyes are wide with shock as she looks up at me.

"Are you in?"

She finally holds out her hand. "Okay. It's a bet." We shake on it right as the kids run over to us. Wilder screams, "Pie time!"

Within minutes, my entire family circles us. We spend the next hour making s'mores and pies over the fire.

Mom states, "Jacob, we should get going. We have to leave tomorrow morning."

He nods. "Agreed."

We clean up, and everyone slowly disappears. Evelyn and her husband, and Sebastian and Georgia, take the kids back to the house.

Willow announces, "I'm taking off. I need to get ready for my date."

I groan. "Which idiot are you going out with tonight?"

"None of your business." She smirks, then turns to Phoebe, wiggling her eyebrows. "Are you sure you don't want to come? I can have my date bring one of his friends."

My gut churns.

Don't go.

Don't go.

Don't go.

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