Page 18 of High Stakes

“It’s not what you know-”

“But who you know,” she finishes for me, and we both laugh. “Why are you single?”

Lucas brings us a bottle of white wine, pouring me a small amount and waiting for me to taste it. I take a sip and give a nod. Once he’s poured us both a glass, he leaves the bottle and disappears again. “Because I choose to be,” I reply.

“I think you’re wasted,” she remarks, “But I get it. I’m thinking of taking up the single life myself.”

I grin, “Does your date know that?”

She shrugs, “Luke seems nice, but they always do in the beginning. Once I tell him about . . . yah know, he’llchange. Maybe I should just do it, get rid of it so it’s not a big thing anymore.”

I swallow a mouthful of wine, my eyes widening. “Get rid of what?” I ask, even though I know exactly what she means.

“My virginity,” she whispers.

“You’ve held on to it for twenty-three years, why suddenly give it up to a stranger that doesn’t deserve it?”

“Because I never meant to hold on to it for this long.”

The waiter comes over and places olives, bread and oils on the table. “The usual Mister Tremos?” he asks. I give a nod, and he leaves us.

“Jesus, how many times do you come here?” she asks, laughing.

“Often.”

“Always with women?” she asks, popping an olive in her mouth.

“I don’t think you should rush into a decision,” I say, taking us back to the conversation.

“Oh god, I bet they think I’m one of your conquests,” she adds, glancing around.

“I haven’t known you long, but I know you’ll regret just giving it away.”

“Do you remember your first?” she asks.

“Not really,” I mutter.

“Exactly, it wasn’t special. And this won’t be either. Yah know, I read somewhere about a woman that sold hers on the internet. She made a million.”

I roll my eyes, “That’s not true.”

“How do you know? There are people out there that pay good money for feet pictures.”

I laugh, “Ridiculous.”

“Would you pay?” she asks.

I raise my brows, “For your virginity?”Unfortunately, that’s not a part of the rules or I would.

“God no, not for mine, just in general. Would you sleep with a virgin and pay for the privilege?”

The waiter arrives with our food, and I sag in relief. Bella stares down at the juicy steak. “Oh shit, you’re not a vegetarian, are you?”

“No, this looks amazing. I’ve just never had a man order my food before.”

I smile, “All part of the service.”

She looks troubled as she picks up her cutlery. “Maybe that’s why you’re single?” she suggests.

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