Page 19 of High Stakes

I roll my eyes, “Because I know what’s good in a restaurant I often frequent?”

“Some women don’t like that. It’s a little . . . controlling.”

“Or it’s thoughtful depending on your mindset.”

She smirks, “You have an answer for everything.” She pops the piece of steak into her mouth and closes her eyes in delight. Once she’s swallowed it, she says, “Oh lord, that is amazing.”

“Told you.” I can’t keep the smugness from my voice.

Bella

When we arrive back to the apartment after the best meal I’ve ever eaten, there are boxes everywhere. “Luckily, I have people that do this,” says Aiden, pulling out his mobile.

Less than half an hour later, JP, Raff and Aria turn up.

We all get stuck in, unpacking items and placing them around the room. The guys set the brand-new oak bed up and once the new sheets and cushions are placed on it, it looks amazing. We’re sorting the last few bits when Aiden comes in with a bag of Chinese food, “Thought we needed fuel after all that work,” he says, and we eagerly follow him to the kitchen where he sets out various container on the center island so we can all dip in. I check my watch, noting it took us almost four hours to work on the bedroom. “It looks like a hotel room,” gushes Aria, “I’m so jealous right now,” she adds, looking in my direction.

“Apparently, she isn’t staying,” says Aiden and all eyes turn to me. “She wants to go back home.”

“It’s not safe,” Aria and JP say in unison.

I laugh, “I can’t impose on Aiden.”

“Don’t put this on me,” he argues, “I want you to stay here.”

I smile, “You do?”

He looks away like he’s embarrassed. “It’s safer,” he mutters.

“We just worked our backsides off to set your room up,” snaps Aria, “You’re staying, no argument.”

I can’t stop the smile as I nod and watch as everyone relaxes and goes back to helping themselves to food. I haven’t known the guys long, but right now, I feel like they’re all in my corner and it feels good.

The next morning, I arrive at the shop ready to bake my happy heart out. Aria is already there whipping up some muffins and I join her at the counter, tying my apron.

“I think I’m totally in love with Raff. He’s the perfect guy for me,” she tells me dreamily.

I roll my eyes, laughing. “You’ve said that about almost every man you’ve ever met.”

“Don’t roll your eyes, Bells. He was made for me; he just doesn’tknow it yet.”

“Um, then I suggest you make it a priority to tell him, so he’s on the same page.”

She begins to spoon the thick mixture into bun cases. “And don’t think I don’t see the way you and lover boy look at one other.”

I scoff. “We’re just friends. He’s a one-night stand type of guy, and I . . . well, I’m not that sort of girl so,” I shrug.

“I vote you give him just one night, he’ll be begging for more.”

“It’s a good job I haven’t put it out for vote,” I say, arching a brow. “Besides, I have a date after work with Luke. He’s nice, friendly, funny, reliable.”

She drops the spoon in her bowl of mixture. “Well, he sounds delightful,” she says, her tone mocking. “Boring but delightful.”

“I think he’s exactly what I’m looking for, actually. And he’s really nice looking.”

“But does he set you on fire with one look?” she asks, “Does his touch awaken something deep inside you? Do you wanna rip his clothes off?”

I throw my cloth at her and she catches it, laughing. “Not everything is about sex, Ari. The sooner you realise that the quicker you’ll find Mr. Right.”

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