Page 35 of Endgame

I got my answer about him tonight. He’s one of the good ones and won’t sleep with me without a commitment.

I expect to find him surprised by my response, but it’s clear from the look on his face that he’s not. My body loosens as I carefully slide off Cal’s lap and find my seat again. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I stare at the bar top as if it will save my hurt ego.

His endgame might as well be wrapped in neon because it’s hard to miss.

For Callaway, it’sallornothing.

14

CALLAWAY

She can’t date me.I expected her to want to sleep with me; that much she made clear. But does she think I wouldn’t want more from her?

There’s so much more than meets the eye with Dakota Foster.

I want to know all of it. For example, which cookie fits on which occasion? How many Dunks does she have in her never-ending collection? What caused her deep-rooted pain?Who do I need to kill?What happened to this beautiful, broken woman that makes her feel sad? Like the idea of giving herself over entirely to someone was offensive.

“Like I said, I’m patient.” I doubt she expected that to be my reaction.

Her eyes look to mine, seeking answers she won’t find. “Aren't guys supposed to be captains of thefuck her and leave hermentality?”

What kind of little boys has she been with? Well, I heard one firsthand but even still—I’m a man. I won’t treat her like she’s nothing.

“You may already know this about me, but I was raisedbetter than that. I was raised with morals and the queenly treatment of women. I’m not so desperate for a quick fuck that I’d risk disrespecting your worth.”

Dakota has demons taking up space in the little emotional room she’s got left to give. I want to occupy that space and make a home in it.

If it takes waiting for her to be ready, I’ll wait.

I’m willing to take the scraps she gives me for now.

In the time I’ve been fortunate to spend with her this week, I’m captivated by the relaxed side of her she hides so well. But I see it.

However, I won't give myself over to her fully until I know she’ll stay. I’m strong enough to know I’ll never recover from that heartbreak. There’s something incredibly special about her, and I’m willing to stick around and find out.

“You really are a great guy. Not that I didn’t believe you were from the start; it’s that it’s becoming one of my favorite things about you, Callaway.”

I grab her small hand and lace our fingers together; the new distance she created between us feels too far apart for my liking.

“Please don’t confuse me taking the high road for being disinterested, Dakota. I’d like to get to know you—remove all the distractions and noise and see what it feels like with just us.”

Her plump lips, which a minute ago I couldn’t imagine doing anything but sucking my cock, lift in an appreciative grin.

Her smile lights up her striking face with a hint of mischievousness. “So, you want to be friends?”

I can sense this is about to turn around and cross me somehow.

I’m intrigued by her direction, nonetheless.

“If that’s what you want to call it, then sure.” I’ll play along with this for now.

“I’ll respect that, Cal. Your pursuit of my heart is bound to break eventually. I’m not ready to give you what you want, so friends it is. When you finally decide you want me physically, like I know you do, I’ll be ready to take you. I’m a very patient woman. It seems we’ve got that in common.”

Leaving me stunned, she stands and walks out of the club alone.

I’m going to regret this.

15

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