Page 78 of Dirty Player

“Tell me you don’t eat sugar.” I plead.

“I don’t. That shit is worse than cocaine. No joke,” Gina begins to tell me the scientific explanation about how sugarbehaves in the brain to make us addicted, or something, but my eyes are frozen on the woman standing outside the restrooms.

The one staring right at me.

“That’s crazy,” I say robotically to Gina as she pushes through the door. My feet remain on the spot as she disappears.

“Hi,” the staring woman says.

I know who she is. Levi’s sister-in-law. Knox Montgomery’s wife. I don’t know what’s happening right now, but I force a smile on my lips and reach out a hand.

“Hi. Payton, right?”

She extends her hand. “Yes, Payton Montgomery.”

We shake...but I swear I’m already shaking.

“Nice to meet you. Are you having fun? I hope Levi is introducing you to all the players and not stealing the limelight.”

She smiles...like one of those pity smiles.

She knows.

Fuck.

She fucking knows, I can tell. And it makes me angry, because how can the man I lovenotknow and yet his sister-in-law does?

“Doubt it. You know Levi.” Payton shoots a glance toward the party.

Yes, I do.

Very well.

Or so I thought. Now I don’t know anything.

“Well, we work together every day.” I nod and hope to lead her off her scent.

I don’t know what she wants from me. I figure she knows we dated and what happened with Colby.

I thumb over my shoulder. “Are you going in?”

“I’m waiting for Molly. She’s carrying twins. I think she pees twice as long or something.” Payton smirks.

I let out a laugh.

She’s funny. I like this girl, even though I have no idea why we are standing here talking. I start to walk away, but she stops me with her words.

“How long?”

“Sorry?” I turn my head.

“How long have you been in love with Levi?” Payton asks.

I drop my head, and she takes a step closer. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

Damn her.

I don’t know why I answer or tell her the truth, but the need to talk to someone about it is suddenly overwhelming and it all just falls out. “Yes. Please, don’t say anything. He doesn’t feel the same and what happened between us was unforgiveable.”

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