Page 82 of The Stud

“Still won’t.”

Another small sigh of exasperation precedes her continuing, “Rules for not,notdating include…not telling anyone on or related to the team-”

“Agreed.”

“Maintaining our professional relationship around them and in the building.”

“Is that really what we should call your dick drawing behavior?”

“And while we’re not,notdating-”

“You truly cannot just say dating, can you?”

The teasing grin I absolutely adore touches her lips. “Contract exclusivity rules apply,especiallyto our sex sitch.”

“We only wheel each other.” Her overly eager nodding pushes me to proclaim, “Which isn’t a problem considering I haven’t been with anyone since this summer.”

“Rule amendment.” Arden promptly lifts a finger. “No lying.”

“Unnecessary amendment as I already don’t lie to you.”

“You literallyjustlied.”

“I did not.”

“Did.”

“Not.”

“Did!” She stomps her bare foot on the cold floor. “You said you haven’t banged anyone else since this summer when you totally just slutted it up with that Elizabeth de Burgh aspire to be we met on the commercial set!”

“First,” a finger point is flung in her direction, “stick taps for theOutlaw Kingreference-”

“You know it feeds my runaway to Scotland obsession.”

“I could probably lead the league there like I do here.”

“Wait, I thought your homeland was Britian.”

“Doctenn,” I hiss, delivering her the victory of getting under my skin that she was seeking. “Andsecond,” the glare she’s given is an amalgamation of silly and serious, “I didn’t sleep with her.”

“What?”

“We were supposed to meet in the hotel bar for a drink, but I ghosted her instead.”

“Why?”

“Because I never really wanted to go out with her. I just didn’t wanna spend all night moping around, thinking about you being with that prancing pylon instead of me.”

“Again,” she snickers on a small slide forward, “your chirp game needs work.”

“I honestly haven’t been withanyoneelse since norwantedto be, so statement stands.Your amendmentis unnecessary, which also means we can continue to wheel without covering since you’re on the shot.”

“How do you know that?”

“How do Inotknow that?” More mirth meanders through my expression. “Getting that shot and getting a periodic blowout and – evidently getting your pussy waxed – are the onlythree‘girly’ things you openly engage in.”

“Ugh,” Arden good naturedly grumbles, “why do you know me so fucking well?”

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