Page 3 of Gambler's Fallacy

“Yeah, because that’s one of the best places for bodies to be dumped,” I retort. “Besides, going for hikes is how I ended up in this whole mess.”

The waitress returns, and I let Havoc order for me like I always do. I’ve had a few negative surprises from when the guys have felt adventurous for one stupid reason or another, but for the most part, they keep it tame.

Except for the time they had me try calamari, which had been greasy and rubbery and disgusting.

It is not the delicacy they said it is.

“But there are fewer people to watch out for out there,” Havoc points out. “Besides…” he trails off and looks at something over my shoulder. “Ugh.”

I turn to see what caught his attention. It’s Caleb, with another man in tow. He’s older than Caleb by ten years, maybe, and his graying hair is slicked back. His suit is nicer than Caleb’s, and my eyes are drawn to the flashy watch.

One of those types. I’m more than familiar with rich men who flaunt their wealth.

Nausea roilswithin my stomach.

I force my gaze on Caleb instead, appreciating how good he looks in his dark gray suit. He manages to keep his brown hair perfectly styled all day—which makes sense, with how much time he spends getting ready in the mornings. He’s only an inch shorter than Havoc, with a more lithe body, but I know he’s got a bit of definition under that suit.

Caleb stops at our table. “Seven. Havoc. I didn’t expect to see you here. Weren’t you going… out?”

Havoc shrugs. “Yeah. Plans got a bit delayed, is all.”

The man with Caleb stares at me, and I wish I’d chosen to sit next to Havoc after all.

Caleb notices the scrutiny and shifts so he’s closer to me. “Trent, you’ve met Havoc before. And this is Seven, my boyfriend.”

Trent.

All three of them have been elusive about the new general manager, which has been driving me insane. Maybe now that we’ve met, I’ll be able to figure out what the big deal is.

“Nice to meet you,” I say with my best perky smile.

Trent smiles and shakes his head. “Damn. You really come out and say it like that? Your boyfriend? No shame at all?”

Caleb reaches out and squeezes my shoulder. “Is there something I should be ashamed of?”

“No, no,” Trent says. “I’m from an older generation. I remember the days when your kind were all closeted. Doesn’t really bother me. More women for me, right?”

That’s not exactly the way it works, especially for smarmy assholes like he seems to be, but I don’t let him in on that little secret.

Besides, I bet he’s three steps away from deciding to try out what a guy feels like.

The thought stops me in my tracks, freezing my smile on my face as I stare down at his expensive watch.

Havoc presses his leg against mine underneath the table. “By the way, how’s your wife doing?” he asks mildly. “I owe her one for hooking me up with my nice apartment.”

Trent looks surprised by that. “She did that?”

“Yes. Alice is generous like that,” Caleb says. He catches my confused expression, and says, “Alice is my sister. Alice and Trent’s daughter Lori—my niece—is the one who gave me Miss K.”

Right. Family dynamics. I still haven’t met Lori, but I’m not entirely eager to.

I don’t know what I’ll do if I meet her and it turns out she has hollow, haunted eyes.

I shudder, and I push my leg back against Havoc’s, wishing all over again that I’d sat next to him. That’ll teach me to be immature about something so stupid.

“Oh,” I say.

Trent claps Caleb on the shoulder. “I’m only playing about the women thing. You know Alice is my one and only.”

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