Page 12 of The Love Wager

Hallie:You were fake sleeping?!

Jack:It was obvious you wanted the quick exit, so who was I to get in the way?

She was laughing when she responded with:Well, um, thank you, I guess...?

Jack:You’re welcome, it would seem...?

Hallie readjusted her pillows and got comfortable.So tell me something, Jack Marshall. What is it you’re looking for on this app? TRUTH ONLY.

She wasn’t actually expecting the truth, so his answer shocked the hell out of her.

Jack:Okay, truth only. The truth is that I have a lot of friends and a good job, and I date often enough, but I want someoneimportant in my life. {insert your laughing at this desperate guy here}

Hallie would’ve been touched by the sentiment if it weren’t for the fact that he’dhadsomeone important in his life last week. Talk about a desperate need to be in a relationship. Still...

Hallie:Truth only: I’m looking for pretty much the same thing.She didn’t want him to misunderstand, so she added:Only not with you, so don’t get all squirmy again.

Jack:Rest assured, I will not squirm.

Hallie:Well, good luck on finding your perfect woman.

Jack:Good luck to you, as well. Your bra is hanging from my rearview mirror if you change your mind and want it back.

Hallie:Sicko.

Jack:Or I could keep it as a trophy.

Hallie:Y’know, you seem to be a little obsessed with that night.

Jack:I’m a little obsessed with that elevator.

Hallie’s stomach dropped and she managed to typeGood night and good luck, Sickobefore exiting the app and turning off her light. She needed sleep, and a lot of it.

Jack

Jack stared at the phone, wearing a stupid smile.

He shut down his computer—enough work for one night—and went into the kitchen. There were still boxes scattered here and there, but the new place was actually starting to look good. He opened the fridge and grabbed the milk, his mind still on Hallie as he poured a glass.

Yes, she was hot, and he still couldn’t stop himself from replaying moments of that night over and over again in his head, but it also seemed like she was genuinelyfun.

It’d been too long since he’d had actual fun.

He wasn’t interested in dating someone he’d had a one-night stand with, and she’d made it abundantly clear she wasn’t interested inhim, but in a weird way, he was glad she’d decided to mess with him on the app.

She’d reminded him that fun was a thing.

He put the milk back in the fridge and shut the door, only to see Mr. Meowgi staring up at him with those annoyingly adorable kitten eyes. It was day three of Jack being a cat owner, and the jury was still out on whether he’d made a terrible mistake.

“This is for me, buddy,” he said, picking up the cup. “Not you.”

It—he—meowed, and that tiny little squeak made the cat seem even smaller and more helpless than he actually was. Jack rolled his eyes, shook his head, and set the glass of milk on the floor.

“Here, you little beggar,” he said, crouching down to pet the irritating fluffball as he started drinking his milk. “But this is the last time.”

Meowgi started purring, as if to say,Sure it is.

Chapter

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