Page 42 of Secret Bet
She had the tactics of their father too. Peter tugged on his ear and deliberatelydidn't glance at Belle for more than a second. Another man joined her at the table, and they all laughed at somethingshesaid.
John didn't notice anything and stared at him. "Are you sure? Or if we say to forget it, will he drop her off at the airport tomorrow and never see heragain?"
That was an idea. Peter licked his lips. Belle might be better off without him, and she must haveher price. He'd eventually see it. Either way, she deserved better than to be the subject of this bet nonsense. She'd hate him. His jaw was clenched, and he had aslightpain.
"I'll send the papers over in the morning to give Vicki ten percent of the stocks. I don't want to go near Belle again under falsepretenses."
Vicki's hands went to her hips. "I won't accept. John, tell Peterto forget about the stupid bet and that he can dateBelle."
Peter tugged his sister's hands to lower her stance. She was thebride.
John then nodded. "Of course. Peter, we wanted you with a good woman. We're happy for you. Bring her over to our house Christmas afternoon forlunch."
Now that the bet was over, his heart lifted in his chest. He swallowed and said, "I'll ask her.Andthanks."
As he walked away, and his sister went to dance with her new husband, he stared at Belle. He hadn't intended to take her anywhere. The men around her all cleared a pathforhim.
Belle then grinned at Peter as he slumped into the seat beside her. He glanced at the other men, and they all took off. Belle's lips parted as she noticed, but then she staredathim.
She tilted her head and said, "You spent a lot of time with your family. Areyouokay?"
The promise he had made swam in his head. He scooted his seat closer to her as he said, "What are you doingtomorrow?"
"Brunch with you." She blinked but didn't move. "Plus my friend Em and I want to goshopping."
He unclenched his hands and brushed his arm against hers. Electricity surgedin him. "John is having a Christmas party in the afternoon. I'd like you to bemydate."
She covered her parted lips with her hand. "WhataboutEm?"
Good. She must have agreed. Belle was impulsive. His heartbeat grewstronger.
"Is shesingle?"
Her gaze narrowed. "Yeah,why?"
There was nothing to worry about. He licked his lips. "There will be single men, mostwith wealth. I'll make sure she's introduced toeveryone."
She crossed her arms and brushed against him. "Em's not interested in a man for his wallet size. She'slikeme."
Everyone has a price. The thought hit him hard, and he flinched. He hadn't quite figured Belle out yet. He cupped his chin and leaned closer. The smell of apples grew and wet hisappetite.
"This is why Ifind you so attractive. You think everyone is goodandkind."
She dropped her hands to her side, but didn't push him away. She swept a piece of hair behind her ear. "She's my friend. Iknowher."
He shrugged and leaned away from her. "Then you'll come and let her enjoy herself. If she hates all of them, we'll send her to a dive, and she can meet poor men to her heart'scontent."
His brother, John, and his wife, Alice, both flashed him the thumbs up sign. His skin heated as Alice said, "Bets are for children. I can't believe you'd dothatJohn."
They began to weave through the crowd closer to them. He licked his lips. Belle might hate him if she found out, and he never should have made a bet about her price. He had toactfast.
He stood and held outhis hand, "Does that mean you won't dance with meagain?"
John and Alice were closer. His heartbeat grew erratic, but then Belle squeezed his arm as she stood. "Of course I will, but your sister is getting ready to throw thebouquet."
He turned and saw his sister motioning with the bouquet. "All the single ladies please stepforward."
His hands brushed against her side asshe walked away, he said, "Comebacksoon."
