Page 33 of Never Dance with the Devils
“Aww, love you too.”
It’snine o’clock at night and we’ve already pretended to watch a game replay, gone for a swim, and eaten a pizza each (a luxury we don’t indulge in during the season).
“Think we should call her or text her?” I ask, leaning toward Riggs like there might be someone to overhear me suggesting we do something stupid like knocking over a liquor store.
“We should give her some space to breathe. This weekend was a lot for her.” A lot for him is what he really means.
“Nah, space to breathe is space to panic. Nobody needs that.” I give him a pointed look, blatantly accusing him.
He takes a deep breath, attempting to demonstrate that he’s not panicking a bit, but I know him better than that. His inner voice isn’t particularly kind sometimes, telling him he’s going to be rejected so why even risk it? Still, I let him hide… for now.
“Heard. So should we text ‘you hungry?’ or ‘wanna fuck?’ If we go with the former, we could parlay that into bringing her dinner… and then fucking. If we try the latter, there’s a higher likelihood of getting a response because in her mind, it’s a safer approach.” I hold my hands up in front of me like I’m weighing both options.
Riggs closes his eyes, thinking. “Send her ‘you hungry?’ We could send her food if she hasn’t eaten already.”
“Too late. I already sent ‘wanna fuck’,” I declare, holding up my phone.
Riggs reaches for his own phone, pulling up our newly-made group text as he spits out, “You did not!”
I grin cheekily. “No, I asked if she wanted some company tonight, offering the one thing she can’t get anywhere else… us.”
“Oh.” Staring at the message, he seems a bit surprised by my semi-delicate approach.
Kayla’s response comes quickly.I wish, but I’m already in bed. Early day tomorrow with lots of meetings.
Riggs and I meet eyes. “What do you think?” I ask, generously giving him some input this time.
“Light, like you,” he says, nodding with certainly. In his mind, that’s a compliment, so I take it as such.
“What’s on your agenda? Tell us all the ways you’re going to scare weak men tomorrow,” I say as I let my phone voice type for me. A quick edit, and I lift a questioning brow for Riggs’s approval. When he chuckles, I hitSend.
Not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult, but actually, you’re right,Kayla sends back quickly. The guy I’m meeting with? Last time, he literally asked if he should speak with Cameron or my dad about Blue Lake’s investment in his company.
Riggs is quicker than me this time.Is he still breathing? If so, do you want us to correct that?
I laugh at his offer of violence, then send my own taunt.You’re off your game, Harrington. Should’ve left him bleeding out beneath your feet. Then he’d be too dead for a meeting tomorrow. Win, win.
I almost did. But didn’t want to sacrifice my favorite Jimmy Choo’s. And I want the deal. The meeting tomorrow is to go over the contract. Mind you, the contract that’s basically a done deal, take it or leave it.
I can hear the cutthroat businesswoman in her message, the take no prisoners style that got her to thetop of her field regardless of her last name, and I respect that as someone who had to do a lot to get where I am too. I might be publicly laid back and a little silly, but make no mistake, I’m ruthless when the situation calls for it. Usually, that’s on the ice, but it can carry over to my personal life when needed.
He’ll take it, Riggs sends. His expression is dead serious, and I have no doubt that if he could make it so, he would. But that won’t be necessary. Kayla’s got it handled herself.
He probably just wants to see your pretty face again. Or maybe he’s the type that enjoys a bit of ego crushing for sport because I’m sure you let him have it.
I did.
There are still three little dots, showing that she’s typing, when I send a quick follow-up message.
Good girl.
Looking for some ego crushing of your own?
He definitely is, and I want to watch him cry. Get him.Riggs flashes me an evil smirk as his message comes through.
But Kayla’s next message isn’t the hit to my confidence he’s hoping for.
Raincheck? I should get some sleep.
