Page 146 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 9
With each minute he didn't come home, the more I realized that none of this mattered. He had probably slept with another woman last night.He might even be fucking her again right now.He didn't want me.Screw this.I'd mix some lies in with the truth and use a different name. He'd never know it was him. I began typing furiously. I wrote down a list of things I had done to lead him on, trying to compile a step by step guide on how to play a player. After a lot of brainstorming I came up with five solid steps: give him a taste, remain unattached, flip the switch, turn up the heat, and make him jealous.
Step one was "Give Him a Taste." I described playing along with Rory's idea of a one night stand. Writing about it was actually fun. Just thinking about his lips pressed against mine sent a chill down my spine. I emailed my new article over to Judy along with the list of steps, presenting the idea that each part of the series would be a different step. This time I was confident that it was exactly what she wanted.
By the time I was done, it was almost 5 o'clock. Poker night was tonight, and even though Rory was avoiding me, I was hopinghe'd at least be home for that. Which meant I needed to get ready fast.
***
I finished applying my mascara and looked in the mirror. My tight, lacy, crop top looked perfect with my super short skirt. I grabbed a necklace and put it on. It hung right between my breasts. Everything about this outfit screamed "whore." Fortunately I didn't actually have a date.
The boys had started playing poker in the living room a few minutes ago. They were laughing and cursing. I wasn't even sure if they knew I was home. Rory was definitely there. I recognized his laugh. I loved his laugh.
For some reason I was incredibly nervous to leave my room. I hadn't seen Rory since the shower incident. And now I needed to lie to him and say I had a hot date. Would they all be able to tell I was lying? "You can do this," I said to myself in the mirror.
I took a deep breath and walked out into the hallway. Rory, Jackson, and Connor were all sitting around the poker table.
"Hey, guys!"
All of their heads turned toward me.
"Damn, Keira, you look amazing." Connor pulled out the seat next to him. "I'll deal you in. We were wondering when you were going to show up."
"Oh, sorry, I can't join you guys tonight." I leaned against the armrest of the couch.
"But you were going to be our fourth. We're not stripping this time," Jackson added.
I laughed. "Well that doesn't sound nearly as enticing."
"We can play strip poker if you want," Connor said and winked at me.
"I'm really sorry, guys, but I completely forgot that it was poker night. I made plans."
"That's fine. Just invite them over here," Jackson said. "The more people, the more fun. Especially if we're switching to strip poker again. New meat!"
New meat?Sometimes the things Jackson said sounded awfully gay. "No, I mean I can't play."
"Why?"
"Actually, I have a date tonight." I smiled to myself, hoping that it would look like I was really excited to see the sexy man I was going on a date with.
"Well, a little heads up would have been nice," Rory said.
"I'm sorry." Rory seemed on edge tonight. He wasn't his usual calm, collected, self. But he was still sexy as hell. He looked cute when he was brooding. It actually seemed like he was jealous. He was probably just still uncomfortable from the shower incident, though. And he should have been. I still couldn't believe I had actually done that.
"Oh. Is he picking you up? Do we get to meet him?" Jackson asked. "I think we're all a little curious about what type of guys you usually date." He smiled at me.
"No, I'm meeting him at a restaurant downtown in a bit."
"He sounds like a dick," Rory said.
Connor pushed Rory's shoulder. "Chill, man." He had whispered it, but I still heard him.
Chill?Chill from what?"It's actually the guy I met at the bar the other night, Rory. Did you tell your friends about my awesome wingman skills?"
Rory laughed. But it wasn't his normal, cheery laugh. It was short and forced. "Yeah, you were okay."
"What? I was awesome! The last time I saw Rory that night, he was making out with the girl I introduced him to. And he didn't come home that night...so I can only assume that meant my services were a success."
Connor laughed. "You're awfully cocky. Next time Jackson and I will have to come check out your skills."
