Page 51 of Sparks Fly
“What?” I am taken aback by his comment.
“You and Ace, make a bet with us right now that this will be nothing more than what it is… a crossover of dates.” I see the playful glint that shoots through his dark brown eyes. Zach is practically bouncing up and down on the spot and you wouldn’t think we are three men in our mid-forties.
“Bet.” I nod, holding my hand out to shake both of their hands.
“May the odds be in your favour.” Luke winks and I roll my eyes.
“What’s the cost?” I take a large mouthful of my drink.
“Royce,” he says with a thickness of seriousness coating his tone.
“You can fuck off, anything but Royce.”
“The yacht then.” He throws a shoulder up, lips turning down in a nonchalant way. “Same monetary value, anyway.” He side eyes Zach whose lips are twitching.
“Deal,” I say through gritted teeth, knowing full well I have just signed my yacht away.
Shit.
Chapter Twelve
Anaïs
The driver dropsthe three of us off by the marina, Creed leading us towards his boat. Rue and I are barefoot, heels in one hand, bags in the other as we follow like lost puppies.
It’s late, a lot later than I wanted it to be, but still, none of us are ready to go home. We’ve drunk ourselves sober and tiredness threatens to mask us, but for now, we’re happy to sit on the boat and chill for an hour or two.
We walk onto the boat and Creed is instantly greeted by the lady from last night.
“Mr Lexington.” She tips her head and then steps aside for the both of us. “Nice to see you again,” she says softly to me, and I give her a warm smile.
“You too.”
Rue says hello to her, then she is behind me as we sit on the sofas at the back of the yacht.
The lady appears but Creed holds his hand up.
“No champagne tonight, Emily. Maybe some tea?” His eyes narrow on her and she smiles.
“Certainly, sir.”
“Creed,” he corrects her and then turns his attention to us. “That okay?”
“Fine by me. I am all champagned and cocktailed out.” I snort a laugh and Rue agrees.
“Perfect.”
I look out at the star filled sky and a blissful sigh leaves me.
“Thank you for agreeing to come for dinner tonight,” he says, aimed at me and then finally turning his attention to Rue.
“Thank you for inviting us.” I roll my lips and Rue shuffles.
“Thanks for letting me gate crash.” She smirks and taps her fingers against her thigh.
“No gatecrashing, a friend of Ace is a friend of mine.” He tilts his head towards us both.
“Well, thank you again,” she says just as Emily places a tray with a teapot, milk, sugar and three mugs.
