Page 18 of Perfect Pact

Finally.

“I’ll let you use the driveaway on one condition.”

“Let me use?” I rub my temples, exhausted by our afternoon encounter.

“Yeah. I think it’s pretty generous of me. I’m not asking for much.”

“What, Dusty? What do you have in mind?” I pull out my cellphone to text Simon and see if this is true. Why wasn’t it covered in the meeting?

“If you’re checking with Simon, don’t bother. My brother already reviewed the land survey and spoke with him.

“You—”

He holds up his hand to stop me. “Before you go any further. It’s easy Beth, just go on a date with me.”

“Oh my God!” My head falls back as I pray to the heavens above to give me the strength to get through this day without killing Dusty Jacobs. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“It’s a simple solution to both our problems.”

“Our problems? More like my problem. Not having accessto my homeis a problem. You not being able to secure a date without blackmail is not only a crime but pathetic!”

“Those are my terms.” His smug smile is back. The one that chips away at my resolve every time he uses it against me.

“So, you’re saying the only way you’ll allow for me to use this driveaway is if I go on a date with you?”

“Jesus, Beth. You make it sound like extortion.”

“Just calling it how I see it…”

I should go on a date with the man. I’m sure it wouldn’t be that bad, but at the same time, I don’t want someone to force me to do something I’m not sure I want to do.

But you want to.

My subconscious is a traitor, and I’m pretty sure that’s why Dusty can see right through me. However, I have to stay strong.

My last relationship cost me a lot more than my freedom and self-respect. I can’t afford any more entanglements until I get out of my mess. I need to stay away from this bearded charmer before it costs me everything.

“You can’t take rejection.” One last push back.

“Gasp.” Dusty’s hands fly up to his chest. “That one hurt.”

“It only stings for a little bit. I promise,” I holler over my shoulder and walk my ass right uphisdriveway tomybarn, adding a little sway to my hips.

Game on.

“Night, neighbor!” he calls after me.

Of course, he has to have the last word.

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