Page 19 of The Bet (The Players 1)

“Tell him yourself!” I shouted after him.

As soon as his door slammed, I sent Ty a text.

I’ll meetyou in the restaurant at 12:30pm for lunch. You have a meeting with Mr. Nash at 2pm.

Ibarely hadtime to set my phone down on the desk before he responded.

Perfect. See you then, Kate.

NowI just had to keep busy until lunch. How hard could that be?

11

Ty

Through the years, I’ve discovered I’m this strange combination of analytical and impulsive. How do they balance out? Apparently, I act first, then spend tons of time thinking about it after. For example, I never considered what might happen when I decided to stay and help Kate yesterday. Somehow, it never occurred to me that I might end up spending the night. I sure as hell never thought she might be taking up this much time in my head, but how could she not? The woman was special. This consumed me as I sat in the booth.

Naturally, I beat Kate to the restaurant. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the way it should be. She should never be left sitting around waiting on me. I had the portfolio printed out in front of me, along with a pad of paper so I could take notes. My phone was open to read the latest emails from my father. For the most part, I felt prepared for this meeting. Kate had warned me not to push too much. I didn’t want to cause him pain or get her fired, so I’d tread lightly. Hell, now that we’d clicked, I wasn’t exactly trying to rush off, especially with my father footing the bill.

Soon enough, Kate came rushing in and I moved the paperwork so she could join me. “Wow. You’ve been busy,” she noted as she slid into the booth.

“Sadly, yes. My father sent me all kinds of information about this place. Did you know Mr. Nash wasn’t the original owner?” I grinned.

Her brow furrowed. “No. I had no idea.”

I leaned in conspiratorially. “He won it on a bet. Can you believe it? An entire hotel was his. Just like that!” I laughed.

Her eyes widened. “Wow. That’s really something.”

“Right?” I collected all the files and stashed them in my laptop bag. Then I smiled and gave Kate my full attention. “So, how has your day been?”

She tilted her head as she considered my words. “You know…not terrible. Mr. Nash has held it together. No tantrums today.”

I laughed. “Which is good because…heart.” She looked surprised. “See? I remembered. I pay attention.”

“Good.” Kate nodded. Then she glanced behind me and I guessed our server had arrived.

“Ms. Summers.” The woman bowed her head in greeting. “I had no idea you’d be joining us today. Would you like me to have chef whip you up something special?” She looked back and forth between us.

Licking her lips, Kate grinned. “I don’t suppose he has any fresh lobster?”

“Iknowhe does. Lobster rolls?” She seemed incredibly excited as she watched for my approval.

“I’ve never actually had a lobster roll, but I love seafood, so let’s give it a try.” I shrugged.

Kate laid a hand on her chest as she gasped. “You’ve never had lobster rolls? How is this possible?”

I tugged my chin. “My mother is allergic to seafood. My father hates messy food.” I leaned in conspiratorially. “He even eats pizza with a fork. He’s a bit of a disappointment.”

“Wait.” Kate interrupted with a frown. “Chicken wings?”

“Won’t touch them.” I shook my head.

“Subs. Regular sandwiches.” She held out a hand prepared to tick off food.

I sighed. “If he has to eat it with his hands, then we never ate it. Satisfied?”

She pursed her lips. “I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied, but you did answer my question.” Kate reached across the table and ever so dramatically took my hands in hers. “I have so much to teach you,” she teased.

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