Page 118 of Bad Love

I frown. “Monty. We sell shit for a living. You should know two for one isalwaysasteal.”

He shakes hishead.

At the end of the meal, I try to pay, but the chef pushes away my card. "The start of a partnership," heinsists.

"Fine. But tonight I'mpaying."

"Full price," heagrees.

When we’re done, I drop Monty back at his office, then return tomine.

Now, I know what all the papers are around the space. Looking at them gives me a headache, but there’s some pride in knowing they’re my fuckingpapers.

I’ll put in a few hours of work, then go home and get changed for the big dinner tonight. Thinking of it eases the tension in my chest a few degrees but can’t dispel itentirely.

My phone buzzes, and I glancedown.

Nellie:Been thinking about the terms of ourbet.

"We missedyou at poker last week,” he answers in a lazy drawl when I callhim.

"I wasbusy.”

“You’re always busy lately.” He sounds grumpy aboutit.

“What's with the text?” I demand as I go through my closet to pick a shirt fortonight.

"I thought about your situation, and I'm willing to offer you a deal. Private game. You win, I let you out of this bet. You lose, the termsstand.”

My hands still on a hanger. "Why would you dothat?”

"Because I’ve been thinking about our friendship and decided I don’t like seeing you working so hard. Makes for dull poker games when you don’t show. Last thing we need is anotherMonty.”

I can see how Nellie’d think that. I’ve been available for crazy shit for the last decade, and suddenly I’ve got other stuff goingon.

It’s not unprecedented for one of us to forgive a bet, but I didn’t think he’d do it on this. If he does, this solveseverything.

I step out of the closet, my heart hammering. "When?"

"Tonight."

"Can't," I sayautomatically.

"It's a one-night-only deal,Hunter."

I turn it over. I could tell him this is an important night because of plans I put in place weeks ago, but that's not going to help. "I have somewhere to be fordinner."

"Then beforedinner."

His words tempt me. If I win, I won't have to tell my grandmother about wagering her company. I can take ownership with grace and credibility. Not go out inshame.

"I'll meet you at the Charlotte in anhour."

* * *

"Lay ‘em down, Hunter."

I drop my cards on the table. "Flush."

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