Page 127 of Bad Love

But she doesn’t wantit.

Knowing that makes my bonesache.

"Logan. What's going on?" Monty grabs a Hunter’s Cross from thefridge.

"Not in the mood forcards."

“If this is about the bet, you’ve done everything you can to make sure Nellie’ll lose. Short of reneging, which I’d do in a heartbeat. You were always stubborn when you got it in your head to do something. Even had my back when I got into trouble freshman year on the basketballteam."

I drop the beer and the torn label on the counter. "Got a two-gamesuspension."

"And when I missed an exam, who sweet-talked the TA into letting me rewrite itlate?"

"I fucked theTA."

He blinks. "Seriously?"

"I don't remember. Maybe." I smudge a finger along the stainless fridge. "I never even liked this penthouse. The layout's weird. Who puts a sink in theisland?"

I shove my hands through myhair.

In the days since I walked away from Kendall, I’ve only heard from her about the bet. She's emailed a few updates on the campaign and final budget numbers for approval. I told her to spend whatever she needs to finish thisthing.

It's twisted because I feel like shit about her, but I can't even dwell on it because my work's not done. If this is what it feels like to be normal—to work and have responsibilities—it sucksass.

"I know what's at stake here. My grandmother will hate me. You will. We'll lose the wealth my family built, that I never worked for or deserved in the firstplace."

His eyes flash. "I wouldn't go thatfar—"

"But when I walk in the door at the end of the day? The bet barely makes my short list of problems because Kendall and I aredone.”

The words are out before I decide to saythem.

Monty looks past me toward the other room as he leans a hip on the slate counter. For once, I know he’s not thinking about work. “I’msorry.”

Sorry doesn’t fix the hole in my gut or the fact that everything I took for granted as a part of me is spilling on the floor. It hurts, but I’m numb at the sametime.

“Tell me you weren’t dumb enough toinitiate.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Even I’m not that dumb,Montgomery.”

He curses. "You can't change her mind? You're a bulldozer. You'll wear her down with sheerenthusiasm."

Normally I'd use whatever I had to get my way. But I don't want her coming to me if it's not what shewants.

I shake my head as I stop in front of a bag of corn chips, break the seal, and grab one. "That's just it. She's not the kind of woman to be talked into things. And even if I could, she’s used to being with guys who want her to change. So even if I win, Ilose."

I know I could convince her to fuck me, but for once, that's not the answer. I don't want her inbed.

I want hereverywhere.

I hold up the chip and inspect it. It's oddly translucent, as if it's more air thancorn.

Maybe itis.

Maybe we allare.

"All right. So you have to let hergo."

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