Page 8 of Slap Shot Seduction

“No,” I said. “If this is my fault…”

“This is not your fault,” Bethany said. “It’s mine. I might owe him money.”

“What?”

“Long story.”

She started to stand. I pulled her back down. “Tell me the story.”

“Okay. I was playing some cards. Lost some money. Borrowed some money. Lost that too. Never paid it back. Took off.”

“Wait,” I said. “This is a gambling thing?”

“Sort of.”

“What do you mean…” I growled. Loudly. “Bethany.”

“It was just for fun! I was on a date with this guy. He wanted to show off a little. So I let him.”

“Who do you actually owe money to?” I asked.

“Give me a second.”

Bethany slowly began to rise up.

She looked around.

She looked down at me. “Stay put.”

Next thing I knew she walked from behind the desk.

I couldn’t believe this.

Well, I could.

This was - after all - Bethany.

Nothing surprised me about her anymore.

“All clear! It wasn’t him! False alarm!”

I jumped up. “What?”

“Sorry. It wasn’t him. I had the wrong guy.”

“Please tell me the front door is locked,” I said.

“Locked tight.” Bethany pulled at the door for proof.

“Go home,” I said to her.

“We all can’t be lucky like you,” Bethany said. “Going home to a rich hunk.”

I had plenty to say to that comment, but I kept it to myself.

In fact, I kept as much of my private life to myself as possible.

“Pour me a glass wine?”

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