Page 33 of Double or Nothing

“Thank you.”

He nods. “Oh, and Kat?”

“Yeah?”

“One week.”

“One week?” I repeat, clueless as to what he’s talking about.

He gives me a wink before driving away.

I stand there for a moment, confused, trying to figure out what the hell he’s talking about. Then it hits me—our bet.

Asshole.

Chapter 19

Kat

As I stand on the sidewalk waiting for Sutton’s limo to pull up, I regret my decision to drink away my problems last night. I’m exhausted and look more like I’m rocking an eternal hangover rather than just rocking it. I feel like hell, and I’m completely unprepared for this.

Stifling my millionth yawn of the morning, I see a black limo pulling up to the Sapphire entrance.

Nine o’clock sharp.

God, I wish I could make time stand still. Pause this moment so I can keep whatever is left of my sanity a little longer. As the limo slows to a stop, I tell myself I can handle this. That I can face him.

Basically, I lie to myself. Over and over because I am far from ready, the nervous shifting from foot-to-foot proof enough. I will myself to stand still and smooth the fabric of my suit before clasping my hands in front of me. My heart is racing so fast and so loud, there’s a pounding in my ears when the limo rolls to a stop directly in front of me.

This is it. Last chance to back out, suck it up, do something because, in just a moment, I’ll be face to face with Sutton Cole.

Get your shit together, Kat.

The moment the door of the limo opens, I lose my breath and resolve that any chance of me getting, let alone keeping, my shit together is not an option.

One leg emerges, clad in dark denim, then before I know it, he’s standing before me. His pitch-black hair is a little longer than I remember but still meticulously styled. His blue eyes, the ones I used to stare into for hours, are covered in designer sunglasses, allowing me the slightest reprieve. At least I don’t have to look into them immediately. I don’t have to melt into a puddle right in front of him.

The dressed-not-to-impress look of jeans and a t-shirt he’s sporting is a stark contrast to the business pantsuit I opted for this morning. The one I picked because it was the least sexy, most covered thing I own.

Everything about him is different, older, more mature, yet it’s all still so familiar. Especially the way he smiles at me. Even more, how his smile makes my heart melt and swell at the same time.

“Hey there, Kitty Kat.”

The deep timbre lulls me in. The nights we spent in bed, him lulling me to sleep with the songs that so easily slip from his tongue, his voice my personal sound machine.

The sound of the nickname he gave me stirred emotion in me, I’m trying to keep at bay.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Aw, come on, don’t be like that,” he says as he makes his way to me.

We’re standing toe to toe when he slips those glasses off and floors me with those godforsaken blue eyes. The ones that make me weak in the knees. He’s too close, his body too warm and inviting.

Restrain, Kat. Restrain yourself. You can do this. I give myself a quick reminder of what he did to me and why we’re in this position.

“I’ve already checked you in. Your room is ready and waiting for you. I hope it’s to your liking.” I do my best to keep my tone professional. “Please, follow me.”

I turn but haven’t even taken a step when his hand grabs my arm, and I yank it away. The feel of his skin against mine burns so hot, I actually glance down to see if my skin blistered from the heat.

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