Page 52 of Double or Nothing

Slowly, Sutton makes his way toward me. My eyes focus on him, and I can’t help but admire the view of the man he’s become. Solid muscle, a strong, broad chest—everything is still him, just to the exponential power.

He looks good.

He looks so damn good.

I swallow down the lump that forms in my throat at how close he’s gotten.

“Just don’t let it happen again.”

A sly smile spreads across his face. “I make no promises.” He glances down at his hands then back to me. “Now, you want to tell me what you’re doing here? I know it’s not for the reason I wish it was.”

What reason is that? It’s the question I want to ask, but don’t dare. Even if he was sorry and I was willing to forgive him, his behavior these past couple of days says otherwise.

“The party.”

“What about it?”

“You need to shut it down.”

“Why?”

“For starters, you are violating the fire code, and more importantly, you’re disturbing my guests. Guests who will not bolt at the first sign things are getting tough.”

“Way to slide that dig in there,” he says before taking a sip of his beer.

“What can I say? You bring out the worst in me.”

“We used to bring out the best in each other.”

“That was then.”

“And this is now. For me? Nothing has changed.”

He takes a step toward me, but for every step he takes in my direction, I take one back. His strides are long and even, the intention written in his eyes unmistakable. My back hits the wall, and I’m stunned into silence. After all these years, Sutton’s body is pressed against mine, and my resolve is melting just like Liz said it would.

“God, you are gorgeous,” he compliments as he gently brushes the back of his free hand against my cheek.

I close my eyes, the touch sending a hot jolt right through my body. My heart races, and I know he feels it. Whatever he’s doing, I don’t want him to stop, so I stand here, breathless, waiting.

“You’re mine, Kat. My gorgeous, Kitty Kat.”

“I don’t belong to anyone,” I say without conviction.

“You belong to me,” he says, the timbre of his voice causing my body to tremble. Then just like that, the heat of his body is gone.

My eyes flutter open to find him clear across the room, the beer bottle pressed against his lips.

The moment he’s away, the anger returns. Anger at him for leaving, anger for him messing with my emotions. Anger for this stupid damn party that is making my job infinitely harder.

“Shut the party down,” I demand.

“Anything for my girl… under one condition.”

Even though he isn’t facing me, I know there’s a ghost of a smile on his face.

“And that is?”

“Have dinner with me.”

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