Page 70 of Double or Nothing

“It means you work it so I can win that bet.”

Only Callum could about-face that quickly.

“Not a chance in hell.” Though I have to admit, I say the words with a little less conviction this time around.

“Not a chance in hell of what?” Sutton stands in the doorway, arms folded across his chest, his face like stone as he stares at Callum.

“None of your damn business.” Fearlessly, Callum steps toward Sutton, who, in turn, takes a step in Callum’s direction.

“Oh, no. We’re not doing this,” I say as I move between them. My hands press against Callum’s chest. “Please, Cal, don’t do this. Just go.”

“Whatever you want, sweetheart.” He presses a kiss to my forehead before pushing past Sutton, bumping his shoulder for effect. “Oh, and Sutton? Why don’t you try actually apologizing to her instead of buying her shitty flowers?”

Much to my surprise, Sutton lets Callum have the last word. The conversation drops, Callum leaves, and Sutton and I are left alone.

All were doing is standing here, yet the chemistry between Sutton and me is undeniable.

Sutton is the one to break the silence.

“That guy is a tool.”

“He isn’t… not always.”

“Are you two…?”

“Thank you for the flowers. You didn’t have to do that,” I say, evading his question. I have to admit, I enjoy watching him squirm.

“Yeah, I did.” Sutton shrugs nonchalantly. “I owe you about a hundred more bouquets.” Sutton looks at the floor. “Val, she works for me, she’s the one… Christ, Kat, she was the one to talk to Jack. As much as I hate that douche, Callum, it was me who fucked things up for you, not him.”

“Don’t call him that,” I warn him. He squirms again, his face contorting as though he’s resolved to the idea Callum and I are together or at least have been.

“You can’t be serious,” Sutton says, his hand running through his hair. “You’re going to choose him over me?”

“You quit being a choice the minute you stepped on that plane.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. That’s why I sent the flowers. Why I’m here now.”

“To apologize?”

“To start apologizing. One apology won’t cut it.”

“Damn right, it won’t.”

“I know, that’s why I was hoping you would let me continue to apologize over dinner.”

“This again?” I ask with a roll of my eyes.

“Yes, but I won’t force your hand this time. Please, Kat, have dinner with me.”

“You just won’t give up, will you?”

“Have I ever?” Sutton walks toward me. I take a step back, then another, until I’m against the wall. Setting his hands on the wall, he frames my face. “Give me a chance to show you how sorry I am. I know I messed up, but…”

“But what?” I say breathlessly.

“I want to make it right. I want to fix this.”

“And if you can’t make this right? You’ll leave me alone?”

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