Page 4 of Love on the Line

“Really?” Paul took a sip of his wine and rolled his eyes.

“What’s that look for? You think I’m kidding?” Devon glanced around the room. “Fine. That will be our next bet. You pick someone here, and I’ll get her to go out with me.”

Paul sat up in his chair. “Hmm. This could be fun. Only…” He tapped a finger on his lip. “Let’s make it a little more challenging.”

“How?” Devon swirled his scotch.

“I imagine you could buy or charm a woman into your bed if you put your mind to it, but as far as I know, you’ve never had a lasting, meaningful relationship. Whoever I choose, you have to date exclusively for three months.” Paul smiled a Cheshire-cat grin.

A thrill of anticipation climbed up Devon’s spine. This would be the easiest wager he’d ever won. He’d come a long way since college when he’d lost that one over Lynn. Sure, he’d been popular back then, but nothing compared to his status now. Wealthy, handsome, respected in the community, he had his choice of women. Any of which would marry him if he ever proposed.

Paul had no idea how much power and lure Devon had over the opposite sex. They always wanted more, but he tossed them to the curb once they bored him. He wasn’t sharing his fortune with any gold diggers. Date some cheap bar chick for three months? Hell, he could do that in his sleep.

“Tell you what, Paul-ie.” He dragged out the name. “I’ll up the ante and get the woman to agree to marry me in three months. Put a ring on her finger.”

“Really?” Paul’s eyes widened. “You actually think you can?”

“I don’t think it. I know it.”

“I can’t wait to win this one. I’m pretty sure I’ve already found the woman, but first I need to set up a little test.”

Devon rubbed his chin. “What kind of test?”

“You’ll see in a second.” Paul jerked his head. “Take a look over there.”

Devon followed Paul’s gaze to a table of five women who appeared to be in their late- twenties or early-thirties. Trish brought them a tray of drinks. They all knocked back shots except for a short-haired blonde, who drank from a soda glass. She stood and slung her purse over her shoulder, saying something to a tall redhead before leaving the table.

She headed toward the restroom and passed by without a glance in Devon’s direction. That was a first. Women always noticed him. His gaze raked down the back of her body. Nice ass and curvy in all the right places.

“You thinking of her?”

“Maybe. Her table has been pretty rowdy all night, so I’ve noticed them. I’ll need Trish’s help, though, to see if that blonde is the right person for the bet.”

Devon snapped his fingers as Trish passed. She flinched, but continued on, carrying a tray with pitchers of beer and mugs. Slowly pouring them, she chatted with the men at another table.

Total ignorant bitch. She’d just lost her tip. He would leave her a one-cent tip so she’d know he didn’t forget it.

She finally came to their table and spoke directly to Paul, with no smile this time. “Ready for another?”

“We’d like to order a round for the ladies over there.” Paul gestured to the group of women.

Trish nodded. “Okay.”

* * *

When Anne returned from the restroom, Trish showed up with another tray of drinks.

“Some guys bought you a round,” she said.

“Who?” Anne asked.

Trish pointed across the room. As Anne turned to look, three men at the next table stood, blocking her view.

Anne frowned. Free drinks were nice, but who’d sent them? “I can’t see who ordered these. Is it a group of guys or what?”

“Nah. Just two. One of them seems kinda nice, but the other is a jerk. Can you believe he snapped his fingers at me to get my attention?”

“That sucks. I waited tables when I was in college. I hated when people did that.”

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