Page 150 of The Bluffing Game

“I don’t care what you think or like.”

“Oh, so we’re going back to bedroom talk again?” he growls, and the sound almost makes me jump.

The deepness of his voice is unexpected, and I feel a sudden thrill. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this intimidated and attracted at the same time. My inner voice reminds me that Dalton is not the reason I moved to Billionaires’ Valley.

“I don’t think so.” My eyes catch sight of a yacht as it goes sailing past the restaurant, and I watch a young blond couple talking on board. The side of the boat reads Sarah Marie, and I wonder if it’s named after the lady on board. Now that’s romantic and a money move. They will spend the day on the water, then go back home and relax. I bet they don’t have to worry about cockroaches and rats, like Rosie and me. Not that we’ve spent any nights there yet. We spent the night at the motel, so that we could deep-clean the place before we moved in officially.

“You like sailing?”

“I like boats, yes. I’ve always thought it would be cool to sail around the world.”

“Ambitious. By yourself?”

“Oh, no, with my husband.” I laugh and look over at him. “I’m getting married soon.” I don’t know why I told him that. Maybe because I think or hope that it will ensure he leaves me alone and stops flirting. Only a dog would flirt with someone else’s woman.

“You’re getting married?” He sounds shocked.

His eyes fall to my ring finger. I wish I had a giant diamond to shove in his face, but I don’t. At least not yet, I don’t. Maybe if all my plans come to fruition, I will have that ring soon.

“Not yet.”

“You’re engaged?”

“Not technically?”

“Your boyfriend told you he’s going to propose?”

“I mean, not in so many words.”

“Help me here, Sage.” He looks like he’s absolutely bewildered by the conversation.

I kinda want to laugh out loud, but I don’t, because I don’t really want to go into a deep conversation about what I mean.

“Help you with what? How to carry a conversation?”

“How do you know your boyfriend is going to propose?” He frowns, and his lips twitch. “Wait, does your boyfriend even know he’s going to propose?”

“I mean, duh.” I lower my voice. “If I had one, he would,” I mumble under my breath.

His eyes narrow and he takes a step toward me. “What did you just whisper?”

“I was wondering how often we get paid. I was …” I pause and take in the fact that he’s grinning like the Cheshire cat. The man is infuriating, but I can’t help but be warmed by his smile. “Why do you look like that?”

“I’m just curious why you changed the subject. Most newly engaged women or soon-to-be engaged women love to talk about their partners.”

“Fine, I am not soon-to-be engaged in the technical sense of the word. I do not have a boyfriend yet, but I know when I get one, the proposal will be swift.”

“Oh, so you’re delusional.” He shakes his head and then reaches forward and presses his hand to my forehead. “Unless, of course, you’re sick and in a fugue state and you have no sense as to the words coming out of your mouth.”

“I’m fine. I’m sane.” I roll my eyes. “I have no temperature, thank you very much.”

“Just checking. Though I have to say, I’m intrigued.” He pauses, then recoils suddenly. “Oh no, this isn’t because of me, is it?”

“Huh?” I have no idea what he’s talking about or why he’s now looking at me like he’s scared of me. Like he really does think I’m sort of a psychopath. “What are you going on about? Is what because of you?”

“Did you get a job here because you’re hoping I’m going to marry you? You saw me the other night, and now you want me?”

It’s my turn to laugh hysterically because I have never heard such a ridiculous thing in my life. Is Dalton for real? Does he think I’m that crazy? Based on the expression on his face, he does. He genuinely looks nervous. Or maybe I’m mistaking nervousness for disdain. Whatever it is, he very much wants nothing to do with me in that regard. I’m offended at his reaction, even though I have zero desire to make him my man, let alone my husband.