Page 17 of The Bluffing Game

“We can put it to the test if you need me to.”

“Put what to the test?”

“How you’d react if you saw me naked?”

“I think not.” I take another step back, and my jaw drops as I watch him unbutton his shirt. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?”

“Driving you wild and crazy.” He winks, and I can tell from the expression on his face that his intention was to make me blush. “Or maybe just wild.” He holds his hands up. “I was feeling hot, so I just wanted to let some air in.”

“I was thinking that your personality sucked, and I guess I was right,” I blurt out.

I’m thrown when he laughs, like it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard in his life. Which it probably is, seeing as his humor isn’t much better than his personality.

“You’re very mouthy for someone who just got a job in my restaurant.” He crosses his arms over his chest and raises an eyebrow. “I think I like it.”

“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?”