Page 42 of The Bluffing Game

“I see.”

“And I haven’t even really started working.”

“I’m not really sure what you’re trying to say. You want to quit your job already? You just started.”

“That’s not what I mean. I want you to know that I don’t need you to act as some sort of bodyguard, protector, or knight in shining armor. I’ve got this. I’ve got this for Rosie and for me.” Her eyes peer to the back, and when she looks at Brett, she scowls before turning to look at me. “Just so he knows, Rosie is off-limits.” Her voice rises.

“He’s listening to music,” I say, even though I know Brett is probably listening to every single word.

His eyes do not change. His expression doesn’t change. The music keeps playing, but I know from the way he’s not moving at all that he’s not totally in the quiet to our conversation. The man is an ex–Navy SEAL. He’s never not listening and is always aware of his surroundings.

“I don’t care if he’s listening to music. I don’t care if he can hear me now, but you can, and you can tell him just in case he doesn’t figure it out. Rosie is off-limits.”

“I don’t really think he’s given Rosie any reason to believe that he’s interested in more,” I say honestly.

“She’s flirting around, but she’s my sister. She thinks he’s cute. And, yeah, I’ll admit he hasn’t exactly done anything to say he wants her, but let’s make sure he keeps it that way.”

I press my lips together. It’s interesting, seeing protective-big-sister Sage in action. I respect her, and I admire her for being so open and direct about the way she feels.

“I will let him know, just in case he has any other ideas.”

“Good. Thank you. And you’ll also make sure to back off.”

“I don’t really think I’ve done anything to make you think I’m trying to control your life, Sage.”

“You know exactly what you did, whether or not you want to admit it.” She reaches over and squeezes my arm. “Look, it is appreciated. Truly, it is. And I know you’re a dad, so maybe you have that paternal instinct, but I don’t need another dad.”

“You think I am looking out for you like a dad?” My eyes narrow at her. “Really?”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” She gives me the most innocent smile and taps my leg. “Are you hoping I’ll call you Papa?”

“Are you trying to piss me off?”

“What? I mean, it’s obvious you’re older than me.”

“I’m not that much older than you.”

“Well, you look like you’re a lot older than me.”

“How old are you?”

“I’m in my mid-twenties. I mean, not quite mid, but about to be.”

“I’m in my early thirties, so I could not be your father.”

“Oh, dang. I thought you were a lot older than that,” she says.

I scowl at her, and she bursts out laughing.

“You’re such a liar.”

“What? You think you look younger than that?”

“I know exactly what I look like. And I also know exactly what a woman who is attracted to me looks like when she stares at me.”

“Oh, don’t get it twisted, honey. Just because your ex thinks I want you, it’s not true. I absolutely don’t. Not even a teeny-weeny bit. Not even if you were the last man on earth.”

“Wow, so I’m that bad?”