Page 16

Maybe this woman would be good for him. And if she’d be good for him, she’s not for me, so…

“It doesn’t have to be as serious as you guys are making it,” Cole says with a sigh.

“What are you suggesting? That we share?” Marcus spits out the word like it’s poison.

Cole shrugs. “In a manner of speaking.”

“We’ve been friends a long time but we’ve never shared a woman,” I say, taking the last gulp of my tequila and soda and wishing I could order another.

Cole leans back. “Her wishes are each unique, yeah? They have to be, or else we wouldn’t have individually picked them.”

“Yeah, so?” Marcus’s blue eyes stare through Cole.

“So then we won’t have to share, exactly. We fulfill our wishes and then we’re done, right? It’s just physical.”

It’s not like I expected to find love on a site called Season’s Greedings, especially when I saw the list of wishes that women had put out there.

They were by and large filthy.

“Maybe Cole is right,” I say slowly.

“Like hell he is,” Marcus spits.

I groan. “Stop being so territorial. We’re giving a woman what she wants.”

“Ten grand says I’m the first to fulfill her wish,” Cole says.

“I don’t make bets with you, Cole,” I say flatly. It’s true. Cole loves to gamble but he’s too good at it, and I always end up losing my shirt.

Cole groans. “Come on, Gabe. Marcus is in. I can tell. I can see that competitive glint in his eye.”

I glance at Marcus. Looks more like a murderous glare to me, but what do I know? And ten grand is a drop in the bucket compared to what I make each year at the vineyard.

I could still walk away. But the thought of never meeting her bothers me more than I want to admit.

“Alright. Fine. Make your bets.” I pause. “When I win, don’t cry about it, though.”

Cole laughs, delighted.

“Then it’s settled. Another shot?”

Marcus has started to notice the crowd, his eyes darting toward the exit.

“I don’t think that’s a great idea, Cole. Marcus is getting squirrelly.”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here,” he snaps.

Cole pats Marcus on the shoulder and Marcus allows it, although he doesn’t seem to like it.

“Alright. Let’s take this back to my penthouse. That way Gabe can join in on the drinking.”

He stands up and Marcus follows close behind him, knowing how easily Cole makes his way through any crowd.

I follow a few feet behind. We make it outside but the rain pelts us and Cole yelps when it starts to hail. It’s barely dime-sized pieces, but I can’t blame him.

We run to the parking garage.

Cole folds his long legs into the back of my sedan while Marcus rides shotgun.