Page 30 of The Bluffing Game

“Wondering if you can read my mind,” I say with a wink. “Can you guess which one of those things I’d really love to do right now?”

“I, uh, what?” She shakes her head, but her eyes don’t leave mine. “Are you going to tell me?”

“I’ll leave you to wonder, sweet Sage. Can’t have you knowing all my secrets just yet.”

Chapter 9

SAGE

The man is going to drive me crazy and make me forget all my plans. I practically stomp behind Dalton as we head back into the dive bar.

What did he mean he didn’t want me knowing all his secrets just yet? Who the hell is this man? And why do I care?

He is frustratingly annoying, bossy to the point of almost being insufferable, and I don’t even really know him. Though a secret part of me kinda likes the way he is looking out for Rosie and me. It is a caring sign, but I don’t know if that makes me like a toxic loser who always goes after the wrong men. Especially considering that Dalton is a single dad and was thinking about Toby’s mom, a lady I know nothing about.

“Hey, there you are.” Lucia looks up at us, a glass of water in her hand, and she smiles. “Moving in with Izzy and me then or⁠—”

“No, but thanks.” I sit back down next to Rosie and give her a look that warns her to keep her mouth shut. I don’t need her harping on about how much she’s not looking forward to living among the cockroaches and rats again, making me feel guilty. “Though we will accept Dalton’s offer of letting us use his truck to transport big furniture. I’m assuming that includes free manual labor.”

“I suppose.” Dalton grins at me and then looks over at Roman. “You free tonight?”

“I can help.” Brett is still standing there, looking all stiff and proper, and I notice that even Dalton is surprised at the offer. “If you need some muscle, I’m here.” He offers a small smile, and I can see Rosie grinning from ear to ear.

Then she nudges me in the ribs and whispers, “Now I’m buying whatever he’s cooking.”

“No, you’re not.” I shake my head.

My sister doesn’t need a grumpy, no-nonsense Army type in her life. She’s far too fun-loving to be with a bore. And while I don’t know Brett, he’s not exactly Mr. Personality.

“Thanks, Brett.” Dalton nods at his friend. “Very much appreciated.”

“I’ll help as well, of course.” Roman looks at Dalton. “How long do you have the babysitter tonight?”

“Mrs. Polk is looking after Toby tonight. She comes once a week to do the groceries and offered to babysit while I find a new nanny.”

“Oh, wow, that’s nice of her.” Roman grins. “So, we have all night?”

“To help Sage and Rosie, yes.” Dalton looks over at me. “I have no idea what Sage is expecting me to do tonight.”

“I’m not expecting you to do anything.”

“Or maybe I should say, what do you want me to do?” He grins. “How much energy should I build up? Will I be going all night?”

There’s a teasing twinkle in his eye that makes me want to tell him to forget about it, but I am grateful for the help. Plus, he’s hardly going to try and make a move with so many people there.

“Hopefully, we won’t be going all night. We don’t have that much stuff to pick up and move.”

“I offer other services to make your life easier …” He grins, and my heart thuds because as much as I can’t stand his teasing, there’s a part of me that loves it. “Like cooking, shopping for groceries, making the bed.”

“You’re not shopping for my groceries. That seems like an odd offer if you pay someone to do your groceries.” I pause and tilt my head to the side. “Almost like a false offer.”

Brett grunts, and as my head swivels to him, I see a hint of a smile on his face. So, he’s not all stone then. Interesting. Still not good enough for Rosie, but maybe he’s not all bad.

“Maybe … or maybe I’m just willing to go out of my comfort zone to help you. You know, like a good guy would do to help.”

“So, from that, I’m to assume that you consider yourself to be a good guy?”

“As opposed to what?” He looks at me with a confused expression, like he didn’t just attempt to turn my world upside down when we were outside. The man is full of far too many games for me. I can barely keep up. “I hope you’re not inferring that I could be a bad guy.”