Page 74 of The Bluffing Game

“True that, I suppose, as this is Lucia’s place. You know it even better than me.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying living here.”

“I really am. It was so generous of you, Lucia, and Izzy to let Rosie and me stay, and I really do hope that in the next couple of months, you will let me start contributing and paying rent.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” I say, not wanting her to feel like she’s indebted to Lucia or me.

As much as I like teasing her about her wanting to date a rich man, I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. I don’t want her to stretch her finances too thin. The tips that she makes at the restaurant are good, but they’re not amazing. She’s not making six figures. She’s not making enough to pay rent and bills and save up for her own place, which is what I know she wants.

She heads into the bathroom and gives me a wide smile. “I’ll just be a couple of minutes or ten,” she says, waving her hands toward the living room. “Make yourself at home.”

I nod and take a seat on the couch. I wonder what it would be like if she were getting ready for me and if we were going on a date. I really wish that I were the one taking her to dinner, flirting with her, spoiling her, but I’m not good enough. I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since that kiss, even though I know I have to. One of these days, I’m going to have to let go of any wish or hope that we can explore the growing attraction between us.

“We’re nearly there,” I say to Sage as I pull up outside the restaurant.

She’s leaning forward and buzzing with excitement. The air in the car is palpable and filled with tension, and I’m frustrated that she’s so obviously looking forward to her date with Parker.

“This place looks amazing.” Her eyes widen at the ornate brass door that leads to one of the most exclusive establishments in town.

Whoever this Parker is, it is obvious that he is loaded.

“This is the sort of place where dream dates are made,” she says wistfully as she looks over at me. “I can’t believe he invited me here on a first date.”

“Oh, why is that?” I try not to be surly.

“This is the type of place where you should propose.” She giggles girlishly while playing with her hair.

“You think so?” I grunt.

“I more than think so. This place is lush. Definitely a ten out of ten, and I haven’t even gone inside yet. This is the place where dates become more than just dates.” Her voice is breathless.

“It’s the venue where you could have a really cool double date as well,” I say casually to her.

She nods with a smile. “Yeah, I guess so.” She grabs her phone and looks at it.

“Double dates would be really fun here.”

“I suppose. Well, Parker said he’s here. I guess I’ll get out now.” She looks over at me and swallows hard. “Thanks so much for being sweet tonight.”

“You’re welcome.” I stare at her lips, and she shifts uncomfortably. “It’s always a pleasure.”

“Yeah.” She licks her lips nervously and fumbles as she unbuckles her seat belt. “Well, I guess I’m off now.”

“Want a goodbye kiss?” I whisper, and she blushes before quickly shaking her head.

“I’ll see you later. Enjoy your evening, Sage.”

I watch her get out of the car, wearing her bright red dress, her long, dark hair hanging down her back. The last thing I want is for her to enjoy her evening.

I frown when I see a tall man with a bouquet of flowers step toward her. He’s handsome, and he’s young, and I can’t help but notice the shiny Rolex on his wrist as he hands her what appears to be a dozen red roses.

“What the hell?” I mumble.

The man looks like he has the potential to be meaningful in her life. He looks like he’s hoping to become her boyfriend or her husband. I feel something in my gut twisting, and I know I’m not happy. A searing surge of jealousy climbs through me, as well as a stirring of unease. No man is that perfect.

A thought bubbles into an idea suddenly, and I grab my phone. It rings twice before Sandra picks up. Sandra is an old friend from my previous life.

“Hey there, Dalton. Long time no see.”