Chapter One
Have you ever committed a crime?the question reads.
That's an interesting question.Let’s see…
Have I ever committed a crime?
I don't think I have. I am what some would call a ‘good girl’. But then, upon further reflection, I remember the unfortunate time I stole a bag of potato chips at a convenience store with my friends when I was nine years old. My ‘no-good-for-nothing’ friends, as my father used to call them, roped me into stealing the bag of chips. They were Lays if I remember correctly. And of course I got caught.
I smile at the memory. My friend Janine was on the lookout, attempting to distract the guy at the cash register by pestering him with stupid questions, but she obviously didn't distract him very well because we did get caught. We were shipped off to the local police station because the cop at the station was a friend of Janine’s parents and wanted to scare us straight. He did, and we cried like babies. I got grounded for a month and wasn’t allowed to see my friends.
That’s my life of crime in a nutshell, so that's what I write down.Stole a bag of chips when I was nine.I’m slack-jawed as these questions get more and more interesting, not to mention a little ridiculous.
What is the kinkiest thing you've ever done in bed?Well, I am not exactly a firecracker in bed, and let’s not get too specific on this question. I just write69and smile.
To be honest, this whole questionnaire is a joke. It’s quite playful, and I’m pretty sure it’s not meant to be taken seriously. Whoever created it definitely has a sense of humor.
The beginning of this questionnaire was a little easier and less invasive, typical questions along the lines of name, age and occupation. Of course I wrote in a fictional name because I don't want to be identified in any way. I wrote inAnna Smith. Not exactly original, but it’s what I came up with off the top of my head. I want complete anonymity. I do not want to be tied to this nonsense in any way possible. For method of payment (PayPal), I am writing in my anonymous email.
As I'm just about to finish the questionnaire, I lift my gaze and study my surroundings. This place is fabulous, unlike anything I've ever seen. It is a beautifully spacious and contemporary bright office.
The woman who hovers over me… Damn, I forget her name now. What was it? Maria, Marla… Martha. Yes, it was Martha. Anyway, she’s quite pretty; tall, blonde, and dressed in a tight pink skirt suit. She’s very polite, if not a little too nice. She has offered me coffee, a glass of water and mints, all of which I have rejected. I just want to get this done and get the hell out of here. As I sit here in the waiting area, finishing up this weird questionnaire, I wonder what in the heavens I am doing.
Now let's go back and let me explain it all. This is all Cassie's fault. She’s my bestest of friends, and we've been besties for about ten years when we met by chance at my mom’s coffee shop where I worked…. and still work.
And she is the reason I’m here. In her defence, she's just trying to help me because I am in dire straits at the moment. I need money. Yep, it all comes down to money.
She’s the one who first suggested I do this. Apparently, she’s considered this for herself, just for the fun of it. I personally am appalled by the whole thing. If I weren’t so desperate, there is no way I’d be here. We've all heard about thePlayer’s Game, and we all know about Colton Rossi. He’s famous around these parts, or perhaps notorious is a more appropriate description.
Although if I’m completely honest, I've always wanted to see the inside of this house. Actually, the word ‘house’ is not an accurate term. It’s what most would call a mansion, a traditional tudor style design on the waterfront. It is surrounded by stunning manicured gardens, an expansive stone patio, and of course it sits on a large plot of land. A majestic winding drive leads to the home, and it is known in this town as ‘Rossi Hills.’
Colton Rossi is famous around here. He’s a notorious player. He’s very attractive of course. I’ve personally never met the man, but I have seen photos in the local paper.
I'm here today because I’ve signed up for one of his game nights. I haven't heard too much about them, but the rumor is there's twelve ladies chosen to attend, and it's quite the party. The parties are very exclusive, and Mr. Rossi doesn’t choose just anyone to attend them, thus the application process. But thankfully, he pays handsomely for the trouble: two hundred dollars to complete the application. I’m not sure what goes on exactly at these parties, but I’m told it’s not sex, which only serves to make me more curious.
Apparently the food and drinks are fabulous, and the ladies are treated to a private concert by Mr. Colton Rossi himself.
I hate to admit it, but I really hope to be chosen. Yes, I say it’s about the money, but it’s more than that. Yes, yes… one grand (if I get chosen) is nothing to sneer at, and could really help Christian and I, but this whole thing is also like a car wreck I just need to see. The sassy part of me can’t wait to witness this circus.
But unfortunately, Cassie says the chances of me being picked are slim because apparently, these party nights are very competitive.
“You don't think I’m hot enough?” I asked her, joking around.
She laughed out loud. “No… you are super cute, but I don’t know if ‘cute’ is what Colton Rossi goes for.”
“You’d do better, I’m sure,” I told her, taking in her golden blond locks and slim frame.
She frowned. “I don’t know, but I can’t right now. I don’t think Jimmy would like me going.”
Jimmy, or James Secord, Cassie’s latest boyfriend. If he’s anything like the previous ones, he won’t last long.
“I appreciate you looking out for me, Cassie.”
“I really hope you make it. A thousand dollars could really help you and Christian.”
“I know,” I agreed, mentally crossing my fingers.
Either way, I make two hundred dollars just for showing up today and signing up. It's the best I can do for extra money these days. I have a job at the café I inherited from my mother,Antoinette’s Café & Books, but it’s hard being a small business owner these days. The café’s been in my family for ages, and it means a lot to me. We sell coffee and tea, drinks, sandwiches, soup, and treats; mostly cupcakes, cookies and muffins, made by yours truly.
