Page 18 of The Bluffing Game

“I’m just curious why you changed the subject. Most newly engaged women or soon-to-be engaged women love to talk about their partners.”

“Fine, I am not soon-to-be engaged in the technical sense of the word. I do not have a boyfriend yet, but I know when I get one, the proposal will be swift.”

“Oh, so you’re delusional.” He shakes his head and then reaches forward and presses his hand to my forehead. “Unless, of course, you’re sick and in a fugue state and you have no sense as to the words coming out of your mouth.”

“I’m fine. I’m sane.” I roll my eyes. “I have no temperature, thank you very much.”

“Just checking. Though I have to say, I’m intrigued.” He pauses, then recoils suddenly. “Oh no, this isn’t because of me, is it?”

“Huh?” I have no idea what he’s talking about or why he’s now looking at me like he’s scared of me. Like he really does think I’m sort of a psychopath. “What are you going on about? Is what because of you?”

“Did you get a job here because you’re hoping I’m going to marry you? You saw me the other night, and now you want me?”

It’s my turn to laugh hysterically because I have never heard such a ridiculous thing in my life. Is Dalton for real? Does he think I’m that crazy? Based on the expression on his face, he does. He genuinely looks nervous. Or maybe I’m mistaking nervousness for disdain. Whatever it is, he very much wants nothing to do with me in that regard. I’m offended at his reaction, even though I have zero desire to make him my man, let alone my husband.

“Get a life. I have absolutely no interest in you. Not to be rude, but I’m looking for a rich, handsome man with muscles and intellect. Someone who makes me laugh, with an amazing sense of humor. Someone who can satisfy my mind and my body. Someone I can’t resist.” I sniff and look him up and down. “And you don’t fit the bill, I’m afraid. No offense or anything.”

“No offense taken.” He stares at me without saying anything else, but his eyes are light, and his lips are twitching, and I think he wants to laugh again. “I mean, who would be offended when a weird, crazy woman says she thinks you’re ugly and dumb, and you don’t know how to please a woman?”

“Weird and crazy? How did you guess my best attributes so quickly?” I smile widely at him and run my fingers through my hair. I then reach into my handbag, grab my red lipstick, and reapply it. I press my lips together and then pout them. “How ever will I find a man who appreciates my other qualities?”

His eyes are on my lips now, and I want to high-five myself. I knew I had gotten to him. Most men can’t resist a woman licking her lips or reapplying lipstick. I know if I pushed a finger in my mouth, I’d drive him over the edge, but I’m not interested in that. I don’t want to get him into my bed. I just want him to realize that I am a woman he wishes he could be with.

“I guess I’m smarter than I look.” He grunts. “So, you’re looking for a husband—is that what you’re saying? A rich husband? Like a gold digger?”

“Maybe.” I shrug, trying to dismiss his words.

They hurt more than they should. Even though I know his words are based on what he thinks is the reality of the situation. Not that I can blame him. If a random woman told me she was looking for a rich husband and she’d just moved to town, I would think the same.

“Or maybe I moved here to find my dad. That would be a good reason, right?” I don’t know why I shared that information with him. Maybe because, as much as I hate to admit it, I don’t want him thinking I’m a gold digger.

“I didn’t know your and Rosie’s dad lived here.”

“He doesn’t.” I pause and let out a long sigh, rubbing my forehead and brushing my hair up into a ponytail. “At least, not Rosie’s.” I lower my voice. “Look, I know we don’t know each other well, and you have no reason to keep this quiet, but can we keep this between us? Rosie doesn’t know yet.”

“She doesn’t know you have different dads?” he asks softly. He nods slowly. “That’s why you moved here?”

“Along with searching for a husband …” I smile ruefully. “That part is true. But I’m not a gold digger. I’m just … well, I’m not going to explain myself.”

“You don’t have to.” He nods abruptly. “Just so you know, I’m not rich, I have no intentions of getting married, and I have secrets far bigger than yours.” He winks. “So, please don’t make me your target.”

“Just so you know, Dalton, I have zero interest in pursuing you or having you pursue me.”

“Doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun though, right?” He runs his fingers across my shoulders and then smiles. “Just wiping off a stray piece of hair.” He grins as I shiver slightly. “Let’s go back inside so Lucia can finish your training.”

He strides past me and back to the French doors that lead into the restaurant. I follow behind him slowly, my heart racing. What did he mean by his last comment, and do I even want to know? I don’t really want to know.

He stops abruptly before we head inside and lowers his voice. “I don’t want to overstep, but if you need any help or want to talk about your dad, I’m here.” He clears his throat. “I know a bit about complicated families.”

Chapter 6

DALTON

“So, do you girls feel comfortable working a shift tomorrow?” Lucia asks Sage and Rosie as we sit at one of the tables on the back patio, with cold beverages in glasses. “I will be there to help, and Izzy is working tomorrow, so she can also answer any questions.” Sage looks at all the paperwork I’d printed out for her on the table and smiles ruefully as she looks over at me. “I guess there is one thing I forgot to prepare.”

“Just one?” I shake my head as I stare at her and wink. “W-4s, direct deposit forms, application forms, the state tax forms, the I-9 form with photocopies of their IDs, the⁠—”

“Okay, I get it.” Lucia makes a face. “I’m not HR. I’m just the manager.”