Page 207 of The Bluffing Game

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.”

“Hi. What are you up to this evening?” I ask, knowing I have to act fast if my plan is going to work.

“About to order a pizza and watch Love Is Blind: UK. Have you⁠—”

“Would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?”

“I would love to go to dinner. Just you and me?” She sounds eager.

“Well, it’s actually a double date,” I say, ignoring the momentary feeling of guilt. “A friend of mine suggested it.”

I know my words are not exactly true. Sage didn’t suggest a double date, yet I laughed and joked that this was the perfect place for one. Even if she was slightly distracted. I am going to pretend like I thought she’d agreed to a double date with me tonight. I know it will be tricky. I know I am being deceitful, but I have to see if she and Parker connect. I have to see if they have something and if he is a good guy. I truly want the best for her, but something in me has to be there. I want her to see what it would be like to go to dinner with me as well, to allow her the opportunity to compare the two of us. Our personalities, our looks, the way we both make her feel. I want her to put us up against each other and find him lacking.

“Can you get to the restaurant within the next ten minutes?” I practically bark into the phone.

“I can be there in five if you send me the address.” I can hear the smile in her answer.