Page 51 of The Bluffing Game

“He likes you already,” I say. “Why would you want to bribe him? Unless him liking you meant something to you.”

“No, don’t get it twisted, Dalton. That’s not what I mean. I don’t need him to like me because of you or anything like that.”

“I didn’t say it was because of me.”

“I was just thinking if he comes to the restaurant or if you ever need me to babysit or anything, then you’ll know we have a good rapport.”

“Oh, you’re offering to babysit for me?”

“Well, like, if you have dates or stuff that you’re going on and you need me to …” She blushes.

“So, I’m guessing those dates aren’t with you then?”

“Well, of course not,” she says. “I thought we’d already established that we would not flirt or go on dates or do anything.”

“I don’t think we ever talked about going on a date.” I tilt my head to the side. “And technically, wouldn’t this be considered a date?”

“What are you talking about?” she says, running her fingers through her hair and then patting down the skirt of her dress. “This is definitely not a date. In fact, when I finish with you, I’m going to meet up with the girls so that we can figure out our dating profiles for the real dates with men who are looking for wives.”

“I feel like you’re rambling again, Sage.”

“What does that mean?” She bites down on her lower lip. “I came because I thought it would be nice to get to know you better since you’re my boss and, I guess, you’re paying my rent. And I just wanted to say that I would babysit for you because …” She pauses as I start laughing. “Why are you laughing?”

“I think you’re talking an awful lot about something that makes no sense.”

“What I’m trying to say is, maybe I can sort of repay your generosity with babysitting. Yeah, that’s it.”

“Did you literally just come up with that?”

“No, of course not. That’s actually what I was going to offer you.” She grins. “And that’s why I bought the teddy bear, not because I was trying to get into his heart, or to win him over, or to win you over, or to make you think that I was nice and good with kids because …” She stops. “You know what? I think I should go. Maybe this was not a good idea.”

I reach out and touch her hand. She looks up at me in surprise.

“I like hanging out with you. Don’t go.”

“Have you heard from Brett?” she asks, changing the subject.

“Actually, no. He’s been working on a few things for me, and he and I should be checking in tomorrow. So maybe I’ll have some updates for you then.”

“Oh, cool. No rush or anything. I mean, I really appreciate that he’s doing this for me for free. That’s so generous of him.” She pauses. “What’s his story anyway?”

“His story?”

“He doesn’t really say much, and he seems like he’s really serious. Well, I was just curious. Not that I’m trying to be nosy.”

“Are you interested in him?”

“No way. Not at all. I mean, not to be mean or rude. He seems like he’s a nice enough guy, but no, I’m not interested in him like that.”

“Tell me how you really feel.”

“If I were interested in him, it would be weird that I’m here with you on a quasi-date. I mean, it’s not a date, but …”

I stare at her, and she bursts out laughing.

“Okay. I sound like an idiot. I’m not normally like this. I’m usually really cool, calm, and collected.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Sage. I like spending time with you. Even if it’s just as an audition.”