Page 32

Then I’d keep sending you a thousand dollars until you responded.

Me:

You’re insane and I am sending back your money

Dalton:

Don’t bother sending it back. I’ll reject it

Dalton:

How about I pick you up for work tomorrow?

“You’re smiling at your screen,” Gracie said, sounding far too smug, so I made a point to frown. It was going to be my next facial expression anyway because I did not like his answers.

Me:

First of all, absolutely not. I am not keeping TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. And isn’t picking me up a bit much? I mean I don’t need a chauffeur and I can handle getting there on my own.

A few seconds later, his reply popped up.

Dalton:

I’m not doubting your capabilities. But the team’s already seen me with a girlfriend before and trust me they know what to expect. If we’re going to sell this we can’t give them a reason to think something’s off.

Me:

Fine. But we are quickly letting them know that I can get myself to work and it doesn’t mean anything suspicious.

Dalton:

Noted. Just an honest boyfriend letting his independent girlfriend do what she pleases. Nothing to see here.

A smile crept onto my face despite myself, and I quickly typed back a simple, “See you tomorrow,” before locking my phone.

Gracie was practically hanging over my shoulder, her eyes glinting with excitement. “Ay, that man is totally into you, y no te hagas—you like it,” she teased, giving me a playful nudge.

I clucked my tongue, making a noise of disapproval. “Please. This is just for work. He’s only acting interested, so we can make this look real.”

“Mmhmm, sure. And what about the other night, Ari? Those feelings fake too? Tú sabes que te gusta,” she called out over her shoulder, headed for the bathroom.

Her words lingered.

“It’s just a crush—infatuation really. It’ll go away after I spend time with him,” I said even though she’d shut the door, pushing away from the counter. “Then he’ll feel like every other guy I’ve met—a distraction from my goals, something that’ll just get in the way.”

Why did that feel like a lie?

SIXTEEN

DALTON

IS SENDING MONEY TO THE GIRL WHO GOT AWAY BUT TURNED OUT TO WORK FOR YOUR DAD’S HOCKEY TEAM A TAX WRITE-OFF?

A weird feeling looped through me, growing the closer I got to Ari’s place. A mix of nerves and excitement. Maybe a dash of fear for the fiery strength coach.

Ari’s bite was already growing to be one of my favorite parts about her. And boy, did she try to bite my head off when I told her I was picking her up this morning.

Something about her telling me off turned me on. My competitive nature roared to life whenever she did.