“Okay,mi vida.We’re all here waiting for you.”
We say our goodbyes and end the call. With the game now in my hands and more determination than ever, I head back to Karl’s.
11
KARL
When Lola comes back, I’m in the living room, anxious like I’ve never been before. Then I see her, and my heart skips a beat. She’s beautiful. She has showered, and her hair is still damp in the most sensual way. Her makeup looks natural, and the shade of soft pink on her lips gives them an edible look.
She kicks off her shoes like she feels perfectly at home, and I watch her come sit next to me. She’s wearing tight jeans and a simple, slate gray, long-sleeve sweatshirt. It’s tight on her body, like a second skin, highlighting every curve, every dip in shadow, every peak prominent, and I have to peel my gaze away from her.
She plops her oversized purse on her lap when she’s sitting next to me. “I got the game.” She grins, patting the bag.
“Before we play, we should discuss terms,” I say, trying to sound casual. Like this is an ordinary business meeting.
No matter what, I have to win this game.
“Okay,” she says. “What do you have in mind?”
“If I win, I’ll pay you the first half now and the second half in two months when our arrangement is over—”
“No.” Lola shakes her head. “You don’t need to pay upfront. I know you’re good for it.”
She trusts me, and that thought spreads a smile on my face. If I do happen to lose, trust will be necessary. “Okay. Thank you,” I say with approval.
“What else?” she asks.
“You stay more and more nights here . . .” I stop when I see her grin. “In the spare bedroom,” I add, and her face falls a little, but she keeps faking her smile. “Eventually, you’ll move in. We’ll announce our relationship publicly and go out a lot. Let the photographers catch us looking serious. If I have band practice or other band-related events, you’ll come with me—”
“And help convince Bren your party days are over, and deter the women that flock to you,” she adds.
“Exactly. Also, neither of us will be seen with other people while we want the world to think we’re together.”
“And if I win?” she asks.
“If you win, the timing has to be right before—before . . .”
“Before you have sex with me?” she finishes for me.
“Right. And if you change your mind, tell me. We don’t have to go through with it, Lola.” I pull my hair back. “And it will not be soon. You just got dumped. You’re heartbroken, and I need to make sure you’re not just lashing out in anger. I need you to have time to wallow in your breakup. Then, if you’re still sure this is what you want . . .”
She smiles tenderly at me, and it melts my heart a little. I’m hoping if I give her time, then she could grow feelings for me.
“I have some terms as well,” she says.
“Okay. Shoot.”
“You must follow all the rules of the game. All of them—”
“Of course.”
“And no cheating,” she adds with her eyebrow arched.
After swallowing the lump in my throat, I stretch out my hand. Lola takes it in hers, and her shake is firm. I let my thumb rub the top of her slim hand. I don’t want to hurt her. This bet . . . I’m not sure she’ll come out the other end with her heart intact because I’ll never be good enough for her. But I have to try.
If I lose, maybe I can convince her she should wait for love. With renewed purpose, I smile at her.
“Let’s play.”