Scored(55)

“How do you do this without going insane?” I all but whine as I slump across my desk.

Layton gives me one of her patented mom looks. She’s so good at it that I sit up and make sure I’m not slumping. “I make myself assume that each person simply wants the best for their party. And that when they make odd or impossible requests, it’s because their client is making them be the bad guy.”

“That doesn’t help.” I pick up my pen and flip back to November. “Dallas’s event is in two weeks.”

“And you’ve done an amazing job.” She smiles and drinks hot chocolate from a mug that has SPARKLE ON, SUGAR written on it in glitter lettering. “The only thing left to do is confirm the guest list to make sure we don’t go over capacity and that access to the third floor is fully functional that day.”

“I have to worry about the elevator?”

“It’s almost as old as the house.”

“Oh, no.” I start to fan myself. “I can’t deal with things that move. Books don’t move, Layton. Where you put them, that’s where they stay, and they’re always in working order.”

“And to think I was voted most dramatic in high school.”

“That is not a helpful observation.” I stop fanning myself. “Can we take a break and eat the yummy Chinese food you had delivered?”

“Yes, but only because we got all our work done.”

“Oh, thank you, Mom.”

She fluffs her hair. “You’ll thank me later when we get to go home after we eat, instead of working for another hour and then eating.”

“Or we can take breaks like normal people do at work.”

“My way is more efficient.”

It totally is, but I’m not going to encourage that sort of thinking with her. I snag the container with garlic chicken and fried rice while Layton picks shrimp and broccoli like I knew she would. “How are things going with cheatergate?”

Layton makes a face. “Aiden told me he doesn’t have anything to share… yet. It would be easier if I could look that jerk in the eyes to see if he’s lying or not.”

“You could go to his house.”

“Security would stop me since I’m not on his guest list, but I am considering other options.”

Too bad Aiden didn’t live in the same neighborhood as Dallas. I’d get her in without a hint of remorse.

“And as of yesterday, he stopped answering my texts. So… the whole thing was more than likely a joke to him. He probably thought he’d humor me, pat me on the head, and make up some stupid payment because he thought I’d say no.” She stabs a shrimp with a chopstick. “Such a jerk. Oh, and to add insult to injury, I can’t even wait for him in the parking lot after practice because he’s going on vacation in two days. The only day I have off during the week when I know he’ll be in Raleigh, and he has the nerve to skip town.”

Inspiration strikes. Hopefully, Dallas won’t be upset with me. “I know where Aiden is going to be this weekend.”

Her hazel eyes round. “You do?”

I nod. “Yes, because I’m going to be there, too. You should come with me. Dallas won’t care, I promise.”

She hesitates. “I don’t know. That might seem kind of desperate.”

“Says the woman who was ready to stalk the guy in the parking lot of the stadium.”

“My future is on the line… and my wedding is in t-minus twelve days and counting.”

“Which is why you should come with me to Miami.”

“When do y’all leave?”

“After he’s done with practice tomorrow night. Dallas got a private plane. Oh my gosh, wouldn’t it be amazing if Aiden’s on the same flight? He would be trapped and unable to not answer your questions.”

She grins. “I like your devious ways. I’m in.”

*

After Layton and I finish dinner, I drive to Dallas’s house instead of home so I can break the news to him that Layton’s going with us to Miami. I’m hoping he won’t mind and that I didn’t lie to my best friend when I said he wouldn’t care.

As usual, Dallas meets me at my car door before I can get out. He opens the door and grabs my hand, helping me from within.

“This is a pleasant surprise. I thought you’d spend the evening packing for our trip.” He captures my lips in a kiss that makes my toes curl. “You planning on spending the night?”

I shake my head and give him one last kiss to help ease his disappointment. “No, I still have to pack. I actually have nefarious reasons for coming over… and I’m willing to do sexual things to get you to go along with my plans.” I want to do sexual things to him anyway, so even if he doesn’t agree, I’ll still get orgasms.

And I’ll book a flight to Miami for Layton on a separate plane.

He links our hands together. “I can’t wait to hear all about the sexual things you’re going to do to me.”

“But not my nefarious plans?” I ask as he opens the door to the house. I walk in slightly in front of him. “Aren’t you worried I’ll ask you to rob a bank or—”

“Play with snakes in a pit,” he finishes.

“That will never happen.” I shudder. “That’s plain cruel to even imagine.”