The Dating Dare (Gambling Men Book 2) by Barbara Dunlop

Author:Barbara Dunlop [Dunlop, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Sensual Story Theme, Hearts Desire, Lifetime Love, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Small Town & Rural Area, Action & Adventure, Gambling Men Series, Friends To Lovers, Mutual Makeover, Seducing Each Other
Publisher: Harlequin Desire; Original Edition
Published: 2020-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Eight

Jamie agreed to another shopping trip.

But there was something off in his texts. They were so brief and to the point. He seemed more formal somehow than usual. And then I thought I was imagining it. And then I thought I was still obsessing about the kiss—which I was—and I was reading things into his seven-word texts that simply weren’t there.

After work on Wednesday, one of my coworkers dropped me off downtown. Jamie and I had agreed to meet at Brookswood. We’d barely scratched the surface of its ten floors when we bought his tux and my dress.

I’d decided to blow the clothing budget today. Our investment account profits were still climbing. I’d told Jamie quite a few times that it felt wrong for me to share in the profits, since he’d provided the seed money, and since it was his expertise making the trades.

But he wouldn’t listen. He said he’d already made back the seed money and a deal was a deal. I was getting my half.

I’d given up fighting.

If he was going to insist, then I supposed I’d accept it. I pictured myself Christmas shopping this year with a lavish budget and so many choices to surprise my family and friends.

And maybe I’d buy a couple of fancy outfits. Or maybe some not-so-fancy outfits. I could buy some of those deceptively casual clothes that were high quality and well made. To other people, they simply looked good. The secret was that they made you look good.

I was beginning to realize that Brooklyn and Sophie were onto something. There was a difference in quality and flair as you moved up the price range. Sometimes it seemed subtle, but it was real.

Last Sunday when I wore the black jeans to Angelo’s, a dozen guys turned their heads when I walked to the ladies’ room. Nobody had pointed, at least not that I saw. But many of them had followed me along, appreciative gazes on their faces.

Ironically, Ethan hadn’t been one of them. Although Sophie kept trying, Ethan and I were never going to connect.

He connected better with Sophie than he did with me. I supposed that had a lot to do with their business venture. But still, his expression lit up for her and stayed flat for me.

Sometimes I thought Bryce saw that. Sometimes I thought Bryce got annoyed.

Sophie seemed like the only one who didn’t notice.

After the outing at Angelo’s, I vowed that if she suggested another double date, I was going to be frank with her and refuse. I wanted to spend girl time with Sophie. I wanted to hear more about her business venture. It was obvious she was really excited about that. But I hoped I could do it without spending another uncomfortable evening with Ethan.

I could tell Ethan had a crush on her. But I didn’t want to throw that kind of a grenade into the Sweet Tech business venture. If Bryce didn’t want to address it, there was no value in me addressing it. I would probably make things worse by telling her.

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