Payback's A Bitch (Awkward Love 6)

Cameron's other friends stand up too, along with Sasha.

“I think I better get going too,” Sasha says. “Work tomorrow.”

I roll my eyes, because I’m sure it’s got nothing to do with all the guys leaving.

She flashes a wide smile at Lewis. “Hey, you couldn’t by chance give me a ride home, could you?” she asks him. “I didn't bring my car and the wait for a cab is nearly an hour.”

I snort. “Really?” I say. “Because I could’ve sworn that white piece of shit out the front of the house is yours.”

She gives me a cold stare, while I laugh at her.

“When I said I didn’t drive, I meant it broke down when I got here,” she snaps, clenching her teeth together.

Lewis shrugs, unfazed. “Sure. I'd love to give you a ride home.” He wheels back from the table. “You wanna sit in my lap, or…” He chuckles at her expression. “I’m kidding.”

“Thanks,” she smiles sweetly at him, but then narrows her eyes at me, before following him out. Cameron closes the door and shakes his head.

“Told you it can get interesting,” Cameron says, winking at me. “Though I’m not sure your friend and Lewis are a good idea.”

“No, but I’m not going to stop them,” I say. “I can’t even get my own love life right so I’m not really in the position to be telling other people what to do.” He raises his eyebrows at my overshare. I look around, desperate for a change of subject.

“I’ll help you tidy up,” I say.

I walk back down to the dining room, grabbing a bag and then I start cleaning up. I glance at him every few minutes, still trying to work out why I feel so nervous around him. I can handle myself in front of anyone—except Cameron, and I’m not sure why.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asks.

I nod. “A lot.” More than I should have. “Thanks for asking me.”

“You’re welcome. You put up a decent fight, but you were never going to beat me.”

“From what I heard, everyone else usually does,” I tease. I shake my head. “I swear I’m usually better than I was tonight. Near the end, I had some really good hands, so I’m not sure how you kept beating me,” I add with a frown.

“Maybe you were distracted by our obvious chemistry?” he suggests.

I laugh. “I’m pretty sure any chemistry you’re feeling is just how much you irritate me.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, that win meant nothing,” he says with a shrug. “Money is nice and all, but I was really hoping for something else,” he murmurs. He sticks his hand in his pocket and pulls out his wallet. “Will a hundred get me some Gangnam Style?

Well, if he’s willing to pay for it…

I saunter over to him, until I’m close enough to touch him, then I look into his eyes and bite my lip. He stares down at me, his expression intense.

“Make it two hundred and you’ve got yourself a deal,” I say, lifting my eyebrows.

“You’re serious?” He murmurs after a moment.

I nod. “Deadly.”

He rummages through his wallet, then hands over two hundred dollars.

“There.”

I nod. “Okay, give me a moment to prepare.”

I pull out my phone, quickly find what I’m looking for then I pick up the tv remote and turn it on. He looks at me, confused, when I hit play.

“Night, Cam.”

I start walking out of the room just as the video clip begins to play on the television.

“Two hundred dollars and you’re giving me the video clip?” he growls.

I grin at him. “I told you. I’m a shark when it comes to gambling.”

I give him a wink just before disappearing around the corner.Chapter SevenCameronIt’s Wednesday night. I’m supposed to be at Dad’s for this family dinner bullshit, but since it’s still early after my session at the gym, I head to my apartment to check out the repair work in the kitchen and have a shower. I actually got a text from the maintenance guy last night, to tell me that he was finished, but things were progressing so well with Darcy, that I wanted to stay another night.

Whatever this thing is with her, I’m enjoying it. I’ve gotten to know her a lot better these last few days. Sure, she thinks I’m some dude named James, but I’m trying not to think about how she’s going to react to that. If I think too hard about it, I’ll have to admit she’s starting to grow on me.

I let myself inside, the smell of fresh paint overpowering me. I toss my keys down on the counter and my bag on the floor, then I examine the repairs. I’m impressed, because it actually looks better than it did before. I have a quick shower, then I’m back out the door, heading back over to Dad’s house for dinner. I flinch, because I really need to get used to thinking of it as Paula's house too. It’s not just his place anymore.