Contradictions (Woodfalls Girls 3)

“Okay, I get a kiss too,” Trent said.

“On the lips and open mouth,” Adam added.

“Stay out of this, Kewpie doll,” I teased Adam.

“No, he’s right. A date and an openmouthed kiss on the lips. If the stakes are too high, I guess you’ll just have to fold.”

I weighed his words. I was almost positive I had the winning hand, but if I did lose, it would basically kill two birds with one stone. It would get Brittni off my back and maybe show Trent once and for all how wrong we were for each other. “Deal.”

“Show me yours,” he said. Heat flared through me like a firework. His statement was meant for my cards, but my mind went immediately to the gutter.

I fanned out my cards and sat back in my chair, smiling.

“A straight flush,” he said approvingly.

“Yep, luck of the draw I guess you could

say.”

“Very impressive.” He studied my cards. I felt the kiddie urge to clap my hands with glee. Victory was mine.

Derek laughed, clapping Trent on the back. “Don’t feel bad, dude. She’s taken us all to the cleaners before.”

“She’s definitely a fine player and very lucky, but—” Trent said as a grin spread across his face. He laid down his hand and the blood drained from my face as I eyed the ten, jack, queen, king, and ace of hearts—a royal flush. Who gets dealt a hand like that? I’d been hustled by fate.

13.

“Holy hell, he totally played you,” Derek chimed in, sounding more impressed than necessary.

“Shut up,” I muttered, looking at Trent. I expected him to at least look remorseful for conning me, but he looked downright pleased with himself. The bastard even had the nerve to wink at me.

“Dude, that was freaking epic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen our girl here lose,” Derek praised him.

“That’s because I don’t lose,” I said through gritted teeth. “Not since I started playing my dad back when I was thirteen.”

“There’s a first for everything,” Trent said, smiling. His meaning was clear—he would be collecting on all aspects of the bet.

Derek continued to jabber away about my loss like a kid hyped up on caffeine. Without acknowledging him, I continued to straighten up, still not believing I’d fallen for Trent’s bluff. The guys pitched in and within minutes our living room was back to its previous state.

Adam and Tim hugged me before turning to shake Trent’s hand with gusto. Without even asking me if it was okay, they invited Trent to join us for the next game. I took it all in stride, not wanting to look like a sore loser. They said their good-byes, leaving Trent and me alone in the living room. Even traitor Derek had slipped away to the bedroom.

Trent shrugged into his jacket, but didn’t make a move to leave. I had pretty much ignored him since the game ended, but now that we were alone, it was a bit awkward. He stood watching me like he had something he wanted to say. If I didn’t know him better, I would almost think he felt guilty. If that was the case, good, it served him right to feel guilty. I didn’t care if I was being a hypocrite. It wasn’t my fault my plan to toast his ass at cards had backfired. That justification sounded better in my head.

“You played me,” I said, breaking the silence.

“Yep.” He looked downright pleased with himself, without the slightest hint of guilt. “I’d do it again if the opportunity presented itself.”

“I’m learning more and more about you. You’re not the good boy you pretend to be.”

“Whoever said I was pretending to be good? I had an opportunity, and I took it.”

“All for a date that’s sure to be a disaster?” I reminded him.

“And a kiss,” he added quickly.

“And a kiss,” I repeated. “I figured maybe you’d let me slide on that one since, technically, it wasn’t your idea. Anyway, I’m sure you won’t be as excited by the time the date is over.”

“Why do you think that?” He made the bold move of stepping closer to me. “And don’t tell me it’s because we’re opposites.” He moved even closer. He seemed to like invading my space, but I made no move to step away.