Double Score

“Something like that.”

“Have you known them long?” she asks.

“Since I was five.”

“Five?” Her eyes widen, and she smiles. “That’s a long time.”

“How about you?”

“Just for the last few months or so. They’re here a couple of nights a week.”

I nearly choke on my own spit. “A couple of nights a week?”

“Oh, yeah. They’ve been spending most of their time in the presidential suite with Louisa and Elena.”

My stomach rolls. That’s exactly what I was afraid of. I’m nothing but another warm body in their bed. “Is that so?”

Alex nods. “Oh, yeah. I hear it’s nice in there. The perfect lovers’ getaway. Have you seen it?”

“I have. It’s gorgeous.” There’s no way I can sleep in there tonight. I need to get my stuff and get out. Quickly.

“I’d love to keep chatting, but I need to get back to work. If my bosses see me, I could get fired,” she says, winking. “It was great meeting you, Emma. I’ll get your food out to your table right away.”

“Nice meeting you, too.”

I watch Alex walk out, and I can’t even hate her the way I initially wanted to because she’s so sweet.

But I can hate myself for believing I could be more than a fling for Grant and Ryan. Suddenly, I’m not hungry. My heart races, my palms are sweaty, and there’s a familiar pressure building behind my eyes. If I don’t get out of here soon, I’m going to burst into tears and make a complete ass of myself.

10

Emma

The guys are sitting in the booth chatting as I fly by them. From the corner of my eye, I see Grant do a double-take. Head down, I keep walking, hoping they’ll get the hint and let me go.

No such luck.

A strong hand wraps around my wrist, pulling me to a stop.

“Where are you going?” Grant asks.

“Back to the room to get my stuff. I want to go home,” I choke out, my voice sounding weak and shaky.

His eyes widen. “Why? Did something happen in the bathroom?”

“No.”

“Then what? You were fine a minute ago. Did we do or say something to upset you?”

“No. It’s me. I thought I could do this but I can’t, and I really just want to get out of here.”

“You’re not going anywhere until we talk.” Ryan guides me back to the table. I want to put up a fight, but that would only draw attention, and I’m not one to make a scene—and Ryan and Grant know that.

“I don’t want to talk.” Because if I talk, then I’m going to beg them to love me the way I love them, and that’ll just make things even more awkward.

“Tough shit,” Grant growls. “You can’t go to the bathroom and then come out and blow past us without saying a word.”

Lips pinched together, I find the courage to look him in the eye. “You want to know why I’m upset?”