The Wager (The Bet 2)

“Of course I do!” She stepped into his outstretched arms and hugged him. While Jake imagined what it would be like to wrap his hands around Jace’s neck and strangle him to death. “I didn’t know you were helping out Travis and Kace?”

“Ah well.” He stepped away and shrugged. Did he just blush? Seriously? Cocky piece of work probably knew how to blush on command in order to get play.

Maneuvering himself between both Char and Thor, Jake held out his hand. “I’m Jake, best man, brother to the groom.” And Char’s mine, she’s mine. It’s possible he revealed his teeth and may have growled; all he needed to do was pee and mark her as his.

“Oh.” Jace looked between the two of them. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All good I’m sure.” Jake’s eyes narrowed.

Jace smirked. “If you say so.”

Somehow they’d gotten chest to chest. Thor was a little taller, but only by an inch. Jake had already sized him up; though Jace was a large man, Jake had him in the lean muscle department.

“We should, uh, get going.” Jake felt Char’s hand press against his chest, he looked down into her pleading eyes and stepped back, but only by an inch. He didn’t want to be the one to back down first.

“You’re right.” Jace shook his head and managed to look as humble as shit. The jackass. “Shall we?” He grabbed Char’s bag and offered his arm.

Why hadn’t Jake thought to carry her bag?

Oh, right; because he was still wasted from last night and had spent the better part of the flight trying to keep all bodily fluids inside. It hadn’t occurred to him, just like it hadn’t occurred to him to stop being an ass before he put his foot in his mouth or allowed his heart to get engaged with hers.

With a curse, he followed them outside.

To the waiting limo.

Of course.

“So the family sent the limo?” Jake asked nonchalantly as he handed his bag to the driver.

“Nah.” Jace shrugged. “I thought Char might be tired so I called in a favor.”

So he was poor. That Jake could work with.

“A favor?” Char asked, taking Jace’s hand as he helped her into the backseat.

“Yeah.” Jace held the door open and let Jake go in first. “I normally don’t use the limos or cars but I decided just this once it would be worth it since you would be so tired.” He winked.

Jake rolled his eyes.

“Normally you don’t use the limos or cars because you drive yourself to the mall where you work? Tell me; how is Abercrombie and Fitch these days?”

“Great.” Jace smirked. “Though by the looks of your clothing you’ve been there more recently than I have.”

Jackass.

“Ready to go, Mr. Senator?” The driver asked.

“Yes, Donald, thank you.”

“A pleasure, sir.”

“Senator?” Char’s eyebrows furrowed.

Son of a bitch.

Jake’s smile froze on his face as Jace shrugged and pulled out a bottled water. “Youngest senator in Oregon history.”

“Wow!” Char’s smile widened. “You must be so proud!”