Bet Me Something (Something Series Book 3)

by Aubrey Bondurant

  I immediately felt guilty he’d left his girlfriend in order to come see me. “Of course, I’m good. You didn’t have to come verify that.”

  He pulled up a chair. “So, how did you end up flying out to New York?” he asked, turning towards me, then glancing towards Colby.

  “I took her to Vegas after her party; that’s where we received the news about the baby,” Colby supplied matter-of-factly and then dove into his slice of pizza without missing a beat.

  Brian appeared taken aback for a moment. “What did you two do there?”

  I shrugged, deciding to give it levity instead of acting defensive. “You know, the usual: strippers, heavy drinking, and tattoos. I’d let you see the tattoo, but it’s not in a place a sister shows her brother.”

  Colby choked on his beer, but then played along. “She hasn’t quite grasped the concept of what happens in Vegas, stays there,” he deadpanned.

  Everyone laughed, clearly assured that nothing like that could’ve happened, but the look Brian gave Colby made it clear the conversation between the two of them wasn’t over. Crap. I never meant to get him in trouble, and the most ironic part was that absolutely nothing had happened. Although I could guarantee both Brian and Josh would have a coronary over me going to a strip club.

  My brother glanced over and changed the subject. “Oh, Kenzie, before I forget, Sasha asked since you’re in town if she could take you out tomorrow for a spa thing. She feels bad about having to leave your party early and would like to make it up to you.”

  Being a tomboy most of my life, spa days weren’t really my thing. On the other hand, maybe that was due in part because the one time I’d ever gone had been with my mother and Rebecca. “That’s very nice, but unnecessary. If I could’ve left the party early, I would have.”

  He sighed. “Please do me a favor and let her. It would mean a lot.”

  “Okay, no problem.” I wouldn’t mind spending the time with Sasha anyhow.

  We made small talk while eating. Once we were done, the waitress boxed up the extra pizza, and Colby generously settled the bill.

  “I wonder if Josh is awake? I brought some cigars from Vegas, and he might want something to eat, too,” Colby commented.

  “Probably. You know how he is with his insomnia,” Mark provided.

  “Uh, where are you staying, sis? Do you need me to get you a hotel room? I’d offer Sasha’s place, but it’s small,” Brian said.

  Colby spoke up. “I was planning to put her up at Josh’s place. My mom is staying at a hotel next to the hospital, and, Mark, you’re in the apartment down the hall, right?”

  Josh had a penthouse suite which I’d never been to, but Brian had once described it as being large by New York standards, with a separate guest apartment down the hall.

  Mark nodded. “Unless you want me to switch, and Kenzie can have the apartment down the hall.”

  “No need. I’ll take Josh’s room, and she can have the guest bedroom. Then if we’re super nice to her in the morning, we may even talk her into making us breakfast.”

  Mark’s face lit up. “Ooh, pancakes?”

  I finally got a word in. “Does it seem strange to anyone else that you guys have had an entire conversation about me while I’m sitting here without a voice?”

  Three smart-ass retorts came back, “Nope,” “no,” and “not so much.”

  “Come on, Kenz, you’re like a little sister to all of us,” Colby declared once again.

  Considering the hard time the guys had given him about taking me to Vegas for the weekend, I knew his motivation in making this comment, but it still annoyed me given what he’d admitted last night. I managed an eye roll and sipped the rest of my beer, unprepared for Will to chime in.

  “You know Kenz, I’m happy to see you to Josh’s building while the guys return to the hospital. In fact, there’s this fantastic place which does doughnuts down the block if you’re interested.”

  A slow smile broke out on my face. The humor reflected in his eyes made me wonder about his motivation, however at this point I couldn’t get up fast enough. “Sounds great. See you big brothers later.”

  Mark and Brian seemed mildly surprised while Colby looked straight up annoyed. “How are you going to get into the apartment? You don’t have a key.”

  Oh, I hadn’t thought about that. But evidently Will had, or else he happened to be great at adlibbing. “That’s okay. Why don’t you text her when you’re on your way back, and we’ll stay out in the meantime? We can grab some coldies if it’ll be awhile.”

  “Good by me.” I took his offered arm, giving a little wave towards the guys and trying not to read anything into the fact that Colby appeared to be busy giving my brother the third degree—as though Brian should prevent me from leaving with Will.

  Once we were out on the sidewalk and walking down the block, I started giggling. “Thanks for the rescue and the reminder I am, in fact, a grown-up. If I hear I’m like a little sister one more time from anyone but Brian, I’m going banshee. What’s a coldie, by the way?”

  Will chuckled, tucking my hand into the crook of his arm. “Coldie is a beer. And I got the big-brother vibe from Brian and Mark and even from Josh earlier, but not quite the same from Colby. Matter of fact, I think he was ready to kill me when I called you Kenz. I take it that’s his name for you.”

  “He’s the only one who calls me that, so I guess so. And good to know I’m not the only one who notices the mixed signals.”

  He laughed. “I’m not overstepping by commenting, am I?”

  “No, but unless you’re a mind reader, your guess is as good as mine when it comes to what Colby’s thinking.”

  “Unfortunately, I’m not, but I do think you leaving with me made him jealous.”

  Interesting. Since I could use a male perspective, I decided to fill him in on the bet. “So you see, regardless of having the opportunity for a kiss: nada, zilch, zippo. It’s a great self-confidence booster, incidentally. In case you ever want to feel truly pathetic with a crush, bet them to kiss you and have them refuse. And because that’s not humiliating enough, puke your guts out in front of him directly after. Then bring the bet up again and have him use the little sister excuse—you guessed it—yet again. Good times. I can’t remember what number of seduction fail that was.”

  He threw his head back, laughing at my self-deprecation, and then took me into a shop which smelled like doughnut heaven. “He hasn’t brought it up since then?”

  “Nope, and I’m never doing so again.”

  “Given that everyone else seems to have you little-sister-zoned, and considering Brian’s death glare at the restaurant when he found about Vegas, I’m guessing Colby feels as though he needs to keep you there, too?”

  I thought back to his comment at the hot tub. “He’s certainly trying.”

  After Will ordered a dozen freshly-made doughnut holes and two milks, he led me over to an empty spot.

  We took seats at high-top table for two, and I dug in. “Oh, my God, these are amazing,” I said, popping a second one into my mouth. I’d never had a problem about being completely myself when out with a guy.

  “I love that you appreciate dessert. Hanging out in the model world is pretty boring when most of the girls wouldn’t dream of eating anything with this many calories.”

  “That bad, huh?” I adored food. If given the choice between it and modeling, there’d be a clear verdict, which at the moment was the bit of powdered heaven I was chasing with milk.

  He shrugged. “Sometimes. There are exceptions, but I try to keep it all professional.”

  “No one special, then?” It was hard to believe the gorgeous man sitting across from me didn’t have a love interest.

  He shook his head. “I’m not in a position currently where I can have anyone serious in my life. Lots of travel and work, but that’s only for a couple more years.”

  “Then what?” I couldn’t help licking the sugar off my fingers from the doughnut, which made him laugh.r />
  “Truthfully, I don’t know, but I’d love to work with people, especially kids. Maybe become a counselor or advisor. What about you? Where does McKenzie, Kenzie, Kenz see herself a couple of years from now?”

  It was my turn to shrug, noting that for the first time in my life I didn’t give the automatic answer of ‘go to business school.’ Instead I gave him the abbreviated version of my internship opportunity and being pressured to move back home.

  “Sounds like music is your passion.”

  I smiled. “It really is. Although it may not be something I could ever make a living doing.”

  He looked thoughtful. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but maybe shaking things up a bit and not being on your parents’ path isn’t such a bad thing, whether or not you choose music. In my case, I didn’t start to think about my future until I’d traveled away from home and started relying on myself. The world is a large place, but people sometimes get wrapped up in their own version and forget that.”

  I nodded, thinking that’s exactly what had happened. I’d been on my parent’s road so long, I didn’t know how to make my own. “Thanks for that. You’re right. Damn. I hadn’t meant to make this a therapy session, future counselor Will.”

  His eyes twinkled. “You haven’t, and if you want to talk about Colby, I won’t charge you.”

  Oh, boy. “Why not? Clearly, me sitting across from a handsome, amazing guy and not flirting with him is a sure sign I’m hopeless.”

  He smiled. “That was kind of flirty, and for the record, I think you’re awesome. It’s kind of funny, though, that I seem to have an affinity for meeting cool girls who also happen to be hung up already on one of the Singer brothers.”

  “Oh, you’re referring to Haylee?” Josh’s wife had modelled with Will, which is how they’d originally met and become friends.

  “Yeah, when I first met her, I could tell she had it bad for someone else. Then Josh came to a model shoot and made it quite obvious to any casual observer that he felt the same even if he wasn’t admitting it yet. If Colby is anything like his brother, he’ll be thickheaded when it comes to recognizing what’s right in front of him. My advice for you is to stop trying to be seductive and keeping track of your failures. Because you know what’s sexiest about you?”

  “I’m guessing it’s not the fact that I’ve polished off over half of those doughnut holes unapologetically after eating three slices of pizza?”

  He shook his head, grinning. “Actually, I think that’s impressive. But in general, it’s you being you. No pretense, no effort, simply pure, unfiltered Kenzie. First she’s sassy and then she’s sweet.”

  My eyes rolled. “I’m pretty sure you’ve just described fucking sour patch kid candy.”

  He laughed until he couldn’t breathe and then finally got out. “See? Sexy as hell.”

  I grinned. “Oh, yeah, is it my self-deprecation or sarcasm that does it for you?”

  “All of the above, and I guarantee it does it for a lot of guys. I’d be willing to bet you have some text messages or missed calls by now from at least one.”

  I pulled out my phone and as Will predicted, I had five text messages. All from Colby. The first couple were about logistics regarding the doorman letting me into the building in case I didn’t want to wait for him to get there first. The next one said he was on his way, with the message that followed indicating he was home. The final text made it clear how irritated he was.

  “Where the hell are you?”

  My eyes widened and then looked up into Will’s smug face.

  “Told ya.”

  I typed back I’d be on my way shortly then Will and I walked out into the beautiful spring night, to the bustle of Times Square. I’d only been in New York City a handful of times, so I was still in awe of all the activity at night.

  “I can’t believe we were there so long.”

  He shrugged. “That’s what happens when you’re having a good time. Come on, I’ll walk you to the building.”

  “Are you sure you’re not going out of your way?”

  “Nope. By the way, I’m traveling to Los Angeles in a few weeks. We could meet up if you want.”

  “I’d love that.” Will was fun to be around and even easier to talk to. It did make me wonder though, how many terrific guys I might have missed out on because of my crush on Colby. Despite dating, did I ever really give any of them a real shot?

  A few blocks later, we strolled up in front of Josh’s address, and Will turned, giving me a hug. “I’m rooting for you, sour patch kid.”

  I giggled in response, and then my gaze followed his towards the big glass doors.

  “Someone waited down in the lobby for you.”

  Huh. I hadn’t expected that.

  Will moved me out of Colby’s line of sight, kissing me on the cheek. “Don’t forget to mention you’ll see me in LA soon.”

  I laughed and headed inside to meet an irritated Colby.

  “I thought you were just getting doughnuts until I texted you,” he started off once we were in the elevator.

  “I lost track of time. We were having fun, and the doughnuts were amazing. Did you get to see your niece when you went back to the hospital?”

  His features relaxed as he stepped off on the top floor and then unlocked the front door to his brother’s penthouse suite. “Yes, briefly, before Haylee had to feed her. She’s beautiful like her mother, but has all this dark hair like my mom said Josh and I had when we were kids. I’ll visit again tomorrow.”

  I smiled, thinking of him meeting little Abigail. “Good. Look, I feel bad I got you in trouble with both Josh and Brian over taking me to Vegas.”

  He sighed heavily. “Some of my most notorious party days happened there, which means they wanted to ensure I hadn’t influenced you to make bad decisions.”

  After we walked into the spacious living room, I took a seat on the sofa, turning towards him. “It’s kind of ironic, considering you did exactly the opposite.”

  “I took you to a strip club, then got you drunk enough that I had to undress and put you to bed.” He sat down on the other side of the couch, facing me.

  My eyes got wide. “You didn’t tell them that, did you?”

  “I’m a living, breathing person right now, so no.”

  “I’m a grown woman whether Josh, Mark, or Brian want to see it, capable of making my own good or bad decisions. And whatever happens between us, stays that way.”

  The look on his face indicated he got the double meaning. “What was with you practically sprinting out of the restaurant door tonight with Will?”

  I grinned. “He opened the escape hatch from having you, Brian, and Mark sit there talking about me as though I was an eight-year-old child you guys needed to figure out what to do with. At least he sees me as an adult.”

  “You’re into him, I take it?”

  I decided to answer vaguely. “Who wouldn’t be? He’s gorgeous and sweet, not to mention your brother and Haylee seem to think highly of him.”

  “Yes, they do.” He said it as though he had asked them.

  “Geographically, it’s not very convenient, although he mentioned he’d be out in LA in a few weeks.”

  “Did you let him kiss you?”

  My eyes searched his for a moment as I tried to gauge where this was coming from. “Why are you asking?”

  He shrugged, obviously not ready to answer the question. “When are we doing ours for the bet?”

  Shock didn’t even begin to describe my reaction. “Uh, I got the impression you didn’t want to. And since I’m quickly finding out the only thing worse than having to bet someone into kissing you is confirmation they don’t want to, you’re totally off the hook.”

  He shook his head. “No, a bet’s a bet, but you aren’t going to act weird about it after, are you?”

  “I’m already weird, but no, I’m reasonably confident there’s life after kissing Colby Singer—life which doesn’t involve dotting your last name with a little heart
and planning a wedding.”

  “Leave it to you to ensure my ego is always in check. That’s not what I meant. I only want to be sure the expectations are understood. Obviously, it goes without saying this would stay between you and me.”

  “Of course it would, and I already offered an out. If you’re that concerned about it, then don’t kiss me.”

  “I’m not worried, but I’d like to get it over with.”

  I got up from the couch, quickly turning my head away from him, not wanting him to see the hurt his statement conjured up. “Where’s the guest room?”

  “That’s what I mean. You’re already acting strange.” He stood up and led me down the hallway.

  I fought my temper. “No, you are. You’re all anxious about something that isn’t a big deal. I haven’t thought about it once since Vegas.” Nope, not one time, more like one hundred times. “Do me a favor, and let’s forget I ever made the bet.”

  “I didn’t mean it to sound as though I was dreading it. I just—”

  “It’s fine. Good night.”

  He opened the door to my room, and when I turned to go in, tugged my arm, pulling me flush against his chest.

  My body hummed with the contact of his body.

  He swallowed hard. “Okay, maybe I’m the one a little weirded out. I’m not a big kisser. I normally prefer to get to the good stuff.”

  “Oh, yeah?” I enjoyed watching his face drain of color. “Dude, the bet was for a kiss, not a fuck.”

  “Nice language.”

  I quirked a brow. “What am I, ten? Fine, I won’t say ‘dude’ again. Now, are you going to kiss me or what?”

  “Not out in the hall I’m not. There may be cameras, and I definitely don’t need my brother seeing this on the security feed.”

  “You’re such a smooth talker, getting yourself invited into my room.”

  “Ha. Funny.” When the door closed, he started to look nervous. “Okay, let’s do this.”

  Wow. A charmer he wasn’t. I licked my lips as he leaned in. This was it. This was the moment in which unicorns would sing on a rainbow, and I’d float away on a cloud. But when his lips met mine and his tongue moved immediately into my mouth, wet and sloppy, it was all I could not to gag on the taste of cigar smoke and whiskey. And those were the high points. After another few seconds of the worst kiss ever, he pulled away, looking smug.