Page 52 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
“That place is the epitome of slime,” Kendall said, slipping back into her seat. “Why would we want to go there?”
Chase groaned, something he seemed to do often since sitting down at the table. Not that Sloane blamed him. Now they had Kendall to deal with and she obviously planned to accompany them. If Sloane were married to Rick, she’d plan to do the same thing.
“Why don’t you explain everything,” she said to Rick. If Kendall was going to go with them, she deserved to know details. “Kendall’s coming with us can work in our favor. We’ll seem more normal going out as two couples anyway.”
“I don’t believe this,” Chase muttered.
Sloane grasped his hand beneath the table. “I’m sorry.”
“For turning my life upside down?” He treated her to the lopsided grin she adored.
She opened her mouth to reply and he took advantage of the opportunity, kissing her into silence. As always, his touch was electric, fueling a desire that always simmered just below the surface, no matter what went on around them.
“What was that for?” she asked when he finally let her up for air. Rick and Kendall, she noticed, were deep in conversation.
He shrugged, looking sheepish. “Because I felt like it.”
He wasn’t normally an impulsive man, and though the change surprised her, she was careful not to read too much into it or attribute it to her influence. Though he cared about her, he’d also admitted that he had an agenda. Making this relationship public was a way to keep his mother off guard and avoid her match-making. And now the entire town was in on the act. The charade would continue while she stayed in Yorkshire Falls, not any longer.
Something she’d better remember and quit getting so attached to Chase or to his wonderful family.
“Okay, we’re on for tonight.” Kendall smiled, obviously pleased to be in on the action.
Rick frowned and Sloane recognized his stern cop face. “Only because she promised to behave herself and not get into any trouble.”
“We won’t stay long,” Sloane promised. “Just long enough to see if Samson shows up.”
“Sodas for everyone!” Izzy interrupted, placing drinks on the table. “I provided all your favorites. If you want to order lunch, just give me a wave.”
“We’re ready now, Izzy,” Chase said. “If we wait any longer, it’ll be dinnertime. What are today’s specials?”
“I love you Chandler boys and your appetites.” She pulled her pad out and read from the back. “Today’s specials are Norman’s chicken pot pie—”
“Since when do you need to refer to a pad for specials, Iz?” Rick asked.
“Since they involve more than just food.” She winked and continued. “In addition to the daily special, we’ve got a betting pool going. The more people who enter, the bigger the winnings, so I’ve been told to mention it to every table. But seeing as how two people here have the inside track, Rick and Kendall are ineligible.”
Sloane narrowed her gaze. “What are you talking about?” She turned to Chase. “Do you know what she’s talking about?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” He actually envied Sloane her confusion. “Come on, Izzy. Why the hell are you bringing this up here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” She placed her hands on her generous hips. “The pot’s bigger than the Super Bowl. I want to win and you two can give me the advantage.”
Rick snickered. Damn fool obviously knew what was going on too.
Chase groaned. “Sloane, it seems we’re the subject of a pool.”
“I’ll just put up some burgers on the house.”
Rick chuckled. “Good idea, Iz.”
“What kind of pool?” Sloane asked.
“They’re laying odds on whether or not you’re it. For me.” Chase’s cheeks burned and he could only imagine what shade of red he’d turned during this embarrassing conversation.
“It?” She bit down on her lower lip.
He itched to kiss that mouth and forget everything else.
“Everyone in town is betting on whether you’re the one for Chase,” Kendall piped in.
“The woman to finally make the heartbreaker part of a couple. A permanent couple,” Rick added, and wagged his eyebrows in exaggeration. “Get it?”
“Got it,” Sloane said, obviously shell-shocked and stunned.
“It started as a Gazette office pool and somehow became a town bet.” Chase held his head in his hands. “Still enjoying small-town life?” he asked Sloane wryly.
Her eyes opened wide. He wondered what she was thinking and wouldn’t blame her if she ran far and fast. Instead, she burst out laughing, obviously amused by it all. “I am. I really am enjoying this town and these people.”
* * *
The truth was as much a revelation to Sloane as it obviously was to Chase. But sitting here, the subject of town speculation, watching Rick laugh at his brother’s predicament and seeing Chase squirm, Sloane felt lighter than she had in years. She was happy despite her very personal, now very dangerous, circumstances.
Because she wasn’t on call. Wasn’t expected to perform.
