Page 147 of Secrets and Lies

---

West: what kind of deal?

Mr. X: the kind where I get to do whatever I want to you if I score a hat trick

West: yes

West: deal

Mr. X: lol

Mr. X: you didn’t even ask what I’m planning

West: what are you planning?

Mr. X: something you’ll never forget

West: that’s a pretty big promise

Mr. X: I can deliver

West: a hat trick is when you score three goals in one game right?

Mr. X: lol yes

Mr. X: keep your phone close

Mr. X: I’ll text you my instructions when I get my hat trick

West: what if you don’t get one?

Mr. X: then I’ll save my idea for another night

Mr. X: wish me luck

West: good luck

“Why are you blushing?”

I nearly jump out of my skin and fumble my phone like a dumbass. “Jesus!”

Damon bursts out laughing. “Did you forget that I’m sitting right here?”

“I didn’t forget.” I tuck my phone away. “I was just distracted, and you scared the shit out of me.”

“Distracted by your booty call?” he asks casually.

“Booty call?” I shoot him what I hope is a confused look.

“You’re a really bad liar, you know that?” he says with a grin.

“I know,” I grumble. “And it’s even harder to lie to you because you know me.”

“Yup, and I know you’re hiding something.” He fixes me with an assessing look. “Are you talking to someone?”

“No,” I say truthfully. Anthony and I are way beyond the talking stage at this point.

“It would be okay if you were,” he says.

“I know, but I’m not.”

---