Page 75 of For One Night

Lola’s eyes cut to Lachlan then back to mine. “Do you report everything to your brother, or are you your own man?” She moves her knight.

“I think you’re more than aware I am my own man.” I move my pawn aggressively, hoping to end her soon.

She blocks my pawn. “I’m more than worth it.”

“I certainly know that.” I block her knight.

“Do you?” She studies the board. “Most have a problem realizing it.”

“The only thing I can’t figure out is the game you’re playing?” I move my pawn, blocking her in.

She fingers her queen, picking it up and moving it into place. “Checkmate.”

“Wait.” The room spins as she hands me my ass, again.

“Sometimes, the aggressive game is the wrong game to play.” She smirks, and Lachlan begins to laugh loudly.

I move around the table, standing in front of her. “Some games are never the right one to play.”

“Oh, this is going to be so good.” Lachlan chuckles from his seat.

“Are you positive you want to work with me?” I search Lola’s eyes, hoping for the honest answer.

She closes the distance between us. “I don’t do things I don’t want to anymore.”

“Alright, kids, I think we need to talk salary.” Lachlan slaps his hands together, rubbing them hard.

“She never agreed to work here.”

Lola’s jaw ticks. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t.”

“Come on over here, and we’ll get things rolling.” Lachlan waves to us.

Lola’s eyes flicker to mine. “Do you want me to work here?”

“Only if you decide you want to. I don’t make decisions for others.” I swallow past the nervous knot in my throat.

Her brows furrow. “You’re leaving it up to me?”

“Yes.” A smile plays on her lips. “I think you’re capable of making up your own mind.”

She folds her arms. “Will we be working close together?”

“We will.”

Her eyes smolder. “Do you have to listen to me?”

“Ha!” I laugh. “We’ll see about that.”

“Damn, this is going to be so good.” Lachlan smiles like the jackass he is. “Come on over so we can get a contract signed.”

“After you.”

She nods. “Thank you.”

“Lola, what’s your base?” Lachlan types on his phone, I’m sure asking Alice for a contract.

She sweeps her hair behind her ear. “I’m guaranteed fifty at start and the same when I wrap up.”