Page 191 of The Bluffing Game

“Why on earth would you think that?”

“I don’t know.” She pauses. “I’m just curious why you’re calling, is all.”

“Maybe I called because I wanted to hear your voice.” That is far more honest than I really want to be, but she doesn’t have to know that. “You sound like a movie star I used to like.” Liar, liar.

“Sure, you’re calling to hear my voice because you love it, right?”

“Oh, yeah,” I say sarcastically. “You could be the next Mariah Carey or Celine Dion.”

“Yep, I can sing just as well as them, you know?”

“Oh, I’m sure you can. Why don’t you sing for me?”

“Why don’t I sing for you? Why don’t you sing for me?”

“I’m not the one who said I’m an amazing singer.”

“Dalton?”

“Yes, Sage?”

“Are you trying to be the bane of my existence?”

“I would hope not. I’d rather be the reason for your living.” I shift back on the bed, close my eyes, and listen to her voice. “That sounds weird. I guess … I guess I was just bored,” I say.

“So, now you call me when you’re bored.”

“Do I need an excuse to call you?” I picture her next to me.

“Yeah, you do. Most people’s bosses don’t call them because they’re bored.”

“Maybe I wanted to ask if you could come in to work early tomorrow to work an extra shift.”

“Now, that doesn’t sound like fun.” She yawns. “Is that really why you’re calling me?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“Dalton?”

I hear the annoyance in her voice, but I don’t want to let her go.

“Yes, Sage?”

“I don’t really know what this is about, but⁠—”

“But what?”

“I hope you’ll tell me soon, or I’m going to hang up. I’m currently standing outside, and I want to go back inside because I have a feeling your sister and my sister have eaten all the chili cheese fries and probably all the onion rings, and Rosie’s probably eaten my burger as well, and I’m still hungry.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you were still at the restaurant with the girls.” I laugh, suddenly feeling lighter. “Why did you answer the phone?”

“Because you called me and I thought it might be something important, but if it’s not, can I go back to my food?”

“You can come over if you want.”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“To get some food. I could make something for you,” I say casually, and there’s silence on the line. “I’m just joking, of course. I’m not going to make something for you. I was just trying to have my wicked way with you, like the big bad wolf that I am.” I run my fingers down my chest and let out a low, teasing growl.