Page 200 of The Bluffing Game

“Maybe,” he says. “But you could definitely explain to her better how much Toby needs her.”

“I think that, right now, it should just be you.”

I look down at my phone. I have another missed call from Sage and several text messages. I let out a sigh. “I trust you, Brett. You’ve never let me down, and you know how important this is. You know everything Toby’s been through. You know everything I’ve been through.”

“You’re a good guy—you know that, right, Dalton?” He gives me a rare smile. “Not many men would’ve stepped up as you did.”

“I felt like it was my responsibility, you know?”

“It wasn’t though.”

“But it was,” I say and stand up. “Anyway, I should get out of here. Duty calls and all that. I have a feeling Sage might be a little bit upset with me.”

“Oh, I hope not.” He leans back. “How’s her sister, by the way?” he says casually.

“Who, Rosie?” I ask him, grinning. “Why? You got an interest in her?”

“No, not at all. She is definitely not the sort of woman I would ever have any dalliance with, but I was just curious.”

“Uh-huh,” I say, grinning. “You should ask her on a date or something.”

“No way,” he says. “She is not the sort of woman who should date a man like me. She’s way too light and bubbly and carefree, and we both know that’s the exact opposite of me.”

“But you know what they say, opposites attract.”

“Have you asked out her sister?” He leans forward, crossing his arms, his eyes narrowed.

“No. Why would I?”

“For the same reason you’re telling me that I should ask Rosie out.”

“Touché. I suppose we’re both right. Neither one of us is right for these women.”

“Exactly,” he says. “Doesn’t mean we don’t care about making sure they’re safe and doing well.”

“You’re making sure that Rosie is safe?”

“Not actively. Is there something she’s doing that she needs protection from? I mean, aside from this crazy dating app.”

“Ha. Anyway, I really should get going.” I hold up the phone and show him that Sage is calling again. “I have a feeling she’s upset with me. You keep me updated about tomorrow?”

“Will do, boss. I’ll see you later.”

I hurry to my car, get in, and drive the fifteen minutes to the house. As soon as I get out, I see Sage running out of the door.

“Do you know what time it is?” She sounds frantic.

“I’m so sorry. Everything just went much later than I’d expected.”

“You didn’t pick up my calls. You didn’t text me. I didn’t even know what to tell my date.”

Her hair is long and wild. She looks stunning in a black skirt and sequined silver top. She’s got on shimmery blue eyeshadow, and her lashes look longer than I’ve ever seen. Her lips are bright red, and she’s wearing heels. She looks seductively sexy.

“I’ve missed my date now. Can you believe this?” She shakes her head.

“I’m sorry. I totally lost track of time.”

“And what is it with you men and time?” She sighs. “I can’t believe you didn’t text me or call me. I was also worried. I didn’t know what happened.”