Chapter 55: Settling a Bet

"And if I do? What's in it for me?" She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling.

He licked his lips, his gaze dropping to her mouth before moving back up to meet her eyes. What he wouldn't do for a kiss right now. "If I'm right, you have to do something for me."

The idea popped into his head without warning, but he latched onto the thought. If he could get her to agree, he'd essentially kill two birds with one stone. He'd find a way out of his sister's bachelor auction without upsetting his mom, and he'd secure some alone time with Carissa.

"Do something for you? Like what?" Her tone dripped with suspicion. "If you're trying to bet me into having sex with you, I-"

"Whoa! No." He held up his hands, eyes wide. "That's not what I'm doing. First, I don't need to bet or coerce or trick anyone into having sex with me, especially not you."

"Especially not me?" She shifted on her feet. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"