“Because Micheal’s date better be his fiancée,” Dad says with a chuckle. “But it goes for everyone else. You too Lennox.”
My head shoots up, and five pairs of eyes stare back at me.
“W-what?”
“Ha! Like little Lenny would dare bring a date to the work Christmas party.” Sean says with a laugh.
I want to agree with him. I know how out of hand the holiday party tends to get, but I also hate when he’s right.
“Sure I would.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, but inside I’m shaking. I haven’t been on a date for… a long time.
“Should we make a bet?” Michael asks. He is always the first to suggest a bet.
I should have seen this coming. “No.” I’m so over their stupid games.
“Oh, come on. This is the best idea yet.” Sean says, beaming.
“I’m out of here,” Dad says. “Good luck, sweetie.”
“Dad?” I groan, but he’s already gone.
“We probably shouldn’t gamble on Lennox’s love life anymore.” Grant speaks up and something akin to hope rises in my chest.
I look at him, fully appreciating his handsome features. If he’s my knight in shining armor, I’m throwing down my hair, puckering my lips, whatever it takes to ride off into the sunset with him.
“But we’re still going to.” Michael says, and Grant smirks.
My eyes narrow. I’d hoped after high school that he would finally see me as more than a little sister, but no such luck.
“How about we make this bet more interesting?” Michael says.
I hate where this is going. I flick off my monitor and stand up. The drawing will have to wait until tomorrow. They’ll make the bet with or without me here.
“I’ll give you a hundred bucks to bring a guy to the holiday party,” Michael says.
I freeze. “Me?” Usually, they just wager with each other over me.
“Yeah. I know you want to get out of mom and dad's house after graduation. So I’ll contribute to your savings fund, or if all goes well, your wedding fund,” Michael says, pumping his eyebrows.
My eyes widen. “What?” I’m not looking to get married. Sure, I’ve thought about it a few times. Like every time Grant walks into my office. I also may have added fifteen wedding dresses to my favorite Pinterest board yesterday, but I’ll never admit that out loud.
“We’ll each give you a hundred,” Trent says.
“I never agreed to that.” Grant steps back and folds his arms.
I look at him. His hat is backward and there’s dust all over him, making his black hair look more brown, but he’s just as sexy as he’s ever been. And just as untouchable. I need to get over him, and the solution is right in front of me. Get a date.
“Everyone pays, or I don’t do it.” I plant my hands on my hips, ready for a stare-down if necessary.
Grant’s lips quirk because he can never keep a straight face. That, or I look ridiculous.
“Fine. But if he’s a loser, I reserve the right to kick him out of the party,” Grant says finally.
“Agreed,” Sean says.
“Absolutely not!” I jump in. “You can’t just kick out my date because you don’t like him. What ifIlike him?”
“You liked Lucas Shaw,” Michael points out, giving me a condescending look, “I’m not sure you’re the best judge of character.”
