Pay Me, I'm Yours

Chapter 19 - And The Award Goes To

Chapter 19 - And The Award Goes To

"Wake up, you hot stud," I chirped, sitting on the side of the bed as I laid down the breakfast I made. "I brought you some breakfast.

Gale opened his eyes and smiled sweetly at me. Once, I would've found his smile endearing but now, all I could think of was how calculated it was. A smile designed to unhinge me and bring me to my downfall. "I never had a breakfast in bed before."

None of your models cooked for you, huh? I thought darkly. "Then I'm glad I was your first, Smith," I smiled back at him.

Sitting up, he took the mug of coffee and sipped. Noticing that I was wearing my dress, he asked, "Why are you dressed?"

"I have an early meeting today."

"Can't you stay a little longer?"

"No can do, Gale." I shook my head and continued in a soft voice, "I have to meet up with Aubrey and Connor soon."

He stared at me, confusion clear on his green eyes. "You're meeting up with your best friends?"

"Well, not in this dress, silly," I joked. "Can you imagine what a big laugh they'll have if they saw me in this number?"

"Why are you meeting with them?" he asked, ignoring my jibe. Worry was evident on his face as he studied me closely. It almost made me want to spill about how I know he was playing me for a fool.

But then again, I was stronger than that. I'll get back my ego and strike back hard even if it killed me.

"Today's the last day of the bet, Gale," I said softly.

His frown vanished in an instant and he grinned hugely, his green eyes alive with merriment. "Are you planning to tell them about us now?"

I deliberately looked away.

"What is it, Kei?" I heard him say and I could detect the hint of uncertainty seeped into his voice. "You're gonna tell them that we're dating for real, now right?"

"About that," I began, sighing dramatically as if I was embarrassed by the situation when in truth, I was dying inside. "I don’t know how to say this.”

“Say what?”

Taking a deep breath, I said finally, “I never intended to throw the bet away, Gale."

He stiffened.

"I'm sorry," I rushed, touching his arm in an act of comfort and apology. "I mean, I had a really great time with you and this past two months has been a blast. But-"

"But what, Keira?" he interrupted tightly. "You slept with me last night. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"Of course it meant something to me," I said heatedly. "You exorcised the last ghost David left me with, Gale. You were the one who brought me to the light and for that, I'm entirely grateful."

"I don't want your gratitude," he said coldly. Kneading his neck as if to ease the tension, he continued on a gentle voice. "What brought this on? You're not acting like yourself."

"I am acting like my true self, Gale."

"Explain."

"This is the real me."

"Of course, it's not the real you," he burst out, a frown marring his forehead. "You're acting weird, Keira. It's not funny anymore."

"I'm completely serious."

His eyes narrowed. "Give me a moment, will you? Apparently, I'm not awake."

"I needed the distraction, Gale," I said without preamble, forcing my voice to sound normal even though it's far off from the truth. "Ever since David screwed me off, I became out of control and closed off, not wanting to get out of my comfort zone."