Water Under the Bridge (Perks & Benefits #1)

by Kels Stone

Sometimes you have to grab life by the neck and choke it real good.

But why would I need a boyfriend when I have a best friend like Lily?

Who on earth is in the office at this hour?

You

I would prefer he was afraid of me like the rest of the staff seems to be.

Their unquestioning trust in Joanna would be commendable if it weren’t directly making my job harder.

I would trade this ridiculous date for another conversation about a new fundraising strategy any day of the week.

Unlike that arrogant Luca Navarro, who refused to give me a plausible reason for not hiring me.

It will never fail to unsettle me how many wealthy people attend to these events, donate copious amounts of money to their causes, and simply refuse to tip the staff.

If my loss means she’s happy, I’ll concede it.

Unfortunate things happen to people all the time. But each time I’m around Luca, my world slightly tips on its axis—so maybe it’s his fault.

When I tried to spot him behind me, he was pulling a plastic bag off a pigeon. An actual pigeon.

If this is how he wants to play it, then fine. I gather myself. “No drinks. No suits. Winning against you will be enough.”

For the first time in my career, I’d actively contributed to hurting people. I’d fucked up, and I knew I had to make a change.

My opponent is so confident that she can win a bet against me. I can’t wait to prove her wrong.

I place my drink on a nearby table and shrug off my suit jacket. “Take this so you don’t freeze before we make it back to land.” “I don’t need—” “You can keep fighting me.” “I’m not—” “Just don’t be cold while you’re doing it.” I drape my jacket over her shoulders.

She shifts in my suit jacket. I wish I were the one wrapped around her. Am I jealous of my own clothes?

“Is everything a competition to you?” “With you?” Her eyes fix on me. “Yes.”

“I promise, next time you’re wet around me, I’ll make sure it’s because of something you’ll enjoy.”

“Teamwork?” A devilish grin splatters itself across Luca’s face.

I, on the other hand, welcome the way my attention shifts to her.

Her scolding stare is catastrophic and so fucking beautiful.

I’m sure that whatever he’s scribbling will at least be witty and full of zeal.

“Welcome, Sea Men,” Lily announces, writing our team’s name on the scoreboard.

Her defenses are just back up, and I’ll patiently wait out their storm.

I would lose every single bet I’ve ever made to win this one.

Avery could ask me to roast coffee beans by hand, and I would simply ask her for how long.