The Bet by Rachel van Dyken Read Free Book Online Page A

beats a very large heart. I do kind of owe Jake. Or at least he made me feel like I did.”
    “I wasn’t going to say that you were a prostitute.” Travis coughed. “So he really does have prostitutes as girlfriends?” Travis shook his head with disapproval. “Maybe we should leave that little tidbit out this weekend. My grandma’s health and all.”
    “Agreed.” Kacey snorted. “She’d have a stroke if she knew how egotistical our young little Jake has gotten. But I love him regardless.” Kacey sighed.
    “Apparently, otherwise you wouldn’t be here. But then again… things aren’t always what they seem, are they, Kace?” Travis cleared his throat.
    “Just drive the truck, Travis. I’m hungry and my stomach is in knots from that stupid plane ride.”
    Travis put the truck into gear. “Still afraid of flying?”
    “I thought I was over it, but then I accused a clergyman of being a terrorist.”
    Travis laughed. “Out loud? Damn woman, maybe you should take the train back.”
    Kacey’s eyes lit up. “Brilliant plan, but it takes three hours.”
    “They have a bar.”
    “Where do you buy tickets?”
    Travis chuckled as he pulled into traffic. “I’ll take care of it, alright? Just stop saying terrorist in planes for your own sanity and safety, little girl.”
    “I’m not a little girl,” Kacey snapped.
    The truck stopped at the red light. Travis turned to look at Kacey, every bit the woman she was. From her pouty lips to her tight little body. “Yeah, I know, Kace. I’d have to be dead not to notice.” His body flared to life the longer he stared at her. Well, that was uncomfortable.
    “Wow, a compliment from the little boy who used to pee his pants when he saw clowns. I’m touched, really.” Kacey fluttered her eyelashes and tilted her head.
    “It was only o-once!” The light turned green and Travis pumped the accelerator with ferocity. “And the clown knew my name, Kace. Come on, any little boy would be freaked out a bit. Thanks for that by the way.”
    “Whatever do you mean, Travis?”
    “You told the clown my name. Admit it. Admit it or I’m dropping you off by the ice skating rink.”
    “You wouldn’t!”
    “I would, and I am. Tell me how many accidental deaths are there a year by ice skating accidents?”
    “You’re the devil!”
    Travis grinned. “So you’ve said.”
    “Fine, I told the clown your name, but only after you tripped me.”
    “Ah, victory at last.” Travis sighed, stealing a glance in the rearview mirror to see Kacey scowl and cross her arms. “Kace, can’t we at least try to get along while you’re here? After all, according to my entire family, you’re about to be the new daughter-in-law. I would hate to give them the impression that I’m going to kill you in your sleep.”
    Kacey groaned. “You’re right. And don’t you dare gloat! This is for Grandma, right? I’m doing this for Grandma.” She chanted grandma five times before pausing. “Trav?”
    It was the first time she had actually said his name instead of an expletive or her favorite nickname of the devil. “Yeah, Kace?”
    “Is she going to be okay?”
    “Who? Grandma?” He chuckled as he pulled into the large estate also known as Titus Abbey. “Kace, I think Grandma could walk away from a nuclear holocaust and still be fine. Don’t worry too much, alright? Besides, seeing you will make all the difference. She’s getting all sappy in her old age.”
    “But…” Kacey sighed.
    Travis pulled down the driveway, shut off the car, and turned to see Kacey chewing on her fingernails.
    “But what?” he asked.
    Fingernails still in her mouth, she answered, “What if she finds out? I mean, I doubt Jake even told Grandma it wasn’t real. So she’s going to think we’re together, and…”
    Travis gulped at the knot rising in his throat. Naturally, it had been one of his first concerns as well. If Grandma found out… well, Travis would gladly point at Jake and shake his head,