Page 26 of Dr. Stone

“Nope.” I shook it off like it was nothing. “We’re not doing this. Andie is, as you proclaimed, very intriguing.”

“And that’s all?” His tone was all assessment now, like I was a deal he might invest in.

“That’s it,” I lied through my fucking teeth, refusing to give anyone the satisfaction.

“Very good, then,” Titus said smoothly, “because if you did care for her more than you’re admitting, I’d immediately cancel our plans in Catalina next week.”

What the fuck?

I forced a smile, the opposite of how I felt. Goddamn it. Why was I downplaying this woman so hard?

“She must have really charmed you,” I said, aiming for casual and hitting somewhere near defensive. “I’ve never known you to plan another date with someone so far beneath your circle of wealth. Hell must’ve truly frozen over.”

“Douse the flames of hell and let the ice take over, hermano, because I am extremely charmed,” Titus replied without missing a beat. “She is remarkable. Enjoyable company.” His gaze flicked to me. “As you already know after your cocktails on Mitchell’s yacht.”

My pride and ego were immovable, even if it meant letting Titus keep his plans with the one woman I couldn’t stop thinking about. Of all the women in the world, why did it have to be her?

Titus got pulled aside by a cluster of men—probably to talk business or whatever—and I was left staring across the manicured lawns, still trying to wrap my head around what had just happened.

“That was your moment, dude,” Sebastian said. “Why the hell didn’t you just tell him you’re interested in her, too?”

“No harm in keeping quiet if you don’t care,” Jim added, voice dripping sarcasm. “Now you’re free, she’s free, and Titus doesn’t have to cancel his date.”

“In Catalina,” Jake tossed in, like the punchline to a joke.

“You know what? I don’t fucking know, okay?” I shot back. “Maybe I’ll just let Andie decide who the better man is. A little competition never hurt anyone.”

Jake’s grin widened. “And now we’ve got some action, finally.”

“There’s no action,” I countered. “I’m just not letting Titus beat me at my own game.” I turned to Ash. “She’s your gallery director, right?”

“She is. And she’s also someone I care deeply about,” Ash said, her tone cutting through the testosterone. “I don’t love the idea of you and Titus treating her like a prize. But…” Her mouthcurved in a slow, knowing smile. “My girl Andie is on fire lately. Watching her bring both of you cocky assholes to your knees could be entertaining.”

“I’m not playing games,” I said automatically. “And I’m not going to hurt her.”

Jake snapped his fingers, delighted. “Oh, this is gonna be good. My money’s on you, buddy.”

Laughter rippled through the group, but my head was somewhere else—half in disbelief, half already plotting. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I just wasn’t sure if I’d come out of it with the win…or with my pride intact.

That night, I drove out of Montecito like my damn life depended on it. I needed to untangle my mind and figure shit out, and the only way I knew to do that was on my sailboat. That’s where I always found my answers and sanity, and I knew I’d get that tonight.

THIRTEEN

Andie

This had beena fantastic week for the gallery, and, dare I say, I was enjoying being wined and dined by the elusive Titus Hawk. After an evening full of flattery, laughter, and me keeping the reins firmly in my hands, I could honestly say I was the happiest I’d been in a long time.

Titus was every bit as charming and magnetic as his reputation promised—flawless, the kind of man you’d fantasize about if you were in the market to be treated like royalty. But the best part was realizing I wasn’t falling headfirst for his act. I matched him, step for step, charm for charm, and knew it would take more than good looks, deep pockets, and smooth words to get past my guard.

Still, the banter had its perks. Which explained why I’d said yes to dinner in Catalina next week—and why I was actually looking forward to it.

“The sun feels so good,” Ash said, stretched out on the lounge chair between me and Avery Mitchell.

“You’re not wrong,” I murmured, letting the heat sink into my bones.

“I don’t know about you, Ash, but I’m not going to sit here and pretend we didn’t witness what happened last night at the anniversary party,” Avery said, sunglasses tipped down just enough to look mischievous.

I slid mine down, meeting her gaze with a smirk. “I love it when you two spill the tea from those swanky, members-only soirées you’re ‘forced’ to attend.”