Chapter 199
**Tom**
I watched Sara delicately cut into her salmon, her movements precise and measured. The soft lighting cast a warm glow across her face, making her even more beautiful than usual. I'd chosen this place specifically because their wine list was exceptional, though Sara had barely touched her glass.
"Nervous about something?" I took a sip of my cabernet.
"Just an interview tomorrow." She stabbed another piece of salmon with more force than necessary.
"Oh? Where at?" I leaned forward, genuinely curious about which company had caught her interest.
Sara's fork stopped midway to her mouth. "Not telling."
"Come on, Sara. I'm just asking about-"
"Nope." She popped the 'p' sound, a hint of smugness in her expression.
I raised an eyebrow. "Since when did job interviews become classified information?"
"Since we made that bet." She pointed her fork at me. "Don't think I haven't considered all the angles here."
I chuckled, setting down my wine glass. "What angles are you talking about exactly?"
Sara's eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Oh please, like you haven't thought about it. The moment I tell you where I'm interviewing, you'll probably call them up with some made-up story about how I'm secretly a corporate spy or have a gambling addiction."
"I would never-"
"Or you'd tell them I tend to steal office supplies. No, wait - that I run an underground fight club in my spare time."
"An underground fight club?"
"The first rule is we don't talk about it." She took a deliberate sip of her wine, trying to maintain a serious expression but failing miserably.
"I'm not that cruel. Give me some credit here."
"Really?" She cocked her head. "You're telling me you wouldn't do anything to win this bet? To have me at your mercy for an entire week?"
"When you put it that way..." I smirked.
"See!" She jabbed her fork in my direction again. "That look right there? That's exactly why I'm keeping my interviews secret. You've got that whole billionaire mastermind thing going on. You probably have spies everywhere."
"Spies everywhere? Now you're just being ridiculous."
"Am I?" She glanced suspiciously at a waiter passing by. "For all I know, you've got half the city's service industry on your payroll."
I laughed at her conspiracy theories. "I promise you, my connections aren't nearly as extensive as you think."
"But your father's are." She took another bite of salmon, eyeing me with mock suspicion.
"True, but I'm not about to run to Daddy to sabotage your job hunt." I reached across the table, trying to take her hand, but she pulled it back.
"Uh-huh. And I'm supposed to just believe that?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "You're capable of absolutely ridiculous things when you set your mind to it."
I held up my hands in surrender. "Look, we made a bet. A fair bet. No interference, schemes, elaborate plots involving waiters or private investigators, or whatever else you think I might do."
Sara crossed her arms. "What about your father's connections?"
"I solemnly swear not to utilize any family resources to impede your job search." I placed my hand over my heart dramatically.
"You better not." She pointed her knife at me. "Because if I find out you messed with any of my interviews, they'll never find your body."
"That's a bit extreme."
"Is it?" She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a theatrical whisper. "I know people too, you know. Very dangerous people."
"Oh really? Like who?"
"Jessica." She sat back, looking triumphant.
I nearly choked on my wine. "Jessica? Your friend?"
"Hey, you haven't seen her when she's really angry. Plus, she knows at least two bartenders now. They could poison your fancy wine."
"I'm terrified." I tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably.
"You should be. And Claire - she knows literally everyone in this city. She could destroy your social life with one mass text."
"Now I'm definitely scared. Please don't sick your terrifying friends on me."
Sara nodded solemnly. "Then we understand each other. No interference with my job search, or else."
"Or else Jessica will poison my wine, and Claire will make me a social pariah. Got it." I raised my glass in a mock toast.
Sara's eyes crinkled with satisfaction. "As long as we're clear."
"Crystal." I waved over to our waiter. "Though I have to say, your choice of enforcers leaves something to be desired. Jessica can barely remember which guy she's dating on any given day."
"That's what makes her dangerous. She's unpredictable."
The waiter appeared at our table. "Can I interest you in dessert?"
"Yes-" Sara started.
"No-" I said at the same time.
We stared at each other. Sara's bottom lip jutted out in that way she knew I couldn't resist.
"The chocolate soufflé, please," I told the waiter, defeated. "Two spoons."
Sara bounced in her seat like a kid. "You're learning."
"I'm learning that saying no to you is impossible. Even when you're threatening me with your questionably dangerous friends."
"Hey, Claire's connections are legitimate. She probably knows the mayor."
"The mayor of what? Her apartment building?"
Sara kicked me under the table. "Don't be mean. She got me that interview tomorrow, didn't she?"
"Ah yes, the mysterious interview you won't tell me about." I leaned back as the waiter cleared our plates. "For all I know, it's at a hot dog stand."
"Please. I have standards." She took a sip of wine. "It's obviously a taco truck."
The soufflé arrived, steam still rising from its perfect dome. Sara's eyes lit up, and she dove in before I could pick up my spoon.
"Mmmmm." She closed her eyes in bliss. "This is almost better than sex."
I raised an eyebrow. "Almost?"
"Well," She licked the chocolate off her spoon with deliberate slowness. "Let's just say you have your moments."
"Just moments?"
"Don't fish for compliments. Your ego's big enough already." She scooped up another bite. "Besides, if you keep interfering with my job search, you won't be getting any moments for a whole month."
I grabbed my spoon before she could demolish the entire dessert. "You're awfully confident about winning this bet."
"Of course I am. I'm brilliant, qualified, and," she gestured at herself with her chocolate-covered spoon, "Look at me."
"Humble, too."
"Exactly." She grinned. "Plus, I have Claire's mysterious network of possibly criminal connections backing me up."
"Criminal?"
"Have you seen how fast she gets restaurant reservations? That's not normal."
I laughed, managing to snag the last bite of soufflé while she was distracted. "You've thought about this way too much."
"Know thy enemy, Tom." She pouted at the empty dessert dish. "And that was my bite."
"Consider it payment for all these wild accusations about my character."
"Fine." She dabbed her lips with her napkin.
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