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Playing To Lose (The Lucky Rivals Series Book 1), page 1
PLAYING TO LOSE
THE LUCKY RIVAL SERIES
BOOK ONE
BROOKE REIGN
Playing To Lose - The Lucky Rivals Series - Book One
Copyright © 2024 by Brooke Reign
Publisher - Silver Lining Publishing LLC
On File - Library of Congress
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, contact Brooke Reign at Brooke@brookreign.com.
Silver Lining Publishing trade paperback edition
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9856465-7-3
Ebook ISBN: 979-8-9856465-6-6
Silver Lining Publishing can bring the author to your live event. For more information or to book an event, contact Brooke@brookereign.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, occurrences, or locales are entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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CONTENTS
What You Can Expect - Trigger Warnings - Mental Health Matters
Chapter 1
Dori
Chapter 2
Jamison
Chapter 3
Dori
Chapter 4
Jamison
Chapter 5
Hunter
Chapter 6
Jamison
Chapter 7
Dori
Chapter 8
Jamison
Chapter 9
Dori
Chapter 10
Hunter
Chapter 11
Dori
Chapter 12
Hunter
Chapter 13
Dori
Chapter 14
Jamison
Chapter 15
Hunter
Chapter 16
Dori
Chapter 17
Dori
Chapter 18
Hunter
Chapter 19
Dori
Chapter 20
Jamison
Chapter 21
Dori
Chapter 22
Hunter
Chapter 23
Hunter
Chapter 24
Jamison
Chapter 25
Dori
Chapter 26
Dori
Chapter 27
Dori
Chapter 28
Jamison
Chapter 29
Jamison
Chapter 30
Dori
Chapter 31
Jamison
Chapter 32
Dori
Chapter 33
Jamison
Chapter 34
Dori
Chapter 35
Hunter
Chapter 36
Dori
Chapter 37
Dori
Loved Playing To Lose? The Love Triangle Doesn’t End There!
Join Brooke in her VIP Society Fan Group
A Note From Brooke
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Books & Series By Brooke Reign
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT - TRIGGER WARNINGS - MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Parental Death
Pregnancy/ Miscarriage
Domestic Abuse
Mature Subject Matter
Mature Content/Language
Sexually Explicit Content
Book One of Six In The Lucky Rivals Series - Must Be Read In Order
Ends On A Cliffhanger
Brooke Reign is known for writing angsty stories with heart-stopping cliffhangers that keep her readers on the edge of their seats, begging for the next page-turning book.
CHAPTER 1
DORI
“Have you ever driven a collector’s car?” my date asks.
Oh boy. Here we go again with the car talk.
“My favorite is the Aston Martin. Any of the models would do, but I…”
I don’t know what’s worse. Him checking out every woman that enters the restaurant or a conversation that bores me to tears.
A dark-haired man with a close-cut shave steals my attention. His muscular body strides through the dimly lit restaurant like he and his blue Armani suit own the place.
Why is someone as sexy as him alone in this swanky little place? The soft music and intimate vibe reek of romance.
My date’s voice fades into the background. I should feel bad about ignoring him, but something about the mystery guy demands my focus.
When his face comes into view, he glances over his shoulder toward the table next to me. I clutch at my heart because he could crush, stomp on, and throw it away without a second thought. I know this because I’ve wanted him since I was ten, and he’s done it to me more than once.
I haven’t seen my brother’s best friend, Jamison Stone in five years. Maybe that’s a good thing, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting his recognition. No, it’s more than that. I want his love and affection.
Why do I let myself go there?
I’ve always seen Jamison as someone I could fall in love with. He’s smart, sexy, and kind. I would live my fairytale life with him if only he could see me that way.
But I have terrible luck with relationships. Probably because my parents are horrible role models. And Jamison knows all too well how messed up my family is.
My phone conversation with my brother about nine months ago blares in my head. He had just returned from an undercover assignment, so we were catching up. That’s when he dropped the bomb on me.
“Jamison’s moving to your neck of the woods. He might call looking to get together with you. If he does, I’d appreciate you steering clear.”
“What would it hurt if I showed him around?” I ask, trying to change his stubborn mind.
“Don’t go there, Dorothy Fisher. It won’t end well.” Aiden’s voice raises. “Seriously, don’t test me because I will disown you if you try to date him.”
“Aiden, you’ve got to stop being ridiculous.” I roll my eyes. “I get you don’t like the idea—”
“I hate the idea, so erase any thoughts of getting whatever you want from him. Got it?”
My brother has spent years repeating the same old rhetoric. I assume that’s why Jamison has pushed me away over the years, but I can’t be sure.
That’s not what has my stomach twisting into knots, though. Jamison never reached out when he moved here and it bruised my heart.
I wish I knew if there could ever be a chance. Jamison’s always been hot or cold with me, and it’s confusing as hell.
I pull in a deep inhale, trying to slow my pounding heart, which is a dead giveaway that I’m dying inside. That alone should stop me from doing what I’m about to do, but my heart seems to have a mind of its own.
“Will you excuse me?” I ask my date.
He nods and lazily sips on his drink. “Take your time.”
I push out of my chair and hightail it in Jamison’s direction. He’s pulling out a stool at the empty bar when I place my hand on his broad shoulder.
“Jami, is that you?”
As he turns, my gaze drifts to his defined muscular chest. It stretches the material of his fitted white button-down shirt, but then I meet his bright blue eyes. My breath catches in my throat. We share two seconds of bubbling emotions before my stomach squeezes.
Whoa. He’s captivating.
And that’s a dangerous thing.
The energy around us smolders as he takes me in, causing my insides to tighten to the core. My attraction to him is wickedly savage. I have so many naughty things I want to do with him.
“Dori! Wow, you’re the last person I expected to see.” His gaze drags the length of my body like he’s devouring me. “You’re as beautiful as ever.”
My weak heart melts. “Thanks.”
Our stare hooks together and lingers.
“Jesus, Dori. Those emerald eyes get me every time.”
Chills scatter over my skin, betraying me by exposing the effect he has on me. He licks his lips as my breathing kicks up a notch.
We’ve always shared a forbidden yet undeniable magnetic pull, so it’s no surprise I still feel this way after all this time.
I’m playing with fire, but this man causes me to do things that take me down a slippery slope to heartache.
“Does that mean I get a hug?” I hate that I ask, but I can’t help myself around him.
“Of course.” He takes me into his powerful arms.
I squeeze him and press my body against his. He holds me tight and cocoons m
Oh, good God. He smells fantastic and his arms around me feel divine.
“So, Jami, my brother told me you moved here. I was hoping to hear from you but didn’t.”
His body stiffens. The magnetic pull disappears in an instant.
He steps back. “Yeah, I got busy and forgot to reach out. How are you?”
“Good, but it would’ve been great to connect earlier.” I smile to hide my disappointment. “How are you?”
“Better now that I ran into you.” His eyes sparkle with seduction and all my erogenous zones ignite with desire.
While my body screams yes, my brain screams to stop now or else I’ll get hurt.
He shifts closer to me. “I moved here to land a new contract.”
“That’s great news. I’m happy to hear of your success.” I press my palm over his heart because I can’t keep my hands to myself.
His stare drops to my touch as his pecs tighten. “It hasn’t happened yet, but I feel good about it.”
I move my hand away. “What kind of…”
His eyes dart toward the door. I turn to figure out who entered, but no one’s there, so I face him again.
Maybe he doesn’t want me around because he’s meeting a date.
“Am I keeping you from something?” My brows draw together, and I shift my weight from one leg to the other.
His shoulders relax. “Not at all. I’m meeting someone here but I’m early. How about you?”
“I’m on a date, but I saw you and had to say hi. So, hi!” I glance at my table, then back to Jami.
“Hi.” His gaze trails toward the guy I’m with, then back to me. His lips press into a flat line and the muscles in his jaw twitch.
Crap. I shouldn’t have said that.
“Okay. Well then, I better get back over there.”
“Yeah, you better do that.” He jams his hands into his pockets.
He could have shown me some interest, but I get that response instead.
I shake my head.
Dammit. Why does he make me fight so hard for his attention?
I want to know if I stand a chance, so I give him one last opportunity to show me an inkling of interest.
“Jami, would you like to get together sometime?”
His expression softens. “I’d love that, but how would your guy feel?”
“He won’t care. We’re on a blind date and he’s been checking out other women all night. Clearly, I still have terrible luck in the dating department. I swear I’m doomed to live alone for the rest of my life.”
Jamison huffs a laugh. “I doubt that. You’re only twenty-five. The right guy will come along. You’ll see.”
A gentle smile forms. “I don’t know, but at least I have my career.”
His dark lashes narrow. “Dori, if you want a relationship, you’ll find it. You’re too beautiful not to.”
My cheeks heat. “You’re just saying that because you’re my brother’s best friend.”
“No, I’m not.” He stares hard into my eyes. “Your brother would kill me for saying that.”
“You still have my number, right?” I peek over my shoulder at my date.
He’s ogling two women walking by, so I turn back. When I do, Jami’s scrolling through his contacts.
“Hanging out with someone from Denver would be great, especially if that someone’s you.” He turns his phone toward me. “That’s the right number, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s my number. Is yours still the same?”
“Yes.”
“Great. I still have yours too.”
He slides his phone into his pocket. “I’ll text you to find a good time to meet. Now get back to your table. Don’t you know how rude it is to talk to another man at the bar while your date sits alone?”
He smirks. Our eyes connect and we start laughing. I wish all of our interactions could be like this.
“Have a good night, Jamison.”
“You too, but not too good,” he warns.
I strut away, popping my hips from side to side so he’ll stare at my ass. If I want him to call, he needs to know what he’s missing out on.
On the way home from my dreadful date, my phone beeps, causing my heart to jump. I hope the text is from Jamison.
A message from my best friend, Melanie, shines up from the screen. My chest collapses as I push out a heavy breath.
Melanie: Let me know how it went when you get home. That’s if you come home tonight. Here’s hoping you end that terrible dry spell of yours.
My date’s car jerks to a stop in front of my building. We exchange a quick goodbye and I run inside, trying to dodge the heavy rain pelting me.
I enter my studio loft and shake off the freezing water. My yoga clothes are calling my name, so I tug out of my drenched black dress and change.
A shiver runs through my body as I replay my interaction with Jami.
Is Jamison thinking of me, or is he with someone else?
I flick on my gas fireplace to comfort myself. The heat doesn’t help. I groan and sink into my couch. I can’t believe I caved and asked him out. I need Melanie’s perspective, so I send her a text.
Me: The date was a bust, but do you remember me telling you about Jamison?
Was he attracted to me or am I making our connection up in my head?
I just wish I knew how he felt about me. I check my phone for a message.
Melanie: Kind of. He’s your brother’s best friend. You’ve had a thing for him, right?
Me: That’s the one. I ran into him tonight and made a fool of myself.
Melanie: Let’s smother our sorrows with some ice cream. I’ll be there in ten.
As I wait for her, my mind spins out of control. What if Jami was meeting a date? What if he’ll never give me a chance? Worse yet, what if I don’t see him ever again? It’s been five years since the last time we saw each other. What if we never speak again?
Someone knocks on the door. When I open it, Melanie barrels in. I want to fall into her arms and whimper on her shoulder, but I don’t.
“It’s raining so hard.” She takes off her hoodie.
“I like your new haircut. It’s nice, but I could never pull off a bob.”
“Thanks.” She toes off her shoes.
“The weather’s like my mood. All gloomy and cold.” I mope toward the kitchen.
She follows me with a bag containing two pints of ice cream. “What happened? It can’t be that bad, can it?”
“It is that bad. I seriously want to crawl out of my skin and hide. Can you tell me why I get this uptight about a man?” I grab the utensils as she tugs the dessert out of the bag.
She shrugs. “Maybe because neither of us has good luck with men.”
“We sound pathetic.”
“Despite our best efforts, we can’t seem to land a good man.” She hands me a container of cookie dough and takes a spoon from me.
We go to the living room, sit on the couch, and dig into our treat.
“Dori, I want to hear everything, but start at the beginning. The last time I saw you, you were stressing about your interview.”
“It was terrifying, but it went well. I think Jonah took it easy on me.”
“Was the mysterious Hunter there?”
“No. He’s away on business. It was Jonah and HR.”
Her eyes narrow. “I wonder why HR sat in. Doesn’t that seem odd?”
“Maybe because I already work there and the board wanted to ensure I wasn’t just given the job. You know how strict they are.”
“Dori, you deserve that promotion no matter how by the book they are. I’ve worked with you for four years and you’re great at your job. There’s no doubt that you’ll get it.”
