Read Winner Takes All for Free Online

thrilled, but that isn’t the problem.”
    “I’m done guessing.” Kyle backed away. “You don’t want me. Maybe, you’re the type who likes men chasing you, but who never wants to commit. You win.” Kyle turned to walk away.
    “You’re the one getting cruised daily,” Jim accused.
    Kyle turned. “It’s my fault that I get hit on?”
    “You play into it. You flirt. You take numbers, and I saw that guy slip his room key into your jeans front pocket. You didn’t stop him. So go get what you want from him.” Jim was red with anger. “We’ve gotten each other off, and it’ll be out of our systems. We’re done.”
    Kyle had never seen Jim like this. Kyle had suspected Jim ran deep but hid his feelings. He wasn’t indifferent. Unfortunately, he’d gotten it all wrong. Kyle hid his smile. Jim was jealous.
    Walking over, Kyle needed to get the reasons straight so they could start fresh. This he could do.
    The lights snapped on making Kyle and Jim squint.
    “Well, well. Looks like you guys had a little party.” A black, female security guard approached with a grin. “Hope it was worth it.”
    “Damn!” Kyle saw the lube packets in her hand. “Cameras.”
    “No, the cleaning crew was running behind tonight. They heard you two going at it and reported it. But you can’t call it an impulsive fling if you brought lube. Let’s take a walk up to the security office.”
    Jim covered his face with his hands. “I’m dead.”
    “Relax doll, it’s sex not murder. We do have a policy about public areas even in Vegas. You two visiting for the tradeshow?”
    “We’re working some booths,” Kyle said.
    “Okay, well you might get in a little trouble then. I mean you paid to exhibit here, but they try to keep this a family function.” She shook her head.
    “Who lets their kids out after midnight?” Kyle countered.
    “You take that up with the security director.” She opened the door to an interview room. “One in here. The other across the hall.”
    “We’ll stick together.” Kyle had to try it.
    “Honey, that’s what got you in trouble in the first place. You boys had a hotel room, and you couldn’t do it there?” She sat Jim in the one room and closed the door.
    “I need to talk to him.” Kyle pointed.
    She patted his shoulder. “Tomorrow. Right now, you need to talk fast to cover your buns. You can make up with your man tomorrow. Assuming you’re not asked to leave tonight.”
    Kyle went in the other room and waited. Of all the places he’d done it, he’d never been called out like this. But caught by a group of cleaning ladies? He felt guilty.
    He knew he’d let Jim push him way too far. He needed to get a grip and walk away. This was a sign. Jim had played games off and on. This could be another excuse, and Kyle would still end up alone.
    Right then, he just wanted to keep his job since he’d clearly lost the man he wanted.
    * * * *
    Late the next morning, Kyle and Arthur broke down their booth with everyone else. He’d been banned from manning it today, but Arthur couldn’t pack up solo.
    “I didn’t tell the boss, I swear,” Arthur said.
    Kyle had two texts already. He had a phone meeting with the boss in ten minutes. “I know. The hotel had to tell the tradeshow organization, and they complained to the company. It’s not you.”
    “I like Jim. I don’t play your way, but I was rooting for you two. Where is he?” Arthur nodded across the aisle to their booth. Only Ms. Chen was trying to break it down now.
    She saw Arthur’s nod and strode over, staring daggers at Kyle. “Please keep away from our booth and all Ping employees in the future. Your conduct is not what is deemed acceptable.”
    “Where’s Jim?” Arthur asked. “Kyle didn’t do it alone.”
    “That man is no longer employed with our company. I have no idea where he is. Good day.” She turned and headed back to her booth space.
    Kyle grinned. “You still think she’s hot.”
    “Hot, sure. And now, bitchy