“Nah, Jake would never do that to you or me. Besides, Cara isn’t my girlfriend. She’s just a passing interest.” He studies my shocked face. “I’m more like my brother than you realize, and, yes, he told me you two have some sort of bet going … abstaining from sex until one of you breaks.” He winks and picks up his glass. “I suggest you play him at his own game; Jake hates to lose, but he does love the thrill of the challenge.”  

“What do you mean?” I glance ...