Chapter 4They Hunted the Wrong Monster

Connor paid the ninety-five-thousand-dollar bill, his face pale.

"So… can I ask you out again sometime? My treat," I said with a shy smile, as if I wasn't the person who had just inhaled a meal for ten.

He stared at my still-flat stomach beneath my dress, then just let out a dazed, "Huh?"

The livestream comments had shifted.

“Calculated every move but didn't account for her being a competitive eater.”

“No wonder she was so happy when he offered dinner. With an appetite like that, she must be starving at home.”

“I’m trying to believe she went and threw it all up, but she never even went to the bathroom.”

“Weird. This is just plain weird. Can't even be mad at Connor for losing this one.”

“Wait, you guys are just giving up? The Takedown Team has never taken an L like this before!”

Connor was distracted, lost in thought, until a hand landed heavily on his shoulder.

"Hey Connor, out with your new girlfriend?"

I turned. A handsome young man with a gentle smile was looking at me.

Connor quickly backpedaled. "Nah, just a friend from a game. First time meeting up."

Then he introduced us. "Talia, this is my friend, Simon Hayes."

Simon waved a waiter over and ordered three coffees.

"Since we ran into each other, why don't you stay a little longer?"

He glanced tentatively at my stomach. "Ms. Talia, do you have room for a coffee?"

He leaned close, and a subtle, intoxicating fragrance drifted from him. I found myself unconsciously twitching my nose.

"Simon, you smell amazing," I said.

He chuckled.

"You like my cologne? I'll send you a bottle."

Connor, standing by, sounded a little sulky. "What, I don't smell good?"

I looked down, feigning embarrassment. "You smell good too, Connor. But Simon smells… better."

They both laughed, and the scent seemed to envelop me like a fine mist. I had to swallow hard to keep from drooling as the momentary feeling of fullness in my stomach was replaced by a gnawing hunger.

"This might sound a bit forward," Simon began, his voice smooth as silk, "but I was sitting behind you earlier. I saw you… eating."

He paused. "I just launched a new media company, and we have a food channel that's looking for a host. We need a competitive eater just like you, Talia."

I looked at him, wide-eyed. "Me?"

"Of course. You're cute, Talia, and your appetite is incredible. It creates this amazing contrast. With a little promotion, you'd be a star."

Simon and I exchanged numbers.

It was late by the time I got home. The moment I opened the door, my phone buzzed.

A friend request from a stranger. The attached message read: I know what you're trying to do.