"I dunno. Never thought about it," Cade answered with a slight frown.
Tristan spent the rest of the meal discussing his favorite foods and cooking competitions and teasing Cade about starring in a reality show called "Hitman MasterChef," while Cade grunted terse answers.
After washing the dishes, Tristan collapsed onto the sofa next to Cade, who sat scrolling on his phone. Tristan considered more research, but his head throbbed, and his neck and back muscles were stiff, something he would absolutely not be admitting.
He sighed loudly. "What should we do?"
"Dunno."
"There's no TV, but we could stream a movie on the laptop."
He took Cade's sour expression as a 'no' so he scanned the room for something else to do. His eyes landed on a small bookshelf tucked into a corner, and he got up to investigate.
"They've got games. Chess, checkers, Backgammon. Want to play chess?"
"Don't know how."
"Oh, okay. Checkers?"
"What are we? Five?"
Tristan's eyebrows drew together, and his lips pursed. This man could be so annoying.
"Backgammon then?" he asked irritably.
Cade grunted noncommittally.
"Fine. I'm making an executive decision. We're playing backgammon. Unless you're afraid I'll beat you." Tristan's voice was taunting.
Taking the bait, Cade answered, "I don't think so."
Smug from his perceived win, Tristan arranged the board on the kitchen table, and the two faced off. It was clear from the start that Cade didn't have much experience with the game.
"Have you played this before?"
"Some."
Tristan refused to go easy on the other man, even if he was a beginner who frowned adorably when he lost.
"So, you never told me your last name."
Cade scowled. "So?"
"You know my last name."
"And?"
"And I'd like to know, that's all."
Moving his chips and picking up his dice, Cade answered, "Kingsley. Your move."
Tristan chalked that admission up as another win. As he moved his chips, he asked, "How old are you?"
"Why do you care?" He didn't look angry, just a little grumpy, and again, Tristan found it sort of cute.
"I'm being friendly. You know, making conversation. You should try it sometime."
Cade rolled his eyes but didn't respond.
