“Okay?” I frowned as he stood up abruptly and rummaged through one of the old boxes. “What is your idea?”
“Cards.”
“Cards? Like, war?”
“No, Grace. Like Egyptian Rat Screw.” He pulled out an old deck and gave me a wicked grin. “Trust me. This is a great game.”
“That cannot be the name.” I rolled my eyes, pointing my finger at him. “You’re pulling my leg.”
“Nah, I shit you not. It’s a legit game, and I’m going to kick your ass in it.”
“Well, yeah. I don’t know how to play it. Not fair, asshole,” I quipped, moving from the couch to the floor. “But, I like games.”
“I figured you would.” He grinned at me, sitting criss-cross on the rug and somehow looking adorable. “Here are the rules.”
And we played for an hour. He kicked my ass every time. Every single time. I stood no chance, but when I lost for the consecutive tenth time, I realized it was past ten, and the storm had passed. I sent a quick text to Fritz and Gil, both who were worried about me. “Damn. I hate to admit it was fun, but I don’t like losing that much.”
“It took your mind off the storm.” He shuffled the deck and put them back in the box. “Mission accomplished.”
“Thank you. I didn’t realize you were so selfless, picking a game I couldn’t win,” I said, pushing myself off the floor.
“Yeah. I’m a real stand-up guy.” He stood, stretching and making noises that should be illegal. “Seems there still isn’t power.”
“I know. Gil said there isn’t any at our place either. Must’ve been a hell of a storm.” I ran my teeth over my lip, debating on what to do. Did I stay? Did I ask to go? I had no idea, and the unease at the situation caused tremors of discomfort to go through my body.
“Want to go sit on the porch and enjoy the aftermath? I’ll grab ice cream or beer. What would you prefer?” He held out his hand, putting it on the small of my back as we walked to the stairs. God, he was polite.
“Who says we have to choose between the two? On their own, both are extraordinary. Together, I haven’t tested that theory yet.”
“Great suggestion.” He laughed, guiding me to a glass door. “Take a seat out there. I’ll be right out.”
I nodded, going onto the screened porch and admired the view. It was a stunning backyard, fully grown landscape and huge. It was covered with branches and debris—nothing too large, but despite the mess, it was impressive. The brisk after-storm air smelled fresh, and I imagined Brock throwing a football around with some kids.
Don’t go there, Grace.
“You look like you’re trying to solve the world’s problems. What’s up?” He joined me on the porch, setting down two bowls of ice cream and two Coronas. “If this combo sucks, I blame you.”
“Fair enough.” I took a bite of ice cream and moaned into the spoon. “Okay, this is good.”
“Mm,” he said with a curt nod and narrowed eyes. “Glad you like it.”
I ate another bite, enjoying the flavor and probably making weird noises, but eating for pleasure had to be the best gift in the world. “So, my professor suggested something to me tonight that has my mind spinning. He mentioned his sister teaches at a high school, doing sports medicine and works with high school kids doing the same things I do with you.”
I paused, waiting to see his reaction before continuing. He nodded a couple of times, no real emotion showing on his face besides his infamous frown. He had resting-frown-face. The close relative to resting-bitch-face. I guess his was better, but it still wasn’t ideal. I couldn’t read him when he did it. “So, what do you think?”
“I think the better question is, what do you think?” He raised his beer to me with an eyebrow raised. “This better not suck.”
He took a long slow, his throat muscles working.
My legs squeezed together. I waited, not having a damn clue if beer and ice cream would work or not. My guess was no.
He swirled it in his mouth, narrowing his eyes at me.
I jutted my chin out, following his behavior and taking a large sip. It took all my power to not gag. The mixing of flavors did not go well together. Not at all. But I wouldn’t cede to him.
“I think it tastes great.” I held up my beer, taking another sip. “I did good.” I took another, watching his eyes dance with amusement. We were in a stare down. We both knew it sucked, but I refused to give him. “Didn’t you like it, Brock?”
“Hmm.” His half-assed answer annoyed me. His jaw twitched, those blue eyes locked on my face until he broke out into a grin. “You are the worst actor I have ever seen. Admit it.”
