“I know, but maybe this will be a good lesson in humility,” Tristan says as he places down another set. “You know, humble you a bit.”
I flip him off.
“Anytime, babe.”
“That wasn’t an offer. In fact, I’m pretty sure this might have been our last time,” I lie.
He leans forward on his left hand, voice dropping low. “I’ll take that bet too. You like what we’re doing. You’re not ready to give this up.”
I hate that he’s right. I do enjoy this. I love every damn minute of what we have. The sex is great, and he’s funny, brings snacks, likes to cuddle—which I keep telling myself I don’t enjoy—and he’s sweet.
All these things make being around him fun.
Also, not having any expectations or requirements is so damn freeing.
I can be myself. I’m not trying to impress him. If anything, I’m trying tonotimpress him.
“Just shut up and give me your jacks.”
“You want my jack? Come and get it.” He wiggles his brows, and I burst out laughing. My cards go flying at him, and then I launch myself into his arms. Tristan catches me, chuckling as he falls back, pulling me to his chest.
“You’re an idiot,” I tell him.
“And yet here you are in my arms.”
I shake my head because it’s true. I am. Like a dummy.
I swipe my legs against the stacks of cards and look up into his eyes. “Oops, the cards are messed up, and now we’ll never be able to see who won.”
“Oh, how convenient.”
“I was going to sayterrible, but…that works.”
Tristan grins. “You know I won. I was kicking your ass.”
“I’m really sorry, Tristan. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He rolls me over, hovering above me, wrapped in his sweatshirt. “No? Do I need to jog your memory?”
That sounds promising. “And how, pray tell, do you plan to do that?”
“I have a few ideas.” His hand snakes down my side to my hip.
“Then by all means, cowboy, jog my memory.”
The funny thing is, he doesn’t do that. In fact, he makes me forget everything. Including the fact that I’m supposed to hate him.
Ben Thrustin
Good morning. Can you get away for a night and not to meet me at the ridge?
I stare down at the text and bite my thumbnail. How do I answer that?
How about honestly, Lark?
I sigh and respond.
Maybe. Why? Are you planning to kill me and leave me somewhere in the wilderness?
