As we play, I find myself relaxing, actually having fun. When was the last time I did anything just for enjoyment? Between Liam, keeping the house and business afloat, fun became a luxury I can't afford.
"So what's your story?" I ask, lining up a shot, an attempt at casual conversation. “Millionaire businessman by day, pool shark by night?"
"Something like that." He leans against the table. "My father first taught me to play when I was only three. Started sneaking out to halls like this one when I was about twelve or so ."
"And now you own half the city?"
"Just the good parts." His smile is teasing. "What about you? Always been a pool hall girl?"
"Hardly. I was majoring in health sciences with a minor in art studies when I met Reeves. I wanted to be an art therapist. Then life happened."
"Tell me about it," he says as he leans down at the table. I watch him intently, not a clue where to start.
"Well… when I was a kid, I had a neighbor who was an art therapist. She worked with special needs kids mostly. Anyways, she worked with me when I was going through a hard time… she really helped me, and gave me an appreciation for art… anyway, that’s what I was working on, but then I got accidentally pregnant."
He's running the table, then he scratches the cue ball — on purpose. It's so obvious, but I don't say a word.
"I guess that kind of put a damper on your plans," he says as he takes a seat and lets me play. We both know that if he weren't giving me chances — many chances, he'd be the only one playing. And we also both know that this isn't really about playing pool.
I honestly don't know what this is all about, to be honest, and that's what makes the whole thing so fucking weird.
"Yeah, I had to quit school," I go on. "But don't get me wrong. I love my boy to death, and I wouldn't change a thing."
He smiles. "Tell me about him… what's his name again?”
Surprisingly, I'm running the balls with ease. "His name is Liam," I start. "He's four. And he's the sweetest boy you'll ever meet. He looks just like his dad — big brown eyes and dark hair. He's smart as a whip, too, despite…" My words trail off.
"Despite what?" Caine asks, clearly invested.
I pocket the eight ball and get a huge shot of dopamine. I love that feeling.
"I beat you!"
He laughs. "You certainly did."
I do an awkward little dance, and instantly regret it. "I beat a pro," I sing.
He smiles. "Despite what though… You were saying…"
Oh that. For some reason, I'm always telling people about Liam's hearing impairment. I don't know why. It's not like it defines him, but I feel like it's a big part of our lives.
"Liam was born with partial deafness," I explain. “Which has affected his speech a little, but thanks to cochlear implants, speech therapy and his fantastic school, he's doing amazing."
Caine's grin stretches across his face, and it seems so genuine, as if he truly cares for this boy he's never met. I instantly like him a little more… despite myself. Yes, he’s a bit weird, but he can also be very likable. Sure, there's the cockiness thing too, but…
Or is he just being charming and playing me? I shake my head.
"So what do you do when you're not running an empire or shooting pool?" I ask a little nervously, another attempt to make conversation and make this whole situation a little less uncomfortable. Then I immediately realize the man probably doesn't have time for hobbies. What a stupid question.
He smiles as he shoots. "I love playing guitar and photography," he tells me. "I unfortunately don't have much time for it."
"Oh… wow," I say, quietly surprised. I hadn't pegged him as the creative type. And since I like to paint, there's one thing we have in common… that and pool. I’d definitely wager that we have nothing else in common. “What do you take pictures of?"
"Landscapes… typically from photos of my past travels," he says quietly as he clears the table and 'misses’ the eight ball. He shoots me a devilish smile.
"And nudes," he adds playfully as he walks past me, his arm brushing lightly against mine and sending a shiver right up my spine.
God help me.
