Page 116 of The Games We Play
Ryder gives me a cocked brow. “Good morning?”
Every Monday, my chief deputy and I meet over breakfast to discuss the priorities of the week outside the office. Today, I dragged Jessica with me and told Ryder to bring Sophie, figuring it was the best way to get the speculation under control.
Some people, and I’m not going to name any names, disagree.
That person has been overruled. By the time breakfast is over, the entire town of Revival will know Jessica and I are together.
They can move on to other topics, and order will be restored.
“Sorry we’re late.” I slant a glance at the woman intent on driving me crazy. “It’s your sister’s fault.”
Jessica’s mouth drops open. “How is it my fault? I told you I didn’t want to do this.”
“You lost the argument, and now you’re pouting,” I say reasonably.
“I do not lose arguments.” Lightning-blue daggers are practically coming from her eyes. “Why did I ever feel fondly toward you?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” In bed last night, after I’d fed her ice cream and given her multiple orgasms, she’d been like a contented, purring kitten. Draping her body across mine. Nuzzling my neck. Burrowing deep like she’d seep right into me if she could.
But that mood is long gone.
Now she’s irritating me, but I don’t want to let her out of my sight, and I can’t stop thinking about getting her naked.
It’s…confusing.
Sophie laughs, interrupting us from our argument. “Wow, this is so fun. Way better than I could have hoped for.”
Jessica shifts in her seat, ready to appeal to her future sister-in-law. “I wanted to lie low and let people figure things out on their own, but no, the drama queen here insisted on making a big show.”
Sophie blinks at me, a smile quivering at her lips. “I’m…not sure I’ve ever heard anyone call you a drama queen before.”
“She’s big on projection.” I give Jessica a menu. “Clearly.”
She snatches it from my hand. “You’re parading me around in public, practically declaring me off-limits.”
I shift my attention to her. “You are off-limits.”
Ryder chokes on his water, and it sets off a coughing fit.
“Reealllyy.” Sophie draws out the words. “This is amazing.”
I stay locked in on the woman next to me, giving her a silent warning.
Jessica rolls her eyes before turning back to Sophie. “Men are the worst. Now, everyone’s going to be talking about us.”
Sophie’s big brown eyes sparkle with amusement. “In fairness, everyone’s already talking about you.”
I smirk at Jessica. “See, who knows better? You or me?”
“Me!” She waves a wild hand in the air. “You’re marking your territory like a dog.”
Before I can respond, Mable comes over with her coffeepot.
“Morning.” She pours Ryder, Sophie and me coffee before holding up the pot to Jessica. “How about you, honey?”
She turns over her cup and puts it on the saucer. “Yes, thank you. If I’m being tortured, I can at least be caffeinated.”
Mable fills her mug. “And here I thought you’d be in a good mood, considering where your car was parked all night.”
