Page 136 of The Games We Play

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He juts his chin toward the door. “I’m going to head out. Give them a chance to let loose without their boss around.”

“I’m not too far behind. Have a good one, man.” I’m ready to go, but I feel like I need to talk to Sam.

And over the years, I’ve learned never to ignore the intuition.

My phone buzzes, and I look down to see Jessica’s name.

Jessica

Come over when you’re done.

I think of the last time I sat here wishing I could exhaust myself in her. How fucking badly I’d wanted her. How I’d longed to see her.

And now I have her.

Charlie

You sure? It’s late, and I’m probably not going to let you sleep.

Jessica

Why would I want to sleep?

I am grinning at my phone like an idiot.

It beeps again.

Jessica

COME OVER.

Who am I kidding? I can’t resist her.

Charlie

Okay, I won’t be too much longer. I’ll text when I’m on the way.

I put my cell on the counter. Under all the adrenaline buzzing through my veins, I feel a satisfaction warming the center of my chest.

I think…

I might…

Be…

Happy.

It’s not that I’ve never felt happiness. But I’m not talking about the I’m having a good time type of happiness.

I’m talking about a happiness in my bones.

That’s what’s new. What’s making me nervous.

It’s hard to trust something you’ve never had.

“You want another?” Sam’s voice rips me from my thoughts. “Or are you already jonesing for your girl?”

This wasn’t the insight I was looking for, but with Sam, you don’t get to choose. I put a hand over the top of the bottle. “I’m good.”

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