Page 102 of Playing Her Game

Gage has a point, which is irritating as hell.

Before the road starts winding deeper into the mountains, I call Anna through the car’s Bluetooth.

She answers on the second ring. “Everything all right?”

“Yeah. Just checking how you’re doing on gas. There are stations along this stretch, but I don’t want you running low once we get farther into the mountains.”

“I have more than half a tank.”

“Good, I’ll top us both,” I swear my brain stutters to a stop in the most inopportune times. “Yeah, I'll top us both off.”

I swear I hear her giggle, or maybe that’s just me imagining things. I’m so fucked.

“Are you worried about me, Reznik?”

“I’m trying to avoid having to find you a tow truck in the middle of nowhere.”

She laughs softly. “You do know Germany has those right?”

“Smartass,” I chuckle and she laughs. “There’s a Tankstelle coming up on the right. I’m going to pull in.”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

I end the call and signal into the station, pulling up beside a pump. Anna pulls up beside me, and I hurry to get her started before she pays or pumps.

She gets out and heads to the shop, “Be right back.”

“I’ll be right here.” Fucking idiot, of course you will be, I scold myself.

I finish pumping and she walks out with two bags, that look heavy.

I head toward her, “Let me get those.”

“Oh no you don’t, it’s a surprise.”

“A surprise, I think I see snacks in there.” I reach and she turns.

“There’s a little restaurant a few minutes from here. It overlooks the mountains. My father took me there once after we went skiing. I haven’t been back in years.”

A smirk pulls at my lips. “Are you asking me on a date, fancy?”

Her eyes narrow. “I’m offering to save you from your appalling dietary choices.”

“So, you bought out the shop?”

“Do not pretend you know my motives, Reznik.”

“The restaurant then?” I ask.

“It has a stunning view.”

“Of course.”

“And I’m hungry.”

“Wouldn’t dream of questioning your motives.”

She shoves my arm, but she’s smiling now.