Page 54 of Yours Temporarily

“I’m going to assume you play this every week?” I lob the ball back into play, impressed yet strategizing my next move.

“Not exactly.” Her paddle circumvents the ball effortlessly, and her mouth quirks. “But Damien taught me how—and don’t you dare ask him for lessons so you can beat me.”

“Hmm. He’s joining us golfing one weekend later this month, perhaps we’ll opt for Ping-Pong instead. I have a game room with a Ping-Pong table at the penthouse, and you can join us if you let me win today.”

But she doesn’t let me win. Despite my defeat, pride swells my chest as I draw her close for a hug, congratulating her on her victory. This moment between us is meant to be genuine, but sensing someone’s gaze, I turn. Sure enough, Mom and friends in the lounges by the bumper pool are gawking and perhaps talking. For their benefit, I lean down and plant a kiss atop Zuri’s hair. Her scent makes me dizzy with longing, the kind I hadn’t thought I still had until she came into my life.

Pretend or not, Zuri and I belong together. That’s becoming more clear with each passing day.

“Ready for shuffleboard?” I nod toward the previous players vacating the table.

“Never played it before.” She clasps my hand and swings ours between us. “But if I learned to ski, I can handle a table game.”

“I don’t underestimate you, for sure.” I weave us through the crowd, her warm hand in mine a steady anchor. My gaze drifts, landing on Sonya, who’s watching from the window where she stands with Lucky.

I shiver. She’s not down here to play any of these games. She has other plans that shouldn’t involve me, but they do. She’s somehow a part of my life, both a friend of the family and responsible for my dented heart. Now, she’s dragging me along in this twisted game I have no control over, but maybe I should be grateful. If it weren’t for her breaking my heart, I wouldn’t be here with Zuri now.

Shuffleboard turns out to be a great diversion as I explain the rules and techniques to Zuri.

She’s a quick learner, willing to try everything. We tease each other, laughing as we play. I take it easy on her, ensuring the game remains fun rather than competitive—though I still end up winning.

She congratulates me, stifling a yawn, clearly exhausted. The high altitude, especially being in the snow, has a way of taking a toll on anyone. Then she tips her chin to where Dad and Gavin are wrapping up another game. “I’m sure your brother would like to take you up on the pool table too.”

Dad high-fives Gavin. My brother grins.

“Seems your dad lost again.”

“A friendly competition is exactly what the groom needs.” Adrenaline ignites a fire within me. “I’m ready to take him down.”

While Gavin and I are deep in our pool game, Hope and Zuri engage in a fast-paced match of air hockey, their laughter and banter floating over to us. Meanwhile, our conversation drifts to the upcoming bachelor party. I must ensure I make the groom happy. “You still want to play table games on the eve of your wedding?”

“Boating would be legit, but the lakes are still icy here.” Gavin studies his shot, his focus on the game. “Number thirteen ball, right rear corner pocket.”

“I could fly you and the guys to San Diego or San Francisco for a beach day if you want.” Those alternatives might appeal to him.

Gavin chuckles, executes his shot, and sinks the striped orange ball. “Tempting.”

An all-too-familiar laugh overshadows our game. The atmosphere shifts, and Sonya’s perfume invades our space, unwelcome and too familiar. She steps closer to me, with Lucky maintaining a cautious distance behind her. “I see you still haven’t lost your touch with this game.”

Memories of past winters spent at the cabin with our families rush back, but I’m not in the mood to stroll down memory lane. Keeping my response light, I maintain my focus on the table. “I still have some skill left.”

Gavin takes another shot, sending the cue ball spinning toward its target. The number 10 ball ricochets off the far wall, nudges the number 15, and rolls into the middle pocket in front of me. Nice shot. And now, number 15 is in the clear. If he keeps this up, he’ll clean the board, and I won’t get another turn. Still, I assess my future shots in case he misses. I’m in the lead, after all, with only two solid balls left to sink.

Sonya’s challenge breaks through my concentration. “After you and Gavin finish this round, how about you and I go head-to-head?”

Gavin eyes the layout of the remaining balls. Then his gaze flicks between Sonya and me. He smirks, a subtle show of support for my waning lead in our friendly game. “I doubt you’d win, Sonya.”

“You never know.” She raises her chin, making her stance clear.

In a pickle, I scramble for a polite way to decline without creating a scene. “You and Lucky can play after us.”

“I’ll just watch.” Lucky’s voice floats over the rim of her wineglass.

So I need another excuse to avoid the match. Hope and Zuri rejoin us. Perhaps I can use it as my out. “Zuri might want to play again.”

Sonya’s gaze flits between us. “Surely, Zuri can spare you for a few minutes.” Sonya’s always relentless, just like my mom.

“I’m going to call it a night.” Zuri closes the gap between us. She steps on tiptoes and brushes her lips against mine.

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