Page 16 of Smoke and Mirrors

I have nothing to lose, really.

I turn my body slightly and bring my fist back. “Punch buggy!” I drive my fist into his arm, suddenly realizing just how solid this guy is. He doesn’t move, and as I pull my hand back with a shake, trying to ease some of the ache radiating through my fingers due to his hardened biceps. “Ow,” I mutter.

A snort makes my eyes flick up instantly. The corner of his mouth is turned up, just slightly, but I’ll take it.

“Your punches suck,” his deep voice says, bringing a smile to my face even though he’s just insulted me.

“You’re only saying that because you have arms of steel,” I throw back.

Another snort. “Is that a bad Superman joke?”

“I don’t make bad jokes,” I tell him seriously, almost offended.

His face turns to me just a little, his eyes meeting mine. “Nobody who tells bad jokes thinks their jokes are bad.”

I roll my eyes. “Well, aren’t you a charmer!”

His hand moves from the side of his wheelchair, and for a second, I think he’s going to finally pay Beau some attention. But instead, he reaches over, and his fingers pinch the skin of my arm.

“Ow,” I cry, scrambling away from him, and in turn, falling off my chair and landing with a thump on my ass. I know people are staring at us, but I just glare up at him. “What was that for, Superman?”

A low chuckle greets me. “You never said no returns.”

I huff like a spoiled child, and Beau quickly leaps at me, licking my face.

“Asshole,” I mutter with a smirk as I fight off the dog and push to my feet.

Max is still grinning as I take my seat again. He whistles softly, and Beau’s ears perk up before he makes a beeline for Max, almost knocking me over again in his haste.

Max runs his hands over Beau’s soft fur, scratching behind his ears. I let him have a moment showing the dog some love and attention. It seems to keep a smile on his face, and as far as I’m concerned, my job is done. Max intrigues me, though, and my inquisitive nature soon gets the better of me.

“So, now that we’re acquainted, I’d really like to know more about you.”

“Not much to tell, kid,” he answers, his dark blue eyes flashing to me for a second.

“Really?” I ask sarcastically. “At your age, you really have nothing to talk about?”

“Nothing I want to talk about,” he gruffs, his brow creasing as he turns his face back to Beau. “What about you, girl?” he questions, surprising me.

I laugh. “You want to hear my life’s problems?”

“Isn’t it always easier to listen to someone else bitch about their life than to dwell on your own?”

I shrug. “Yeah, I guess. I wouldn’t really know where to start.”

“Married?”

An obnoxious burst of laughter comes from me. “No. No, not married. Very single.”

“Surprising,” is all he says, and I raise my eyebrow.

“Why?”

“Pretty girl like you not having someone seems wrong.”

My stomach tightens as images of Kace flash through my head. I’m not sure why. My pull toward him is obviously so strong that the mention of dating or boyfriends immediately brings me back to him. He’s so cut off, though, so unexpected and unknown. I don’t like that. It makes me both nervous and excited all at once like teenagers watching the football captain from across the class. The guy who could have any girl he wants, but that you pine over anyway.

“There’s someone,” Max states, drawing me out of my daze. When I look over, he’s staring at me intently.

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