Page 253 of Well Played

“We did. I'm hoping I can get even closer to you tonight.”

“Me too! I’m not sure how I stopped myself from lying across you.” She laughed as she crawled through the flap, leaving a stunned Ryan standing outside.

“Why didn't you?”

“We didn’t agree to pretend until this morning.”

“And?” He said, following her in, his head ducked low.

“And you forget you guys have quite the reputation.”

“That again.”

Alice fussed with the pillows and quilt. She put her phone on some sort of holder and played soft music. Ryan looked quizzically at her.

“So, people don't hear us …”

“Oh,” his eyebrows raised.

“I mean talking,” she smirked.

“Ah! So, are we … just talking?”

“I don't know about the ‘just’ part. Christa gave you quite a tempting reference.” Her smile was wide and teasing.

“She did?” Ryan’s smile matched hers.

“Yes. She also said you were too hung up on some ‘fabulous volleyballer’.”

Ryan kissed her gently. “She's right.”

“So, you went out with her?”

“Only a couple of times.” He squeezed her hand. “I told you I knew her.”

“So, when we were pretending …”

“That’s your word, not mine.”

“You suggested it was because of Tom.” He kissed her cheek.

“That's how the kissing started.” He touched his lips to hers.

“You’re sure it had nothing to do with Christa?” Ryan pulled back to look at her.

“No! It’s weird, though, isn’t it? That Tom should bring her?” His mouth found hers. His tongue explored, taking the time to taste and remember this.This could be my only chance.His fingers roamed into her hair, holding her head gently. He closed his eyes as her palm swept across his chest. His job helped, but his dedication to his training defined his toned torso.

“Oh! Ryan … I can't believe …” she laid back and pulled the pillow over her face. “This is not what I expected when I arrived.”

Ryan rolled onto his back, his arm still around Alice.

“What were you expecting?”

“That it would be awkward. Obviously, I expected Tom to be here. The others are struggling, trying not to mention him.”

“Is it difficult?” He asked tentatively, and she laughed.

“His name seems to make my eyes roll - it's weird. No, I found it difficult seeing him with Christa and how he behaved so differently with her.” Ryan combed his fingers through her hair.

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