Page 35 of Desolation

“I don’t know what you are talking about, Mr. Cartwell.”

He reaches over the table and whacks me upside the head. “Shut up, boy. You know exactly what I’m talking about. She wasn’t here yesterday and she isn’t coming today. It’s late. And don’t think I don’t know about your stupid plan with Wendy.”

I look over at him, my mouth slightly agape. “How do you know about that?”

“I know everything that goes on around here.”

I smirk at him. “I thought Georgia did.”

He shrugs nonchalantly and looks back at the game board, a light pink hitting his cheeks.

“You, dog, you. Georgia sneaking into your room at night?”

“I would never do that to my wife.”

“Oh come on, you need to get a little action every now and then. Might make you less grumpy.”

“Watch your mouth.”

I shake my head at him as he makes his move. “You know, Adaline would want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.”

I snort.

“Listen, boy, when you find someone who changes your world, who makes your life worth living, who makes it seem like the only woman in the world when you lay eyes on her, then talk to me about getting action. Cause that woman will be the only one you ever want action from.”

I look up at him not sure what to say. His dedication to his wife blows me away. Even after eight years since she passed, he still loves her unconditionally.

“Will you make a damn move. I need to use the restroom and I don’t trust you not to cheat.”

I move my pawn and stand to help Henry out of his chair but he waves me off. His eyes go to the door and then back to me. “Play into her hands.”

“Huh?”

He grabs his walker and stops next to me. “I got information from Georgia by playing into her hands. I never agreed to anything. She just thought I did. Maybe you should do the same.”

I look at him confused as he walks to the restroom before I slump back into my chair and look out the window. That’s when I see the reflection in the glass I’ve been waiting two days to see.

I spin around as I watch Mari walk across the room. Her blond hair is down and pin straight. Her ass clings tight to her jeans as I watch it sway toward the garden area.

I jump out of my chair before my brain has a second to think and follow her outside.

Play into her hands.

If only I could figure out how to do that.

“Hey,” I say as I get closer.

She spins around, a look of surprise on her face. I don’t miss it when her eyes swipe over me either. It’s unseasonably warm so I’m wearing cargo shorts and a tank. Her eyes pause on my thighs, the thick corded muscle peeking out from the bottom of my shorts. As her eyes move up my body they stop on my shoulders before she finally meets my eyes.

“See something you like?” I tease.

She blinks a few times before turning abruptly and walking away from me. I grab her elbow and turn her around. “Sorry, I didn’t—” That’s when I see the deep blush hit her cheeks and I know she was embarrassed for looking.

She brushes her hand through her hair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I pull her hand into mine. “I—”

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