Page 23 of Dungeons and Drama

“As if that would happen.” His gaze strays from me, as if unconsciously looking for her.

“Nathan.” I lay my hand on his chest, and he jumps slightly. His eyes lock on mine. “Trust me, it’s going to work. Just try tonight and if it blows up in our faces, then the deal is off.”

“You’re here for another game!” Anthony calls, and I quickly pull my hand from Nathan’s chest. “Look, Nathan, Riley’s already a better player than Sophia.”

Nathan rolls his eyes.

I do a little spin. “I’d like to think I add an element of entertainment to the game.”

“Yeah, you do. You’re my new favorite part of D&D nights.” He gives me one of his wide, charming smiles. “Particularly when you’re embarrassing Nathan. That’s the best part.”

I sneak a glance at Nathan, who is now glowering at us both. It’s fun trolling him, but how are we going to pull off this ruse when we can’t stop glaring at each other for two seconds?

We follow Anthony into the game room. Fred and Arthur wave me over to the corner where they always play. We’ve become friendly lately. I think they’ve begun thinking of me like another granddaughter.

“I’ve got something for you,” Fred says, and holds out a small sack filled with tomatoes. “From my garden. I don’t know why I plant so much when it’s just me at the house, but I need to do something in my retirement. You take ’em. You know your father won’t eat anything unless it’s fried or covered in cheese.”

“Or both,” Arthur adds.

“Right. So can you and your mother use those?” Fredasks. He has a kind face with lots of smile lines around his eyes and mouth.

I nod immediately. “I’m sure Mom will be thrilled. We don’t have a garden.”

“I don’t have food to bribe you with,” Arthur says, “but you better be planning to sing again tonight.”

I laugh. “You don’t mind me interrupting your games?”

“Mind? Hearing you reminds me of my niece. She’s older but she was in choir all through school.”

“Then I’ll see if I can get another song in.” I thank Fred for the tomatoes and head toward the D&D table.

“Hey,” Arthur calls after me. “You tell me if those boys aren’t treating you right! We’ll show them a thing or two.”

I give him a thumbs-up, happily surprised that the retirees have decided to befriend me. And now if Nathan annoys me too much, I can sic Fred and Arthur on him. I laugh at the idea but know I need to turn on the charm before Sophia gets to the table. I take a deep breath.Okay, showtime.

I walk to Nathan’s side and smile up at him. A real smile that reaches my eyes, not the exasperated or sarcastic ones I’ve given him so far. For just a flash, he looks confused. Then he swallows and smiles back at me.

My stomach does a tiny flip. He’s much cuter and less annoying when he’s not scowling.

“You should do that more often,” I whisper.

“Do what?”

“Smile. It makes it easier for me to look at your face. Otherwise, it’s pretty painful.”

His eyes narrow. He’s having to work to keep up that pleasant expression and I can’t help it—my smile widens.

“Is this really your idea of flirting?” he whispers.

“Mildly insulting you and watching you try to hide your annoyance? Actually, yeah. It might not work for everyone, but with you it’s a winning combination.” I lift my chin defiantly. “We’re standing close together, aren’t we? And I’m studying your expressions as if I can’t pull my eyes from you.” I nod. “Yes, this will work very well.”

“Until someone hears us.”

I lean in. “Then I’ll just whisper the insults in your ear.”

Someone sniffs behind us and we turn in unison to find Sophia. “What’s up?” she asks.

“Glad you could join us,” Lucas says with a voice that sounds the exact opposite. “We have a new player in our party. Riley’s joined.”

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