Page 51 of Playing Flirty

“Rose?” Neema called.

We jumped apart, each of us moving to opposite sides of the balcony. My heart pounded, and my head spun with a need I could barely understand.

The door opened, and Neema poked her head out, her gaze darting between us. “I’m heading home. You coming?”

“Yeah.” I swallowed hard and glanced at William, who’d managed to close his gaping mouth, but his cheeks were flushed bright red. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

He nodded. “And the day after, and after that, if you so wish.”

My already hot cheeks flamed.

William whipped out his phone and opened the Candy Crush app. Long after I’d given up with that game, he’d continued playing.

He was nothing if not determined.

Round 17

All I could think about was being on the balcony with William. We spent weeks fixing my game, talking about it, and playing it before crashing together with our lips meeting and our hands exploring each other a little more.

And now Overpower was ready, butourgame wasn’t done.

Although I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about surrendering. I could grab a chair, throw myself over his shoulder, and direct him to his own bedroom. But I wasn’t ready for that.

Instead, I went home and called my mom.

“Hey, Rosie. How’s my baby girl?” she said, a bustling airport behind her.

“Mom! Are you coming home?”

“Not yet. We’re off to London to surprise Aunt Neha for her sixtieth birthday, but we’ll be there before Neema’s wedding.”

“You kinda have to be. I believe you’re in charge of the candles.”

Her eyes widened. “Ah, yes.”

She ordered a coffee from a barista off-camera and then turned her phone and showed him my face, told him I’mrecently single, that I love board games, and that I’m her favorite child. She didn’t bother telling him I am her only child.

I gave the barista a polite wave, embarrassed this stranger was seeing me in my Hello Kitty pajamas. I hoped she would tip him well.

“How’s your game coming along?” she asked.

“I’m submitting it tonight.” I blew out a nervous breath. “I’m terrified. William and I have worked so hard on it.”

“Oh, yes. Mean William with the beautiful dark eyes.” She smirked. “Is there something I should know?”

I knew that would be her next question, so I hoped my tone sounded casual when I responded.

“Nope, nope. What’s going on on your side? Dad up to anything interesting?”

“Dad’s made a new friend. He’s from New Zealand. Look. There they are chatting about rugby.” She turned her camera toward my dad.

Dad waved at us, and I waved back.

“If you go to New Zealand, I’d come and visit,” I said. “I still haven’t seen Hobbiton, feels almost sinful.”

“Oh, my little hobbit in Hobbiton. Let’s make a plan to do it. You should dress up again. You looked adorable.”

“Remember Gandalf?” I asked.

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