Page 20 of Playing Flirty

“Oh yes, the dream—you were sad. Something told me to call, so I’m calling. Are you okay?” She leaned so close that her soft brown eyes took up most of the screen.

It wasn’t the first time she’d done this, and most times she was right too. I nodded and whispered that I’d call her soon. While I could read from the lines on her face that she didn’t believe me, she also knew not to push. Instead, she shouted, “Bye, William.”

“Bye, Rosie’s mummy!” he called back as the microwave pinged.

I ended the call and a notification popped up—a text from Patrick.

Patrick:I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m drowning at the moment. I’ll come over on Saturday morning and make it up to you. It’ll be amazing ;)

The awful feeling of twisted anxiety returned to my body in full force.

“Your mom seems cool.” William walked back into the living room.

I shoved my phone face down. He didn’t need to see that message. He’d never let it go.

“What did you expect? She raised me,” I said.

A smile played on his lips. “That’s why I didn’t expect it.”

“What’s your mom like?” I asked as he handed me a bowl of ramen.

“Don’t know.” He lifted my feet and the pillow and then sat down before lowering them back to his lap. “She died when I was little, but my grandma showed me photos, and I look a lot like her.” His eyes glazed over. “And she had a wonderful singing voice… That’s all I know.” He shook his head, the focus returning to his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” I squeezed my eyes shut. I’d always known Shaun and William had different mothers—it was clear from their physical appearance alone—but I’d never questioned it.

I opened my mouth to say something more, but the pain coming off him in waves stopped me.

“Eat up before it gets cold and I have to reheat it for you.” He smiled. No dimple.

I wanted the dimple back.

“What’s your favorite game?” I asked.

He narrowed his eyes and swallowed his food before speaking. “I don’t think I have a favorite. My favorite is always the next one I’m working on. You?” An eyebrow cocked upward. “Other thanWalk of Death, obviously.”

And the smile returned. With the dimple.

“Depends if we’re talking about Xbox, PlayStation, or PC gaming. I suppose I playStardew Valleythe most, but I have been enjoyingLady of War—and, of course, alwaysDoTA.”

His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. “You playDoTA? How come you’ve never mentioned it? I play it around you all the time.”

The shock was so satisfying that I couldn’t help grinning. Did he always have such an infectious smile? I blamed the dimple. Definitely. Maybe that was why he rarely smiled. It was too powerful.

William was frustratingly handsome. So much more handsome than I’d ever noticed. Well, maybe Ihadnoticed. Anyone with eyes would have noticed. With his messy black hair, dark eyes, strong jawline, and wide shoulders, it was hard not to—but I didn’t care.

Although this was the first time I had his full attention, and it knocked the air out of me. He was usually distracted. Usually playing a game. Usually wanting to be anywhere but near me unless he was competing with me.

I shook my head, trying to clear those thoughts. “I didn’t want you to know how cool I actually am.”

Then, in a classy Rose move, I spilled broth down my chin. It ran down my neck and onto my chest, nearing the coat.

William grabbed a napkin from the bag and leaned forward, wiping it up. He was so close that I could smell him—butter chicken, pine, and lavender.

While I was caught up in his scent, he shifted closer and adjusted my legs until I was almost on his lap. He tossed the napkin aside, his fingers grazing my calf as he did it.

My breath hitched as I watched his finger slide up to my thigh and then back down. His touch was light and barely there, his chest rising and falling against my legs.Was I imagining it?But when I looked into his eyes, they were darker than I’d ever seen them. My heart thundered in my chest as he froze. The spell breaking.

We sprung apart at the same time. I cleared my throat while he grabbed his controller and resumed the game.

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