Page 40 of Playing Flirty

My entire body must have been the same color as the red shirt I wore.

“Damn, well there goes my last note for your game,” he said with that now-familiar lilt in his voice. “Fantasy-adventure-erotica board games are coming up.”

I couldn’t resist the chuckle that escaped me as he laughed with me, rubbing his hand from the back of his neck all the way through his hair, messing it up further.

“You’re a fool,” I said.

“I know I am. But I am brilliant at games, so you need to listen to me.” He smiled smugly. “Before we continue, can I ask why you love board games as much as you do?” He leaned a bit closer, giving me his full focus.

This close, I could see myself in his pupils.

I opened my mouth, expecting to know the answer, but I didn’t. I’d never thought about it. Games had always been something I just loved.

“I know you love rules and structure.” He tilted his head, observing me. “Is it the social aspect? Because that’s exactly why I don’t prefer them.”

“I think so… I was a lonely kid. Traveling around the world, board games were played despite language barriers, with children and adults, sometimes on my own.” I cleared the lump in my throat and blinked a few times. I hadn’t expected this strange onslaught of emotions I’d buried many years ago.

He bit his bottom lip while I composed myself.

“Lonely kids, assemble.” He offered me one of his signature winks.

I giggled, but I couldn’t help wondering where Shaun had been to make William a “lonely kid.”

He took a deep breath and opened his notebook. “Knowing your motivation helps. So, lonely kid, your current version takes six players, and while it’s good enough, it could manage eight, which’ll make it more accessible.”

“I’d need two new characters that are important, but also notthatimportant, so you won’t need eight people for every game.”

His eyebrows drew together, and he bit the tip of his tongue while thinking.

It was weird seeing William sitting in the exact spot where Patrick had sat not too long ago. Like an alternate reality. With his casual black clothes, messy hair, and playful energy, William was the anti-Patrick.

“Double up then.” His voice elevated with excitement. “Two warriors, two enchanters, two scientists, one ruler, and one medic.”

“You’re a genius!”

“It’s a fine line between a genius and a fool.”

I nudged him with my shoulder. Bad move. His body was hot with… I don’t know. It was hot, and it made my body heat up in response. I shifted away to calm my rattled nerves. “Okay, next note.”

By the third note, more than four hours had passed, and Neema walked through the front door.

“Oh, you’re still here.” She dropped her bag onto the counter.

“Imagine if I greeted you like that every time I found you on my couch,” William joked.

“You do. You’re a menace.” She laughed and walked into the bathroom.

“I should get going.” William stood and ducked his head down to look at me. “But, uh, if you want to continue, you could come over sometime this week, after work, since it’s nearby. Maybe we’ll get through another one of my notes.” That dimple was working overtime.

“Yeah, sounds good.” I stood and craned my neck up at him.

Grabbing his notebook, he retrieved his car keys from his pocket and spun the Dragon Ball key ring around his finger.“And look, you survived being alone with me without spontaneously combusting.”

I grinned as we approached the door, keeping my gaze on the ground. “I guess you’re not that powerful.”

“I’m as disappointed as you are.”

Round 14

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