Page 34 of Play to Win

“You just missed this year’s party.Maybe next spring.”

“We’ll keep an eye out for it.”

He nods.“I’m Charles.”He reaches out a tobacco-stained hand and I shake it.

“Théo,” I say.“This is Lacey.”

“What brings you to Climax?”he asks.

“Well.Oral sex works for me,” Lacey says.

There’s a beat of silence, then Charles guffaws.

I’m standing with my mouth hanging open.Did she just say that?

Her eyes twinkle.She did that on purpose.Jesus.

“You’re good.”Charles points at her.“I use that line on everyone.Not many people have a good comeback.”

She gives me a chiding look, seeing my unsmiling face.“Come on.That was funny.”

It actually was.I was just too stunned she’d said it to laugh.“We better get back on the road.”

“Where you heading?”Charles asks.

“L.A.”

“Safe travels.”He spits his tobacco again.

“Thanks, man.”

We head out into the bright, scorching heat.We walk past buildings that used to be a post office, a hotel, a saloon, and one with a sign that reads,climax emporium.

“That’s the brothel.”Lacey points.

“Get out.”

“No really.I read it when I was looking up the town.I mean, a town named Climax had to have a brothel, right?”

I laugh helplessly.“Right.Absolutely.”

“I think I want to come back for Climax Days.It sounds ...satisfying.”

I choke on a laugh as I open the door of my Audi for her to climb in.

When I’m in my own seat, she says, “You need to lighten up and have some fun.”

“I have fun.”

“I bet last night’s the only time you’ve let loose in a long time.Am I right?”

I frown.“Maybe.”

She grins.Her bare feet go up on the dash again.“Can I find some music to play?”

“Sure.”I hand her my phone, which connects to the Bluetooth speakers.When I hear country music twang, I groan.“Oh hell no.”

“It’s Carrie Underwood!”

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