Page 56 of Love is a Game

What the hell is she doing?

Chapter 18

Penelope

“Let’s go, girls!”Shania Twain is living rent-free in my head, and honestly? I’m not mad about it.

A few drinks, a lot of bad dancing, and even worse karaoke. Misha’s a bad influence, hyping me up like a human megaphone. But actually, tonight was exactly what I needed. I feel alive, electric, free. The kind of free that makes climbing a tree at midnight seem like a brilliant idea.

Which, in hindsight…might have been a little ambitious.

The nagging thought—even more persistent than Shania Twain—was coming to wake up Tuck to answer my aching need.

And I could have texted. Sure.

But no. That would be too sensible.

Instead, I looked at the old oak tree outside his bedroom window, and muscle memory took over. After all, I scaled this beast infinite times as a teenager.

Now? Well.

Now I’m wedged between two thick branches, with a torn dress, thong hanging in the breeze, legs flailing, and Shania singing in my head while I cling to the tree like a deranged koala.

I already tried to wriggle free. The tree did not cooperate.

But:”I’m strong. Invincible…”

Huh. Somehow Shania is upstaged by Helen Reddy.

“I am woman! Hear me roar. La, la, la…”

Okay. Okay. Strategize. No big deal. Just need another way to get his attention.

What the hell, I already lost one shoe to this adventure.

I fumble for the remaining sandal, a maneuver which requires immense concentration and abilities of contortment.

Contortment? Is that a word? Who cares, I need something to throw. And my purse is out of the question. My phone? Absolutely not.

Finally, I prise the remaining sandal free.

I carefully take aim, squinting. Hmm…maybe the other eye.

Andfling!

It sails through the air in a perfect arc.

And misses the window by a foot.

Shit.

“Oh, damn it, come on, Tuck!” I whisper-shout, wiggling again, my balance shifting dangerously.

Suddenly, a bright light passes through the branches.

What the heck?

I scan the upper window. “Tuck?”

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