Page 17 of A Game of Ruck

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And now I’m spiraling.

This curvy little goddess has me rethinking a lot of my life’s choices.

Like, all of them.

The commitment issues.

This wholefakedatingarrangement.

The idea that I’d stay single, travel light, and never get emotionally entangled again.

Oops.

Turns out emotional entanglement smells like coconut-shea body lotion with a hint of cinnamon and makes adorable sounds in her sleep.

Right now, we’re waiting in the lobby to pick up our day’s itinerary—which is apparently a thing.

Her cousin has planned out our every waking hour like we’re about to be deployed in a wedding-themed military operation.

Pretentious much?Yes.

But I’ve got two cousins back in Brooklyn who would make this event look like child’s play.

They once had a christening catered by Gordon Ramsay and a fire-breather.Inside a church.

I’m no stranger to spoiled brats, and I don’t need to meet Annabeth’s extended family to know that’s exactly what we’re dealing with.

But I’m not thinking about them.

I’m thinking abouther.

Which isa problem.

Because linen pants don’t offer much in the way of camouflage.

And this morning?My cock has been standing at attention since the second she walked out of the bathroom wearing that off-the-shoulder floral dress that hugs every delicious curve like it was tailored by a team of angels—or maybe devils.

And don’t get me started on her lip biting.

Jesus Christ.

If she bites that bottom lip again, I’m going to end up excusing myself to go meditate with the ice machine.

I shift my weight.Subtly.Sort of.Okay, I lean behind a potted plant.

Because here’s the truth I’m not ready to admit out loud.

I want her.

Not just in that vague, hey-she’s-hot kind of way.

Not even in theI’d-like-to-ruin-you-on-every-flat-surface-in-this-hotelkind of way (although that’s a definiteyes).

I want her in my bed, yeah, but I also want her in my life.

Like, talking to me about weird books and why she loves vintage caftans and whatever quirky shit she’s into.

I want to know what makes her laugh when no one’s around.

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