Page 101 of The Games We Play
Lowering to one knee, I held the dress open for her. She placed a hand on my shoulder for balance, and carefully, I guided the fabric back over her legs, then up her body. Once shewas covered, I stood and adjusted the straps over her shoulders, pressing a soft kiss to her skin as I did.
“Why don’t you stay a little longer?” I asked, my voice low, warm. “We can talk, throw on a movie… whatever you want. I just want you here. With me.”
Her arms circled my neck, and she rested her head against my chest, quiet for a moment before answering.
“If I say no,” she whispered, “it’ll look like I’m not giving you a fair shot at winning me back.”
My lips curved against her temple.
“So, because I’m a woman of equal opportunity,” she added with a playful smirk, “I’ll stay a little longer.”
I chuckled, voice rough with affection. “No other reason?”
“Nope,” she said, popping the p with a grin.
But her eyes said everything her words didn’t.
She wanted to stay for more than just equal opportunity.
30
PENNY
Penny: I’m running a few minutes behind! I’m coming, I promise
Penny: Is Ellie there yet?
Aspen: Nope!!!
Theo: Don’t worry, we added a time buffer just for you (;
Aspen: Think you can get here in an hour?
Penny: Did you two add a whole hour extra for me?
Theo: …
Aspen: Do you blame us?
Penny: Nope. Have I told you guys I love you lately?
* Penny changed the group chat name toF.R.I.E.N.D.S But Feral*
Rummaging through my top drawer, I frantically searched for my favorite bathing suit. I was already running late—despite the generous buffer my friends had built in, knowing full well I’d need it.
“Where the hell is it?” I huffed, tossing items over my shoulder one by one. Underwear, bras, and socks flew across the room, decorating the floor like chaotic confetti.
Everyone had the day off and was meeting at Cassidy Ranch to celebrate Ellie’s birthday. Aspen had come up with the idea—a laid-back, picnic-style party at the swimming hole with our closest friends. Ellie didn’t know about it, which made me showing up on time even more important.
Finally, with one last dig, my fingers brushed against familiar stretchy fabric. I yanked it free from the drawer with a triumphant grin.
“Yes!” I shouted, pumping the hot pink bathing suit in the air like a victory flag. The vibrant color felt like a sign telling me I was about to get back on track.
Stripping out of my pajamas, I slid into the cheeky bottoms and tied the triangle top. On my way to the closet, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and stopped in my tracks.
For a beat, I just stared, taking in my body, the curve of my waist, the way the suit hugged my hips. A smirk curled across my lips.
Mac was going to die. I lookedgood.
