Page 159 of The Games We Play
Back turned.
But I knew that hair. That stance. That energy.
Sandy.
I slowed my steps and crept up behind her, but my boots gave me away. She turned, grinning as she held out another rose.
I blinked at her, smiling in disbelief. “He roped you into this?”
She shrugged, proud. “Of course he did. He’s very persuasive and he sure as hell loves you.”
Her words hit me square in the chest.
He loves you.
My throat tightened. I swallowed.
I’d known it, hadn’t I? Felt it in every gesture, every look, every ridiculous thing he did to make me smile. But hearing it—sayingit—was something else.
“I love him, too,” I whispered, the words tumbling out like a prayer, light and sacred. It was the easiest truth I’d ever spoken.
Sandy smiled, eyes soft, and pulled me into a quick, warm hug. She planted a dramatic kiss on my cheek and pulled back, placing the rose in my hand with a wink.
“Go get him,” she said gently.
I nodded, turning as she pressed the rose into my palm. Another note was tied around the stem with twine. My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded it and read:
Penelope,
There’s a truck waiting for you around the bend. Your driver’s ready.
Your next destination is a place we’d go on the nights we needed to escape reality. The stars never shone quite as bright as you.
—Mac
I scanned the area, searching for a truck. Not that it helped much—this was small-town Texas, andeveryonedrove a truck. It was practically a requirement for residency.
But then, one stood out.
Leaning casually against the front bumper was Rhodes, his ankles crossed as he stared out at the fiery sunset sinking beneath the horizon.
“Rhodes?” I called, uncertainty lacing my voice.
He turned at the sound of my voice, that familiar, gentle smile blooming across his face. “Penny,” he said softly. “You look lovely.”
He was wearing a suit.
A damnsuit.
Rhodes. The man who practically lived in jeans and a flannel. His hat was missing, too—his usually wild hair was brushed back neatly behind his ears. It was so unlike him, yet somehow stillhim.
Without a word, he walked around the truck and opened the passenger door, holding it open with quiet expectation. Ihesitated, just for a second. Then I trusted my gut—and Mac—and slid inside with a soft smile.
He shut the door gently, like the moment was something sacred, and then circled around to the driver’s seat.
“Sandy and now you?” I asked, turning slightly to face him. “Are you going to give me any hints about what he’s planning?”
Rhodes tsked under his breath and gave a short shake of his head. “Not a chance.” He glanced at me, his lips twitching. “So, where to?”
