Page 55 of Fire and Ice
Chelsea looked thoughtful. “My Assistant Manager, Chantilly, has a couple of Ragdoll cats and said they’re very sweet and loving.”
“My last girlfriend had a cat.” Joe finished putting the blocks back into the box. “It was a little sh—pain in the ass.”
“One of my sisters, Sue, has three.” Grady shrugged. “They keep to themselves when anyone is around. Another of my sisters, Gracie, has one, and it’s nice, although she says the cat thinks she owns the house and is just letting Gracie live there.”
Chelsea looked at Grady. “When you come to visit, do you think Spot would have a problem with a kitten?”
He liked that she thought of Spot while considering getting a cat. “As long as it’s not exploding, he’ll be fine with a kitten.”
Chelsea gave a little smile. “I’m seriously considering one. Not exploding, though.”
Grady put his arm around her shoulders, squeezed her to him, and kissed the top of her head. Her hair smelled so good, and she felt so soft. He wanted to take her in his arms and just hold her.
He released her, not wanting to seem overly affectionate around her family. She looked up and gave him a smile that was like sunshine to his soul.
“I separated all of the Exploding Kitten and Defuse cards, as well as the cards for a smaller group, and kept the ones for a larger number of players.” DeAndra picked up the deck and started sticking a few cards in randomly. “Five defuse cards are going back in the deck since there are six of us.”
“Information for the sake of our Kitten game virgin,” DeAndra started to deal the cards as she spoke, “seven cards each, plus one defuse card.”
They all took their seats while Anneka explained how the Attack, Feral Cat, See the Future, and other cards were used, including Nope cards.
It took Grady a bit to get the feel of the game's strategy, but once he had it, he played fairly well. The first time he drew an Exploding Kitten card, he was able to use his Defuse card, but on his next turn, he pulled another one and exploded since he was out of Defuse cards. He sat back and watched the game play between Chelsea and her brothers and sisters. Chelsea was next to explode, followed by Joe and Brad, leaving DeAndra and Anneka to battle it out.
Anneka was the last woman standing, and they dived into another game. They ended up playing four more rounds. They stopped playing close to midnight. Anneka came out on top, winning three games. Second was Chelsea with two, leaving everyone else with zero wins.
“Great game.” Grady leaned back in his seat. “I’ll have to get it. The guys at the fire station would have fun with it every now and then during our downtime. We’re always looking for the next best thing.”
Anneka slid the cards into the pack. “I’m surprised they haven’t already. Maybe with their kids?”
Grady shrugged. “Hunter has a teenager, so he might have played it with his kid. Archer’s son is only six, so he’d be too young.”
“Are there any eligible bachelors on the force?” Anneka was good with the wicked expression. “Asking for a friend.”
Grady laughed. “A few, maybe six or so.”
“Sounds like a good pool.” DeAndra flashed a grin at Anneka. “Ready to go fishing?”
“You two.” Chelsea shook her head and smiled. “I think it’s time for bed.”
“Spoilsport.” Anneka pouted, then yawned. “Yeah, I’m ready to do a face plant in my pillow.”
“Same.” DeAndra got up and pushed her chair in. “Night, all.”
Joe and Brad looked at each other. “We didn’t get a chance to play more Myth Hunter,” Joe said.
“I’m beat.” Brad blew out a breath. “Let’s hit the sack.”
It wasn’t long before everyone had gone upstairs except Chelsea and Grady. He rested his hands on her hips. “So, about that negligee?”
She gave him a sensual smile. “I’m not telling…yet.”
Grady felt heat shoot straight to his groin. He hoped Chelsea didn’t look down and see his reaction to her smile and sexy tone. “I’m ready to head to our room if you are.”
She turned and hit the lights. Only a couple of nightlights shone in the dark. She reached for his hand, and they stepped onto the wooden staircase.
He didn’t feel in the least bit tired.
17
