Page 23 of Wicked Games

I nodded. “Of course.”

I glanced at the guys he was with. They looked like football players with similar builds to him.

“When did this happen?” He took a sip of coffee.

“Working here?” A half grin curved my lips. “This morning. I needed a job, and this one gives me direct access to a steady stream of caffeine.”

“Guess I’ll have to come in more often.”

I laughed. Movement from the corner of my eye had me straightening and stepping away from the counter. “I’ll talk to you later.” No matter how much I wanted to stay there and chat with him, it wouldn’t look good since Becky had just walked out of her office.

His gaze slid to where mine had been, and he took the hint, going to the table with his friends.

I busied myself with wiping things down between new orders. When it was time to take my break, I grabbed my purse and snuck a peek at my phone. A message from Landon asked when I would get off my shift. My stomach flipped as I typed out a response then hit send.

When I returned to the bar and stowed my purse, I caught him looking at his screen before our eyes met, and the smile that curved his lips held a promise that I couldn’t wait to cash in.

CHAPTER TEN

SHANE

The guys I came to get coffee with had left, and I spent the next few minutes leaning against the side of the building, waiting for Winter’s shift to end. The bell over the door jingled, and I glanced up and found Winter exiting.

Everything about her appealed to me. From her slender, graceful build to her gorgeous face and long, wavy hair. I had to keep in mind that behind the lovely façade, she was deceptively deadly. I forced my mouth to relax. I hadn’t stuttered in years, and I refused to start again because of her. The goodbye letter to my family, from when I was at my lowest, lent an imaginary weight to my pocket. Still stashed in my wallet, it served as a reminder of Winter’s capability.

That time in my past was embarrassing and humiliating. The present Winter seemed different from the one I’d known. It was a fucking act. And even though I hadn’t known why she’d left town when we were young—because I’d been wrapped up in my own pain—I was glad she had because, at that point, the relief had been overwhelming.

I shoved my phone in my pocket when she turned my way, her dazzling smile almost knocking the air from my lungs. My fingers curled, but I forced them to relax at my sides, refusing to give in to the urge to touch her. I had to remember she deserved everything I planned to dish out—the lies, the fake name Landon, and ultimately, making her fall in love with me only to watch me walk away.

“How was your first barista shift?” I pushed away from the wall, and we fell into step together, heading toward campus.

“It was good but long. I like Becky, the manager, and Anne. I haven’t met any other coworkers yet.”

“I’m sure you will soon. Are you scheduled to work a lot?” I threaded our hands together as we continued on the sidewalk. “Because I’ll have to drink more coffee, then.”

“I’ll only be there a few days a week. They have a large staff. It was just that someone called in sick today, and Becky asked if I could start immediately, so…”

“Right time, right place.”

“Exactly.” She smiled, and her face lit up. “What do you have going on today? No practice?”

“It’s Sunday.” I could have used practice, though. I needed to keep my mind focused. “A bunch of guys and I watched film then went to the gym and lifted. Besides that, it’s a homework and study catch-up day.”

“Oh, I forgot what day it was. The weekend goes by way too fast.”

As we turned a corner, I had to slow my pace to match hers. “It does. And if I didn’t have two tests next week, it wouldn’t be so bad.”

“Want to hit the library tonight?” Winter tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and I followed the movement with my eyes. “I have a paper to write, and it would be easier to do it there than in my room.”

“I’m heading off campus after we get to your dorm. I have a family thing.”

Her brows furrowed as she turned to meet my gaze. “You didn’t have to wait for me, then.”

“I wanted to.” I ran my thumb over the back of her hand. We stopped in front of her building, and I turned her to me then tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I’ll message you if I get back early.” My hand lingered on the side of her face. Before dropping it back to my side, I brushed my thumb over her full bottom lip.

When she sucked in a breath, I felt like I’d scored the winning touchdown.

Rather than kiss her, I would leave her wanting more. “I’ll catch you later.”

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