Page 15 of The Game We Played

“But you chatted with me all night.”

I roll my eyes. “Because you were sitting at the bar and I’m a bartender. I’m legally obligated to chat with anyone sitting at the bar.”

“Legally obligated?”

“Yep. I’d lose my license if anyone found out I gave a customer the cold shoulder.”

His nose wrinkles. “You really don’t want to date me?”

“From what I understand, you don’t date. You hit it and quit it.”

“Those women weren’t you.”

My heart stutters for a moment. How would it feel to have this gorgeous man with those green eyes I want to drown in while he explores my body, actually want me? But he doesn’t want me, I remind my heart. I’m a challenge because I told him no.

“I think we’re better off as friends.”

“Friends? I’m not usually friends with women.”

I beam at him. “I’m happy to pop your ‘friends with women’ cherry.”

“I’m not sure I’m supposed to want to date a woman I’m ‘friends’ with.”

“Trust me. You won’t want to date me once you get to know me.”

“Really? I’m intrigued. Tell me more.”

“For one, I’m not fun.”

“Agree to disagree. The stories you’ve told me have all sounded fun.”

“Because I’m a journalist. I tell stories. It’s what I do.”

He threads a hand through his hair. I can’t help but notice how his biceps bulge with the action. He’s a wide receiver. He’s supposed to be lean and fast. He’s not supposed to sport toned muscles I want to lick.

“We’d have a ball together.”

“Sorry, but I’m not in the market for having a ball or having fun. I’m trying to get my journalist career off the ground so I can leave this island.”

And I need to do it fast before theGazettecloses.

“Why do you want to leave Smuggler’s Hideaway? This island is a blast.”

“As I just established, I am not fun.”

“Says the woman who tricked me into drinking moonshine.”

“I didn’t trick you, but if I had, it would’ve been your fault.”

He laughs. “You’re fun. But you’re fighting me for some reason. Don’t worry. I can be persistent when I want to be.”

Oh, sweet mermaid. Please don’t be persistent. I’m not sure how long I can resist Tanner. Despite knowing how dating him would be a big mistake. Colossal mistake.

Chapter 6

BREAKING: BEACH GAME CUT SHORT AS TROUBLE FINDS TANNER LONG Teammates left confused but not surprised

Tanner