Page 65 of The Game We Played

“Everything okay?” He scowls at Nolan. “Are you being nice?”

“He’s a great subject for an interview.”

Tanner studies my face for a moment before nodding. “Okay. But if any of these idiots are mean to you, let me know. I’ll teach them a lesson.”

I bristle. Why do men always think I can’t stand on my own? “There’s no need to threaten violence. I can handle myself.”

“I know you can. It’s still my job to protect you.”

Those words cause tingles to spread throughout my body. He knows I can handle myself? He isn’t trying to manipulate things for ‘my own good’?

What I wouldn’t do to have Tanner around to protect me every single day for the rest of my life.

But this is fake. I remind myself. Tanner doesn’t feel the same way as I do.

Chapter 20

BREAKING: STEEL CITY SEALS SPOTTED AT BOWLING ALLEY Chaos, contraband, and questionable decisions ensue

Tanner

The door opens and I glance over my shoulder. A woman walks inside, but it’s not Alaia. My shoulders drop. Where is she? She said she’d be here.

Nolan clasps my shoulder. “You’ve got it bad.”

I shrug off his hand. “You’re one to talk.”

His eyes narrow. “Do not compare your situation to mine. I’m not faking anything.”

Interesting. Is he finally admitting there’s something happening between him and Terri? He’s denied their involvement since the first night they met when she turned him down in front of everyone.

“Maybe I’m not either.”

“Then, maybe you need to tell her.” He nods to the door Alaia is walking through.

She scans the room. When her gaze meets mine, she smiles and waves. She starts toward me but I can’t wait. I hurry toward her.

“Hi, gorgeous.” I kiss her cheek.

“Hi, charmer.”

“Two things can be true at once. I can be charming and correct about how gorgeous you are at the same time.”

She rolls her eyes. “Why are we meeting here? I didn’t think you were into bowling.”

“How could I resist? The bowling alley is namedThe Drunken Anchor Lanes.”

“You do realize tonight is a special night, don’t you?”

I squeeze her hand. “Any night with you is special.”

“You need to stop before I roll my eyes so hard they get stuck in the back of my head.”

I’m not lying or being charming. I’m serious. But she doesn’t realize it.

“That can’t happen.”

“Shush. Don’t tell the twins. They still believe me.”