Page 169 of Masters of Secrets

“Well, I have said some things about her, but only to people who aren’t also friends with her. I would never complain about her to you guys. That wouldn’t be fair.”

“That’s appreciated,” Sam replied. “I wish she would act more like you.”

Julie raised her eyebrows. It sounded like things with Noelle were seriously escalating. Then again, Sam wasn’t the type to put up with the kind of hypocrisy and drama that Noelle seemed to thrive on, so maybe she shouldn’t be surprised.

“There, all done,” Law said, handing the laptop back to Iris.

She beamed up at him. “Thanks, honey.”

“You’re welcome.” Leaning down, he gave her a very thorough kiss on the lips. Damn, they were cute together.

Julie was glad they’d found their way to each other. Iris needed the support. Especially after having to deal with Noelle.

The fact she’d wormed her way into the club and into making friends with people, and even getting them on her side against Iris, still made Julie want to go around smacking people upside the head. She could see so clearly how Noelle manipulated everyone around her; it was hard to understand why those being manipulated couldn’t see it. Yeah, she was good at playing the victim, but why hadn’t people noticed that she was somehow always the victim and that she never took real accountability for her actions?

At least Sam and Morgan had had their eyes opened. It sounded like Amy had, too, though whether she’d do anything about it was up in the air. Connor had called himself a people pleaser, but Amy’s people-pleasing ways put him to shame. Julie would love to get her in for an appointment, but it wasn’t like she could go recruiting like that.

A hand slid around the back of her chair, Connor’s lips coming to her ear.

“You’re looking a little murderous,” he murmured.

Oops. Julie took a deep breath, rearranging her expression to something less… angry. People like Noelle just ticked her off.

“Sorry. Sometimes, my face has subtitles,” she murmured, making him laugh.

Connor’s laughter broke some of the tension as everyone turned their attention to them.

“What’s so funny?” Asad asked, looking at them suspiciously.

“Nothing.” Connor smiled, still chuckling as he looked down at his cards. “Come on, let’s get back to playing.”

“Fine, be that way.”

“I will.”

Good grief, it was like playing with children. But it was also fun, so she really couldn’t complain too much.

Connor

Board game night was either the best or worst idea he’d ever had. Law had always been the most competitive during board game night in the past, but Julie was giving him a run for his money. On the other hand, their trash-talk banter was a lot better than the awkward tiptoeing around each other that they’d been doing at the beginning of the night. They’d settled into trying to beat each other and had forgotten about being careful with each other’s feelings.

He also hadn’t known that the Quacks of Quedlinburg could be so competitive. It definitely hadn’t been in the past.

“Maybe we should play some cooperative games next time,” he suggested as Law scowled while they put the game away. Julie was beaming because she’d won. Or maybe next time, he’d make sure that when they split into two groups to play games that Law and Julie were in different groups.

Because wow.

“Oh, that sounds fun. How does that work?” Julie had taken to board game night like a fish to water. He’d been able to tell that she hadn’t been super enthusiastic about it before, then a little dubious when she’d realized she’d never even heard of the games they were playing, but she’d clearly ended up loving it.

“Basically, we all work together, and it’s us against the game. Pandemic is a good one to play for that.” He grinned when Law made a face.

Law didn’t like Pandemic because, as he said, he liked to beat people, not a board. Julie’s eyes lit up with interest, though.

“I’d like to try that one,” she said with obvious enthusiasm. Connor grinned, feeling incredibly happy that she’d had such a good time tonight.

In the long run, would it have really meant anything bad if she hadn’t liked board game night? Of course not. He’d still feel the same way about her that he did. But he felt as though tonight, he’d fallen a little more in love, seeing another side to her.

And he really liked how well she got along with his friends. He’d enjoyed watching her beat Law. Law cared enough about winning that it was rare for someone else to beat him, and it had been fun to watch.