Page 131 of Power Play

I tried not to look anywhere, but my eyes betrayed me. A ridiculous black-and-white panda hung near the top, almost as tall as I was.

Ryan followed my gaze, and his expression went flat. “No.”

I smiled. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You looked.”

“I admired.”

“That fucking thing is enormous.”

“I appreciate large-scale design.”

“You’re manipulating me.”

“I’m standing quietly.”

Ryan looked back at the attendant. “How many wins for the panda?”

“Three.”

Ryan sighed and pulled out his wallet.

I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. “You don’t have to do this.”

His head turned toward me. “You want it?”

“I think he’s cute.”

“Then I have to.”

“You genuinely don’t.”

Ryan handed over more money. “Go find us fries.”

“What?”

“Go.”

I stared at him until his dimple appeared.

“I’m about to protect my dignity. You don’t need to witness the process.”

I kissed his cheek before turning away. “Good luck, athlete.”

He smacked my ass lightly as I passed, and I spun around.

Ryan had already picked up another baseball.

“Did you just—”

“Fries, mi hada.”

I was still laughing when I reached the food stand.

By the time I returned, Ryan stood beside the booth holding the giant panda beneath one arm and looking offensively pleased with himself.

My smile appeared before I could contain it. “You actually won him.”