Page 81 of Power Play

“I’m not hungry.”

The answer came too quickly.

A beat of silence followed, but Ryan didn’t comment.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“For food?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t care.”

“Wrong answer.”

I laughed softly. “Why?”

“Because we’re practicing.”

I knew exactly what he meant.

What do you want, Charm?

The question he kept asking until choosing stopped feeling like something dangerous.

I thought about it.

“Those tacos from your place.”

“Which ones?”

“The carne asada.”

His satisfaction came through the phone. “Look at you.”

“Don’t make it weird.”

“I’m proud.”

“It’s a taco.”

“It’s a decision.”

I smiled and glanced toward the closed vanity drawer.

“Ryan?”

“Yeah, mi hada?”

“Bring your mythology book.”

His laugh warmed the line. “Now you’re getting demanding.”

“You said I’d like it.”

“I was right.”

“You haven’t proven anything.”