Page 73 of Somehow You Knew

Looking him straight in the eyes, I say, “I want someone who will fightwithme and fightforme.” I shrug. “It’s really that simple.”

Before Gage can reply, his phone rings. When he fishes it out of his pocket and sees the screen, he launches from the couch. “Hey, sorry. I’ve got to take this.”

“Yeah, okay.”

I can feel our moment break, but I don’t regret anything I’ve said. Gage looked as if I had spoken his worst fears out loud. I wish he’d had the chance to respond, to let me see him a little too.

Heheads down the hall to his room and I hear him say, “Hey, Miranda.”

FuckingMiranda.

Biting my bottom lip, I look at Blueberry sleeping peacefully in the recliner, and then I glance down the hall to Gage’s room. I can faintly hear his voice through the walls, but if I went to his door, I could probably hear more.

Do I want to know who this Miranda person is? Will it make me feel better, or will it just expose something I’m not prepared for?

Why do I care about him talking to some woman on the phone anyway? For all I know, she could be his cousin.

But Gage said he doesn’t have any family left.

As soon as I start to stand, intent on eavesdropping, he comes out of his room and back toward the living room. “Sorry about that.”

“No worries,” I say, heading to the kitchen as if that was my plan all along. I pour more wine in my glass, even though I haven’t actually had much since we started the game. When I return, I find Gage staring off across the room.

His jaw is tight, his shoulders stiff. But when he sees me coming back, he smooths his expression, forcing something neutral.

“Whose turn is it?” he asks as we both settle back into the couch.

“It’s my turn to answer a question.”

“That’s right.” He reaches for the top card from the stack. “What is your favorite part of my body?”

Both of our heads snap up at the same time, our eyes locking.

“That is not what it says!” I challenge as my pulse climbs.

He twists the card around to show me, and when I verify he’s telling the truth, I bring my wine glass to my lips and make a show of taking a long drink.

The corner of Gage’s lips lifts. “Interesting.”

I smack my lips in appreciation of the wine, buying myself some time. “I’m just drinking so I don’t have to lie to you.”

“And what exactly would you be lying about?”

“That I find any part of you attractive.”

“You’re a shitty liar, Spitfire.” His eyes dart down to my nipples that are suddenly standing at full attention.

“Ugh.” I take down half of my wine before wiping the back of my mouth with my hand. “Fine. You’re a decent-looking guy, okay?”

Gage’s smile spreads wider. “Just decent, huh?”

“Yes. And that’s all you’re getting.” I lean forward and pull the next card from the stack, eager to move on from that question. “What is one thing you wish I would stop doing?”

“Hmm, where to start…” He taps his chin as if deep in thought.

I playfully whack him with a throw pillow. “Watch it!”

Still smiling, he looks over at the recliner. “I wish you would stop being so thoughtful.”