Page 71 of Through the Storms

“Yeah, that’s it.” Chloe laughed. “Lana said it was cheating because they used the I and S from inside, but TWIT wouldn’t cut it.” Chloe pointed at Riley. “For the win, what did SKIRTS stand for?”

“What do I win?”

Chloe shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m sure I can think of something.”

Riley licked her lips.

Shit.Had Chloe’s words come out as flirtatious as they sounded in her head? By the look on Riley’s face, they likely had. They reached the door to the hotel, so Riley held it open as Chloe walked through.Good.It gave them both time after Chloe’s inappropriate response.

“Okay. SKIRTS,” Riley said as they approached the elevator. “Let me think.” The elevator door dinged open as soon as Riley pushed the button. They entered, and Riley continued to mutter random words.

Chloe hit the button for the eighth floor. “You have to have the answer before we get to the room, or you lose.”

“The pressure.” Riley gave her a sideways glance. “If I only knew what the stakes were.”

Heat radiated up Chloe’s neck, so she glanced up at the floor counter. “Second floor.”

Riley continued to mutter random words, but Chloe could only make out a few.

“Fourth floor,” Chloe teased.

“Shh, I’m thinking.” Riley closed her eyes.

“Sixth floor.”

“You’re cheating. I’ve almost got it.”

The elevator stopped, and the door slid open. Chloe stepped out, and the door began to close. She put her hand out and stopped them. “It doesn’t count if you don’t get out.”

“Fine.” Riley strode from the elevator. “I think I have it.”

“Are you sure? You only get one guess.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“No. But I’d know it if I heard it.”

They approached the door to their room. “Here goes,” Riley said. “SKIRTS—”

“You’re not in a spelling bee.”

“Stop trying to distract me.” Riley leveled her gaze at Chloe.

“Go ahead.”

“SKIRTS.” Riley gave her a cheesy grin. “Scientific Knowledge to Increase the Response Time for Storms.”

“Shit. I think you’re right.”

“The winner!” Riley twirled in a circle with her arms uplifted.

CHAPTER 27

Lana fell back againsther pillow, panting but satiated. “Maybe you should take the Oakantor out more often. It apparently gives you superpowers.”

Oakley laughed.

“But next time, you better tell mebeforeyou go out in it, or I won’t be so forgiving.”