Page 54 of Wanna Play A Game?

“No, I mean a girlfriend.”

“No. Those two keep my hands full.”

We sit in silence for a bit. Miles continues to comb. I think he’s gotten everything out, but it feels good, so I’m not complaining.

“Do you like your job?”

The question wakes me up a bit, and I shift. I realize we’ve gotten awfully personal. “Do I get points for this?”

Instead of answering, Miles asks another question, “Tell me why you didn’t want to look me in the eye when I ate you out.”

I stiffen. Because his gaze is so perceptive, I didn’t want him seeing into my soul.

“I’m not answering that unless you give me points.”

There's silence. Miles says, “I’ll make Sawyer give you some points. Tell me.”

“Are you sure? Can you do that?”

Miles’ body tenses. “You know, you remind me of someone. Aggressive, pushy, and allergic to emotions. I’ll get you the fucking points. Talk to me.”

Fear fills me, and suddenly, I don’t want to tell him. “I don’t like getting close to people.”

“Why?”

Because the last man I trusted let me down. Betrayed every last sense of love and hurt me far more than hitting me. But I’ll be damned if I tell him that.

“That’s two questions!” I say.

“Then two points, you stubborn woman. Why don’t you trust people?”

My chest tightens.

Miles traces his arms around me and hugs me. It makes me want to panic.

“Cali, you just came in my mouth. How is talking to me any different?”

“First and last time that happens,” I mutter.

“Tell me.” Miles’ voice becomes demanding.

“Because!” Anger fills me. “Every time you get close to people, they hurt you. And I’ll be damned if I fall for that again. Is that good enough for you?”

Miles says nothing.

“You happy now? Jesus, I wish you all would leave me alone. Just leave me alone and let me go!” I try to cross my arms, but they’re numb. The rush of anger fills me with fatigue, and I want to close my eyes.

I feel Miles shift and get up.

I close my eyes. Maybe if I ignore him, he’ll go away. Maybe all of this will go away. When I wake up, I’ll be back in my own bed.With a cat that loves me. And maybe a million bucks to pack up my life and live somewhere exotic. The warmth surrounds me, making me take deep, even breaths. I’m so deliciously numb. Maybe I can get a harem of men to wait on me hand and foot. That thought makes me want to chuckle. As if.

I think I’ve fallen asleep when I hear a voice so soft I barely hear it say, “What are you like when you’re happy, broken little thing?”

Chapter 24

Miles

“You have her phone,” I say as I shoulder into Ryder’s office. Sawyer is sitting at the desk on the computer.