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No wonder Eugene groaned. She was terrible at bowling. Every ball she rolled went straight into the gutter. “I’m just warming up,” she said after we started the third match.
They decided on playing in teams. I had Eugene, of course, so I was losing. I didn’t like losing, but it was okay. Seeing her brows pinch together and her tongue dart out as she tried her best made my heart slam against my ribcage.
But hope dwindled for Eugene. As another ball rolled into the gutter, her shoulders drooped. She returned to her seat with her head lowered.
I stood and picked up my ball. “You know, Red, you’re impressive.” When her eyes narrowed, I grinned. “I’ve never seen someone hit the gutter every single time. It must be a world record.”
Holly nudged Roger’s arm with a grin. “They can’t beat us, babe.”
Ignoring them, I rolled and hit a strike. I would never make enough of them to outdo their points combined. At that point, though, I was determined to help Eugene scoreanypoint. When it was her turn again, I stood. She paused as I came up beside her. “You’re favoring your left. How about you aim for the right gutter this time?”
She huffed. “Look.” She swung her arm forward while holding the ball. “My arm is completely straight. It should go down the middle.”
“Yeah, but maybe your arm is swaying from the weight of the bowling ball?” I offered. “Before you let go, just move your arm a little to the right. It can’t hurt.”
Eugene nibbled on her bottom lip. “Show me?”
Show her? She wanted me to touch her. I’d let her hit me with the fucking ball for the opportunity. I nodded. Before we were close to where she needed to be, I placed one hand at her waist and the other at her wrist. She let me lead like that, and I hoped I didn’t look as smug as I felt.
???
Eugene impressed me. She started hitting the right gutter after that. Since my coaching hadn’t helped her score points, she denied me the chance to show her again. Just before we called it quits, she finally managed to knock down some bowling pins.
We cheered for her, and she waved her hands in the air.
“You guys can go ahead to the parking lot. I’m going to use the bathroom.” Without waiting for a reply, Eugene headed toward the restrooms.
As soon as she was out of sight, Holly faced me with her arms crossed. “You like Genie.”
“Of course, I like Eugene.”
Holly’s eyes widened as she studied me. “You don’t deny it.”
“Give me the chance to tell her in my own time. If you say anything, she might leave the cabin.”Leave me.
“I won’t say anything if you tell me what your intentions are with my best friend.”
Roger, resting his hand on Holly’s shoulder, said, “Babe, maybe you should leave this between them.”
“No. Genie’s been through a lot. I love Eddie, but even he does her wrong when he comes to Michael. So, I want to know why you’re offering your home and time to my best friend.”
“I want to help her,” I said.
Holly smirked. “You want her?”
“Yes, I want her. I want to keep her in my life. She needs to be right where I can see her.”
“You mean as more than a friend?”
“Fucking hell.” I ran my hand through my hair. “Yes.I want her in my bed, but that’s none of your business. I plan to thoroughly spoil Eugene. She’s safe with me, mentally and physically.”
“Okay, then. I’ll hold you to that, but know I love her to death. Ifyouhurt her, it won’t be hard for me to ruin your restaurant’s reputation.”
Holly’s threat gave me some peace of mind. Before Eugene landed on my doorstep,someonecared about her. I could tell her brother loved her, but he let too much shit slide when it came to Michael.
I smiled. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.”
THIRTY-ONE
