Page 24 of The Game We Played

“Hold your pirates!” she shouts before whipping the door open. “You’re early. I expected you to be late.”

I frown. “Why?”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re not exactly Mr. Responsible.”

My frown deepens. “I’m responsible when it comes to my obligations.”

She studies me for a moment before nodding. “Sorry, I shouldn’t assume.” Her gaze rakes over me. “Flying pirates,” she mutters.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re in a suit.”

“I’m aware. Belinda, my PR agent, insisted I show her my outfit on FaceTime. I was wearing a Hawaiian t-shirt and shorts. But apparently, I’m not allowed to wear anything to suggest I’ve ever had fun in my life.”

She giggles. “Trust me. Men in suits can have fun. Ask me about billionaire romance novels sometime.”

“You read romance?”

“Don’t look so surprised. Romance is the largest fiction genre there is. I refuse to be shamed for my reading preferences.”

I hold up my hands. “Sorry. Not trying to shame you. You surprised me.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “What kind of books did you think I read?”

I shove my hands in my pockets and rock back on my heels as I try to think of a way to answer this question without pissing her off. “Mythology about mermaids?”

She laughs. “Mermaids aren’t part of mythology. Mythology is for creatures that aren’t real.”

“And mermaids are real?”

She grasps my arm and pulls me into her apartment. “Shush. Don’t let anyone hear you asking such a silly question. You’ll be banned from the island. But not before they dunk you in the harbor for insulting the mermaids.”

“I promise not to question whether mermaids are real again.”

“Good. Now you’re getting the idea.”

“Are you ready to go?”

She bites her bottom lip. I fist my hands before I reach for her. I want to be the one biting her lip. Tasting her mouth. Inhaling her scent.

But this is fake. Alaia has made herself perfectly clear. She’s not interested in me.

“What’s wrong?”

She motions to her dress. “I’m not certain I’m dressed appropriately. I binged all this footage of Taylor Swift attending charity events. I thought I nailed it. Approachable, comfortable, polished but not flashy. I’m the kind, approachable older sister.”

“You did nail it. Your sundress is warm and friendly.”

And she’s sexy as hell in it. The fitted top shows off her perky breasts, and the short dress highlights her long legs. Legs I want wrapped around me while I sink inside her. My cock twitches. It’s on board with the idea.

I inhale a deep breath and get myself under control. Alaia doesn’t want me, and I don’t force myself on women who aren’t interested. No means no.

She sways from side to side. “You think so?”

“I know so.” I reach for her hand. “Come on. We need to get on the road. It’s a two-hour drive to the hospital.”

She kicks out her foot. “I’m not going barefoot.”