Page 215 of Ruthless Court

“Same thing.”

She closes the door, then takes the grocery bag.

“I didn’t realize you’d be panic-shopping for me.”

“The aisle had too many choices.”

“That must have been difficult.”

She unloads the popcorn, Dr Pepper, and candy.

Then the chocolate.

Then the gummy bears.

Her eyebrows rise.

“You panicked hard.”

“I wanted options.”

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

The kiss hangs between us.

So does what she said afterward.

‘I won’t be used.’

“I didn’t come for coaching,” I tell her.

Her fingers stop on the Dr Pepper cap.

“I didn’t say you did.”

“You were thinking it.”

“I think many things.”

“I came because you left before I could see you.”

The sarcasm disappears from her face.

I continue before she replaces it.

“You were the only person in that arena I wanted to find.”

“You’re still high from the win.”

“I’ve won before.”

“That sounded arrogant.”

“It was factual.”

She fights a smile.

“Put on a movie, Haverhill.”