Page 64 of Unplanned Target

Miranda’s smile turns wicked. “And that could be exactly where Luca wants to be.”

She might not be wrong.

The sun finishes its descent and the night cools almost instantly. Standing from our seat, I reach out a hand and pull Miranda up with me. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.”

“That’s a good idea, because I have something for you.” Her hand stays in mine as we walk across the rocky ground that will one day be our yard.

“Something for me?” I like the sound of that. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be her, naked in my bed, her moans being smothered by the press of my palm against her mouth.

But that is not at all what she has for me. Not even close.

However, the box Miranda presents when we reach the rooming house might be almost as good. In a completely different way.

“Who in the hell told you?” I take the boardgame from her hands, shaking my head because I know exactly who told her. “Never mind. It was Heidi.”

Miranda nods. “It was Heidi.” She thumbs over one shoulder in the direction of the tables surrounding the kitchen. “You want to call Allie? See if she wants to play?”

“Hell yes, I do.” It’s been a while since I got my Catan fix, and it’s more fun to play with at least a few people. “Have you ever played this?”

“Nope. It’s going to be a learning experience.” Miranda goes into the kitchen and collects a foil-covered pan from the counter. “But I have frosted brownies, so hopefully that will make it less painful for me.”

While Miranda slices up my favorite treat and pours us glasses of milk, I give Allie a call, requesting her presence. As soon as the teenager comes downstairs, we take our places at one of the tables, and I start to explain the point of the game. I’m pretty sure Miranda checks out about two seconds into the explanation, but her daughter is completely dialed in. I’m confident she’s going to be my competition, and I work that into my strategy as I buy roads and build houses.

I’m feeling pretty good about my plan, and start to get a little smug as I close in on the finish line.

Then Miranda casually says, “I win.”

“What?” I look over her orange pieces meandering across the board. “Are you sure?”

Miranda snorts. “I think I know how to count to ten.” She lays out her collection of cards and then counts off the buildings she’s put in place.

I stare at her obvious success. “How in the hell did you do that?”

I didn’t even see her coming. Didn’t think for a second she’d paid enough attention to fully comprehend the rules, let alone kick my ass.

“Don’t underestimate her.” Allie goes to work separating out the different colored pieces. “She is vicious when it comes to board games.” Her eyes go from her mom to me as she leans close and lowers her voice conspiratorially. “I bet she was all over the Internet today reading up on the best ways to win.”

Miranda shrugs. “That’s not against the rules.”

I scoff. “I can’t believe you.”

Miranda rolls her eyes at me, head tilting. “Seriously?”

Fair enough. I definitely should’ve seen this coming. “Fine. I get to pick the next board game, and it’s going to be a surprise.”

“I know you think you’re doing something there.” Allie shakes her head. “But she’s still probably gonna win. It’s like her superpower.”

It’s fucking crazy the way life works. I went from being lonely with no reason to believe that would end anytime soon, to finding a woman who couldn’t be more perfect for me. Miranda is smart and determined. Dedicated and loyal. She’s funny and gorgeous. Makes a mean pan of brownies and has the best set of tits I’ve ever seen.

And now I find out she also likes to play board games. I don’t know what deity I have to thank for finding her, but I owe them.

Big time.

TWENTY-THREE

MIRANDA

“You know there’s dozens of men who work for this company, right? My brother crosses both arms over his chest as he leans back in the chair he occupies in the lunchroom of the rooming house. “Why couldn’t you pick one of them?”