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I shrug and fight a smile.
He picks up the side table and places it between the chairs near the fireplace. I take a seat and he opens a drawer in the table and begins to place the chess pieces on the board.
“I’m guessing that you’re quite good at this game?” I ask.
“I’m not going to win any tournaments, but I can hold my own,” he replies as he leans back and places his right ankle on his left knee. He brings his tumbler to his lips, and I have to remind myself to breathe. This man looks like something in one of those billionaire alpha books in the romance section of the library. He’s even wearing a three-piece suit, although he’s taken off his jacket and his sleeves are rolled up, which only makes him look sexier. Sexier? No, that’s not right. He’s…domineering…or something. I would never be attracted to someone so…so…pompous.
“You may go first,” he urges as he motions to the board with a single finger.
I study the pieces and make my move. A pawn.
“You sure about that?” he asks.
Here we go.
“I am,” I say. What Mr. Adam Wellington doesn’t know, is that I am more than just alright at this game. My grandfather loved chess, and when I’d go visit him in his little mountain cabin every summer, we’d spend hours playing.
Adam moves a pawn. I raise an eyebrow.
“And so it begins,” I whisper with a wink.
Something appearing to be close to a smile tugs on the corners of his lips. But he quickly squashes the feeling, bringing his glass back up to sip more whiskey.
“A question for a move,” I suggest. I suddenly have the overwhelming urge to get to know this man. After all, he’s seen me butt-ass naked, so why keep any secrets now?
His eyebrow rises a bit. “Fine, but I may not answer your questions.”
“Fair. Same,” I retort.
I move another pawn, setting my trap for him. He stares at me, waiting for my question.
“Why do you never come to town?” I ask.
“I’m a busy man, Ms. Garren,” he replies as he reaches down and moves his knight. Novice move, Mr. Wellington.
“Why are you so adamant that you needmybook collection?” he asks.
I tap my cheek, pretending to need time to contemplate my next move. “Isa…please. Because it’s the best one. You’re a local and your ancestor provided the building space for the library many years ago. I think that adds something of value to the exhibit,” I state as I move my rook.
“Do you always stay at this property?” I ask.
“No. I have a home in the city. When I have board meetings or such, I stay there,” he answers as he moves his rook.
I don’t take his bait. I move my queen and he seems surprised based on the small tic of his jaw. I’ve caught him off guard and something about that pleases me immensely, as if pressing this man’s buttons is my new favorite hobby.
This time, he does pause to consider his move. When he makes it, I smile. This game won’t be long.
“If your father owns a company, why are you bothering with a grant? Just ask him,” he states. I’m both shocked he just said that and also surprised at his insights.
After weighing my answers, I settle on the truth for some unknown reason. “Pride,” I admit as I move a pawn, revealing my strategy to him.
“Well, well, well, someone understated her chess abilities,” he murmurs as he stares at the board, knowing he’s going to lose. I have a sneaking suspicion that Mr. Wellington doesn’t lose often.
He makes a feeble attempt to stop my play. His eyes don’t leave mine as he places his piece on a new square. My face begins to flush under his intense gaze.
“You’re braver than you like to admit. Why do you hide it?” he asks.
My face goes from pink to red as I process his words.
