Page 61 of Timelessly Ours
“But I’d like to add a rule—at least for this round.”
“Okay…”
I bite my lip, my courage suddenly leaving me. “Well, I think it’s cheating if you’re the one who decides if you’re lying or not. What if…for tonight, the other person decides if you’re telling the truth…and then picks the appropriate chocolate.”
I realize his scowl is now long gone and he’s staring at me with intrigue. “You’re on.”
I smile brightly and jolt in excitement before turning back to the mess. “Just give me a few minutes to finish—”
He grabs my wrist and pulls me back, rasping against my ear. “Loser cleans the kitchen.”
I turn my face up. “I warn you. I’ve been in therapy for eight years. I’m going to crush you.”
“I’m counting on it,” he says, then leads me into the dark living room. He settles me onto a quilt on the carpet in front of the fireplace before walking over to the small metal door that covers a bed of cold, burnt wood. He opens it and arranges fresh logs inside.
I watch as a flame catches and soft crackling starts to fill the room, warming me instantly. I scooch backward until I’m leaning against the solid wood coffee table behind me.
Royce settles beside me and watches as the flames grow. “Better?” he asks without turning to me.
“Hmm?”
“You were cold,” he says matter of factly.
I blink. “Oh, yeah. I was going to turn up the heat earlier but this is…”
“Better,” he repeats.
“Although I’m afraid our fancy goods might melt.”
He turns to me with a naughty grin. “Then let’s get started.” He reaches for a throw blanket on the couch, placing it between us as if he needs that barrier.
“Do you want to start?” he asks.
I shake my head.
“Alright.” He hands me the box and takes a deep breath. “I’ve never actually done this with anyone before so it might take me longer to…admit to what’s on my mind.”
“I’m least likely to judge,” I assure him.
He lifts his chin, considering something, then nods. “Yes. I am stressed.” He pauses and I wonder if I’m supposed to encourage him.
“Does it have something to do with this Robbie guy coming back to town?”
He watches the fire. “Maybe. Probably. I’m not threatened by him for my job, but his presence ignites…all my insecurities about my coaching, my team, and the media. I feel like every wrong move is under a microscope now that he’s here and…” He shakes his head. “I need to snap out of it, I guess.”
He turns to me, and I give him a small smile. Opening the box, I pull out a small, rounded piece in the sweet side and place it in his hand.
Tasting it, he grins. “Thanks.” He takes the box from me. “Ready?”
Blinking, I shift away and face the fire, loving the crackling sounds it makes. The peacefulness of it. The warmth it spreads.
“I’m sorry,” I start. “You didn’t need all that drama from me last week. I’ve been so wrapped up in…” I spare him a glance, “fighting this…that I only made things more difficult for you.”
He shoots me a cocky grin.
“Look, apologies aren’t my strong suit, will you just say you forgive me so I can be done with it?”
He chuckles. “I forgive you.” He picks up a piece of chocolate but doesn’t give it to me. “But you go again. While I appreciate it, it doesn’t count.” He pops it into his mouth instead.