Page 59 of Truck Off

“It’s fine,” I say as I meet each of their gazes. “Shouldn’t some of you be playing poker?”

Liam, Garret, and Christian all shrug.

“Paused the game,” Garret says. “This looks a hell of a lot more interesting at the moment.”

I flip him off, and he laughs. It makes me smile in return. It’s good to see Garret happy. “I’ve just challenged Lina to a game of pool, but she’s refusing to accept. Thinks she can’t beat me.”

“I never said that.” She scoffs. “I know I can beat you. I just don’t want to play with a lair.”

“Ooo, burn.” Mac chuckles.

Christian nudges him in the side and grumbles, “Leave ’em alone.”

Then Christian looks at me, and in a matter of seconds, we hold a silent conversation.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he asks.

“Not a clue, but I’ve gotta try something.”

“Why her?” He nods his head in her direction.

I shrug. “It’s always been her. Can’t say why. It just is. Gotta find out what’s there.”

“Just be careful. She has the power to hurt you.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.”

“What are you playing for?” Mac asks, choosing to ignore my twin.

“We’re not playing,” Lina says at the same time I say, “We haven’t established that yet.”

She turns to face me, her eyes hard and determined. Heat builds in my chest and a wave of desire rushes through my body. Please tell me she feels this too.

“I’m not playing with you,” she says, but her voice wavers as if she’s not as confident in her answer as she was a few minutes ago.

“Scared?” I waggle my brows.

“No.” She scoffs.

I lean down close to her ear and relish the way she sucks in a breath at how close my lips are to her skin. “Then play with me.”

I don’t wait for her to answer. Instead, I walk to the opposite end of the table and rack the balls. Before I finish, Clara comes rushing in and takes a seat next to Jayla.

“What did I miss?” she asks, her eyes filled with amusement.

“Chase challenged Lina to a game of pool, but she keeps refusing to play,” Jayla answers her. “Lina’s still in denial. She’s afraid that if she plays, Chase will break through her protective walls.”

“Jayla!” Lina shouts. Her friend ignores her.

“Aw,” Clara nods. “Still hanging on to her anger?”

“Yeah, she’s stubborn like that.” Jayla waves a hand in the air and rolls her eyes.

Lina places her hands on her hips and glares at Jayla. “You know, I’m right here.”

Jayla tosses her a teasing smile. “Yep. And I intended for you to hear every word. Give the guy a chance.”

“No,” she says so quickly it makes me wince.