Page 61 of Stuck with Me

CAMMIE

I thought you were back to hating him.

ME

I am. I do.

But you’re not here. We’re alone. And he’s so hot.

CAMMIE

You need a distraction.

ME

That’s why I’m texting you.

CAMMIE

Play a game.

And not strip UNO.

* * *

“Want to play another game?” I ask.

Nico tosses his UNO cards onto the blanket. “You’ve won three out of the four rounds we’ve played. If there’s a game up there you’re not as good at, I’ll play.”

I snort. “There’s Yahtzee?”

“Are you any good at it?”

“I’m decent.” I shrug.

“You’re not a very good liar, anyone ever tell you that?”

“I’m not lying. How good can someone be at Yahtzee? It’s literally a game of chance.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Fine. We can try it. But if you kick my ass again, I’m done with all games.”

“All?” I tease, a coy smile playing on my lips. I really just can’t help myself.

He glares even harder at me. “Woman, you truly are cruel.”

“I’ll get down the other game.”

I stand and cross the room to the bookshelves in the living room where the games are stacked. Yahtzee is on the highest shelf. When I rise to my tip toes and reach for it, Nico releases a groan. I peek over my shoulder and find him standing behind me.

“Let me help you with that. If I have to see your shorts ride up any further, I can’t make any promises I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

And I can’t help the dip of excitement in my belly. “Is my ass distracting you, Moretti?”

“Yes,” he admits on an exhausted exhale. “Now, scootch. I got it.”

The confession sends a shock rippling through me. Almost as if he’s done playing this game of hiding his feelings. He wants me. He just knows he shouldn’t.

Nico brings down the Yahtzee box. He shoves it into my chest, and clenches his jaw as his eyes flare. “Now sit your ass down,” he grumbles.

---