Page 68 of The Movie Star and the Spy

And damn it, she gave him one.

He went right back to work, lifting the ball and hurling it at a speed that gave testament to his brute strength. She didn’t have to look to know he’d rolled a strike. 196-196. A tie.

She held out her hand. “Good game.” He took the offering, and then pulled her close and gave her a full kiss on the lips. She was dizzy by the time he released her. “You’re not supposed to do that.”

He moved closer, crowding her. “I rarely do as I’m supposed to.”

If he wasn’t playing fair, why should she? She gave him a kiss, only barely managing to pull away at the end. Not to be outdone, he immediately returned the kiss. And since she couldn’t let him have the final say, naturally, she gave him another. By the time they were done, the world was spinning, her cheeks burned like a furnace, andeverythingtingled.

His grin was a little wicked and all satisfied. “Are you having fun?”

Far too much.She forced seriousness into her expression. “Not even a little.” Maybe now would be a good time to escape, before he got ideas. Or realizedshehad ideas.

“Would you like to continue having no fun by playing pinball games?”

The excuse froze on her tongue. “Pinball games?”

“You said you enjoyed those. Interested?”

“Well, I should probably…”

“I have a dozen.”

She tried to say no, she really did. Unfortunately, the wordyesemerged, and somehow it came with a smile. “I guess a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.”

He’d manipulated her again. How could she take down hardened criminals but couldn’t resist the scheming of one hot movie star? He didn’t give her a moment to reconsider. He grasped her hand and led her through a series of wide hallways.Finally, they stood at the threshold of a large and dark room just off the indoor pool. With a wink, he disappeared into its confines. Then… it transformed into a neon wonderland.

The gleaming arcade took her back twenty years and a lifetime ago. Flashes of hot pink, yellow and orange spun in a dizzying array, topped by glittering mirror balls strung in asymmetrical waves. The pinball machines lit in a clinging, ringing and dinging symphony, their mechanical voices daring players to take a chance for a quarter. Teal carpeting with characters from classic video games lined the floors and walls, between overstuffed swivel recliners and giant orange beanbag sofas. Video games played introduction scenes of pixelated heroes, next to modern fare that included the newest games and even some virtual reality rides. Cheyenne did a three sixty to get the full view, ending at full-size air hockey, ping pong, billiards and foosball tables. The scent of popcorn and cotton candy flavored the air, from a bright snack area in the corner. “Did you rob a video game store?”

“Yes. When I’m not acting, I hold up arcades, trains and small bakeries.” He tapped her shoulder. “Are you going to threaten to arrest me again?”

She stiffened at the reminder of her unforced error. “Of course, I’m going to arrest you. Acitizen’s arrest. You’re under arrest for grand theft video game.”

He laughed. “I hate to disappoint you, but I didn’t actually steal an arcade. There was an arcade going out of business near my studio. They were looking to unload everything, so I made them a decent offer.”

“You’re a bargain hunter?” Cheyenne teased. “Good for you.”

“Just because I have money doesn’t mean I throw it away. I’d rather spend it on important things.”

Memories of Julian’s charity work flashed. “Like helping people in need?” She softened her voice, and her stance. “You seem to do that a lot.”

He shrugged, turned away. “I don’t do much.”

Yes, he did. He donated millions, and even more importantly, he gave his time. In addition to volunteering at the children’s hospital, he was involved with a number of charities and causes, including the Boys and Girls Club and Special Olympics. Anyone who had money could spend it, but time was precious. “You do a lot more than you admit.”

Now he seemed almost embarrassed. “What do I have to do to get you to threaten to arrest me again?”

Practically anything.“How about we try some games instead?”

He led her to a pinball machine, a fast action game based on an older superhero movie. The silver ball streaked like liquid lightning, its play almost as addictive as the man next to her. After several rounds, they switched to another machine, then another and then half a dozen more. They spent the next two hours at the arcade, laughing and playing like carefree teenagers, as the real world faded into a distant dream. They played cheerleader for each other, clapped the wins and booed the losses. Julian gave her seven more congratulatory kisses, but hey, who was counting?

She gave himnine.

Finally, her eyes grew heavy, and the yawns emerged one after the next. “It’s been a long day.” She wrapped up another pinball game, her first and her favorite. “That’s it for me.”

Julian finished his own game. In perfectly natural motions, he took her hand and started toward the hallway. “But a good day, right?”

Actually, it had been agreatday. She hadn’t had so much fun since… well, their last date. And before that, their first date. Butbefore then, she couldn’t honestly remember. “It was terrible. Truly awful.”

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