Page 44 of The Riskiest Move

I shrug, dropping onto the couch next to her. “It sucks, but it’s not the end of the world.”

Studying me carefully, she asks, “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

I laugh. “I’m not happy about the loss but it’s only one game.”

“I was surprised when I got home and you weren’t here. I thought you’d be drowning your sorrows in ice cream or pizza. Where have you been?”

“Drowning them in tacos,” I say, smiling.

“Huh?”

“I was over at Scarlett’s house, and she made tacos for us.”

“How nice.” She grins knowingly.

“What’s that look for?”

“Nothing. It’s just great to see you have someone in your life who’s not family supporting your career.”

I open my mouth to reply, and she holds up her hand. “Don’t come back at me with some bullshit about your arrangement. You two are friends at the very least, and possibly more.”

I sigh, knowing there’s no point in arguing with my sister when she gets like this. “Look, Scarlett and I are friends.”

But is that all it is?There were a couple of moments tonight where we were on the precipice of more and we both pulled back.

Cassie raises an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. And friends regularly make each other dinner after a tough game and go for romantic beach walks?”

I feel my cheeks heat up. “It wasn’t romantic. We were just talking and... Wait, how did you know about the beach walk?”

She grins triumphantly. “I didn’t. But thanks for confirming my suspicions.”

I groan, realizing I’ve fallen right into her trap. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“I prefer the term perceptive,” she replies, smirking.

“So I enjoy spending time with her. That’s all it is.”

Cassie raises an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. And that’s why you’re sitting here with a goofy smile on your face after losing a game?”

“I’m not—” I start to protest, but I can feel the corners of my mouth turning up. “Okay, fine. Scarlett has a way of cheering me up. But that doesn’t mean anything.”

“If you say so,” she says, clearly unconvinced. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see either of you get hurt.”

I nod, appreciating her concern. “Don’t worry. She and I both know what this is and what it isn’t.” Pushing off the couch, I stand. “I’m going to bed. Night, sis.”

“Night.”

I head up the stairs to my room and then sit on the edge of the bed, cradling my phone in my hand.Should I thank Scarlett once more? Or should I leave it alone for tonight?

After a couple of minutes of deliberation, I decide to text her. It feels like the right thing to do, and I forgot to mention a charity event that’s coming up this week.

Hey, thanks again for dinner and the walk. I had a great time. It was just what I needed.

You don’t need to thank me. And I had fun too.

I forgot to ask you if you’re available Wednesday night. There’s a charity event I need to attend at eight o’clock.

I’m free. What’s the dress code for this one?

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