Page 61 of Dark Endures

“Mittens, men are stupid. Have I told you that? Because it’s true.” Mittens lifts up his head and flicks me with his tongue. “Yes, I know you’re technically a male, but you wouldn’t ever be this stupid. Well, ignore the fact that two weeks ago you tried to eat your own body.” Maybe stupidity is just part of the male DNA.

Waylon needs to get that contract paid. Because even with this amazing job, I won’t be able to help him again.

He needs to not get killed by a loan shark.

“You ready for a break?”

I jump, startling Mittens who backs away. Maddox’s voice shouldn’t have surprised me. We have a date.

NOT A DATE! We have plans. Plans to eat together. Coworkers eat together all the time. “Sure. I’ll just be a minute.” The last thing in the world that I want to do is eat and make small talk with anyone.

Thankfully, I didn’t drink. If I did, I would probably end up telling him just that, and Maddox doesn’t deserve any of my anger or frustration. He’s just being a nice guy.

The world needs more nice guys.

No matter how I’m feeling, I can go in and pretend to have a nice time.

Smile and never let them see what you’re really feeling. Thanks, Mom.

***

“Burgers and fries were a good pick.” Particularly with whatever seasoning they put on the fries. I might just keep eating until I explode. If I was an emotional eater, these would have hit the spot.

Maddox stares at the board like it contains the cure for cancer.

“You know, games are supposed to be fun.”

He leans back and moves his gaze to me. “They are. Especially when you’re going to win again. In two moves, your queen is going to take my castle, and that will be checkmate. There isn’t any way around it, is there?”

“Nope.” I pop a fry into my mouth. “Sorry.”

He grins. “Don’t be. I’ve just got to know how. How in the world did you get this good?”

I shrug. “Games are fun.”

Maddox lifts the bottle of Snake Bite to his lips.

Don’t pay attention to the muscles in his throat. But how did I never notice how sexy a man’s throat is?

“That’s it. You found it fun, so you got to a point where you could probably compete with grand masters?”

“Is life ever that simple?” Why did I say that? Maddox’s curiosity will make him want to know more.

“No.” He sets down his napkin. “Tell me something real about you.”

Huh?

“We’ve been playing chess for weeks. But the only things I know about you are on your resume and how your strategic mind works. Tell me something real about you.”

Real? “Reality is harder than smiling.” Why did I say that? “Your turn.” I need to stop talking.

“Some mornings I’m afraid to open my eyes.”

Fear hits everyone—I know that logically—But it’s hard to believe a man like him is afraid of anything.

“When did you start smiling?”

Lie. He wouldn’t know. “I’ve been smiling since I can remember.” No one wants to hear your problems or see your tears. Smile and be a good girl. Mom said those words so many times that they’re part of who I am. “Why opening your eyes?”

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