Page 68 of Game On
I pause, looking over at him with a raised eyebrow. “Hmm, and what type do you have?”
“The creative, whimsical, all-knowing type.”
Rolling my eyes, I turn my attention back to the screen, but it’s no use. Levi’s presence is as disruptive as it always is, and when he leans closer, his curiosity blatant, I know I’m not getting any work done.
“If you want me to dress up as Woody and hang out at the party, I need to get some work done right now.”
“Okay,” he says, oblivious to what I’m trying to say.
“Which means get out of my room.”
“Ah, right, gotcha.” He stands, brushing imaginary dust from his jeans. He shoots me a grin that’s all devil-may-care. “Good luck.”
And just like that, he’s gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Friday rolls in colder than any October evening should rightfully be in the city of Nashville. The sky is a muted gray, the last rays of the sun struggling to pierce through the thick blanket of clouds. It’s the perfect backdrop for a Halloween party, yet all I can think about is how I’ll be spending the night sober. It’s a good thing I’ll have Ella here to warm me up.
While Levi prepares the snacks inside, I’m setting up in the backyard, wrestling with string lights and decorations that seem determined to tangle up on me. The cold bites at my fingers, and I curse under my breath as another clip snaps off.
Then, out of nowhere, the hum of laughter and conversation breaks through my concentration. I glance up just as a trio of beautiful women stroll through the gate, each carrying an armful of colorful decorations and costume accessories.
Gabi is dressed as an angel and Sammy as a devil. They’re both wearing some sort of lingerie disguised as a costume. They look great, but I can’t tear my focus away from Ella. She’s wearing a pair of tight denim shorts, a white and yellow crop top, and a red cowboy hat.
It takes a moment for the full picture to register, but once it does, my face must be an open book, shock written all over it.
She’s the Jessie to my Woody, braids and all. Another one of Levi’s tricks. I could waste time being annoyed by it, but she looks too damn good for me to care.
Ella catches my look from across the yard. She pauses, her eyes flickering with amusement, then strides over with a quizzical lift of her brow. “Nice costume, cowboy,” she says, scanning me from head to toe.
I chuckle, tugging at one of her pigtails. “I didn’t know you’d be wearing that.”
“I was gonna say the same. Looks like maybe we were set up.”
I close my eyes briefly, touching my temple. “Levi said he wanted us to match. Like, me and him, I mean.”
Her expression shifts to one of confusion. “How does Woody match withHangman?”
I frown. “What?”
“He’s Glen Powell’s character from theMaverickmovie. I just saw him out front wearing a flight suit.”
I laugh. “You’re fucking kidding me?”
She shakes her head, laughing too. “Truly couldn’t make this up.”
“Well, that’s just perfect,” I grumble, running a hand through my hair. Ella’s laugh is contagious, though, and it draws me to her like a moth to a flame.
“You know,” she says, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I think you still look pretty good, all things considered.”
I pull her in for a quick secret kiss, swiping at her bottom lip when she pulls away. “You got a thing for cowboys, huh?”
She shrugs. “Something about a man in a hat.”
“Duly noted.”
She steps back, tilts her head, and I take the opportunity to really look at her. There’s a rosy flush on her cheeks. A sparkle to her hazel eyes. She’s glowing, radiant, despite the cold. Those tight jean shorts sit low on her hips, and I think she just might be the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Clearing my throat, I touch her gently on the elbow. “You look good, too,” I say. “Really fuckin’ good.”
