Page 6 of Playing Games with My Billionaire

I didn't wake till the sun was already well up in the sky. I couldn't believe I had slept that long, especially after the nap I’d had. I unpacked my bag. I showered and dressed.

I took the tray I had from the night before downstairs and made my way to the kitchen. She was there, doing the dishes. She had her back towards the entrance, so she had no idea when I walked in.

I watched her for a few seconds, then cleared my throat.

"Good morning," I said. She turned to look at me. I placed the tray near the sink. Standing close to her, she smelt like flowers. "Thanks for dinner last night," I said.

"Did you enjoy the meal?"

Immediately when she asked, I remembered how I had emptied the plate in no time flat. She was obviously a good cook, but I didn't want to give her that praise. "It was okay," I said.

Hey! What? Now, why did I say that? Mama didn't raise a rude boy!

She looked at me with a shocked expression, so I had a moment to catch my manners. I chuckled to lighten my previous comment, “Believe me when I say that I could have eaten a four-course meal before eating your spaghetti and meatballs, and still have salivated with every bite.”

I saw her trying to avoid breaking out in a grin. “So that means you enjoyed your dinner?” she asked.

“I cannot tell a lie. You blew my taste buds away.”

“Wonderful, but remember from now on I need to know well in advance if you want to have a meal. I buy ingredients daily, so that helps me have enough for everyone.”

"I'll let you know if I do," I said and left the kitchen without looking back, though I could feel her stare at me.

I went back to my room. To my surprise, I stayed in all day, waiting for an idea to magically hit me.

I went to her room that evening and knocked, but after a few tries, got no response. I went downstairs and found her all dressed and about to leave the house. The young boy who had brought the food to me was with her. I wondered if he was her son. I had not noticed any ring on her finger, so … what? She’s a single mom?

"Mr. Adams," she called me by my surname. I didn't like it, but I didn't correct her either. I then realized I had no idea what her name was.

"I have been very preoccupied since arriving. Sorry. What is your name? And what is the name of this handsome young man with you?” I asked.

She answered for herself and young Bryan.

She didn’t say he was her son. Why is that a relief?

"Today is a festival day, and we’re heading over for the evening’s events," she said excitedly. "Would you like to join us?" she asked out of the blue.

Wow! I wasn't expecting that. Let's see, man—what does your busy social calendar say for this evening?

The thought of being alone in the Lodge didn't excite me.

I might find inspiration out there since I can't in here.

"Let me get my jacket," I said and rushed upstairs.

Chapter 4

Lindsey

Trev,liketheothertwo men, barely came out of his room that first day. He had not ordered another meal.

I had not expected him to accept my offer of going to the festival with Bryan and me, but it was too late for me to take back the offer. He came out holding a leather jacket in his hand. "Lead the way," he said.

We took my car to the festival grounds; Bryan sat in the back while Trev sat in the passenger seat next to me. The drive was a silent one. As I drove, I noticed him looking at me now and then. But when I turned to look at him, he would quickly avert his eyes and pretend to have been looking at something else.

"Please, Lindsey, can I have some money to go on those rides?" Bryan asked when we got to the festival. I gave Bryan a twenty-dollar bill, and he ran off to enjoy the rides he wanted to go on, leaving Trev and me alone.

The silence between us was uncomfortable at first, as we walked along staring at things but not saying a word to each other.

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