page76 (1/2)

“Youto stick my nose in other people’s business?”

“Ouch” He winced at her thrust She had a good oes to you”

She leaned toward hi track”

“I’m competitive,” he conceded

“Now I’m curious What’s the score?”

“Three to one”

“I’ve got to knoho’s ahead”

“As you can see, it’s rather close”

She laughed “That has to ”

Her enthusias inside him that he hadn’t realized was dor”

“I’h, cheering for herself

“No one likes a sore winner”

“Of course they do Everyone enjoys watching the underdog ee victorious See?” She shook her shoulders, and he shook his head

“You’re rubbing it in”

“Why keep score if you’re not going to high-five or eat a chocolate doughnut when you win?”

“The game isn’t over”

She gave a fake shudder, then grinned, despite the groarning woven through his words “I’”

“I hope that saves you, Ms Malloy…” Because he couldn’t help himself, he pushed back his chair, stood, then cupped her elbow and guided her up

“What are you going to do?” she asked with a mock-scandalized tone while she clutched at her pearls

More andto kiss you”

“What will the neighbors say?” But she didn’t check whether anyone could, indeed, see them

“I think they will say I’m one lucky bastard” He pulled her onto her tiptoes Rafe started the kiss with as much tenderness as he was capable of