Passion Play

Rose felt about three inches tall. She smothered a groan and turned her attention back to Maxine. The silence sounded like inevitability. It was apparent her friend was prepared to wait all day for an introduction to Donovan Carroll of Anderson Adventures. Maxine had made it very clear that she was a big fan of his company’s computer games.

Rose took a deep breath, drawing in the scent of cheese and spices. “Maxine Ellerson and Isiah Russell, my...boyfriend, Donovan Carroll.”

Donovan’s eyes laughed at her as he rose to his feet. He stepped out of the booth to greet her friends. “It’s a pleasure to meet both of you.”

“Mr. Carroll.” Maxine held on to Donovan’s proffered hand. “Isiah and are a big fans of your company’s games. Osiris’ Journey has blown our minds. It takes gaming to a whole other level.”

“Thank you. Please call me Van.” Donovan grinned. “I’ll be sure to share your enthusiasm with Ty Anderson.”

Wide-eyed, Maxine turned to Rose and mouthed, “Ty Anderson.”

“Van, it’s good to meet you.” Isiah’s greeting was more understated. “Great job with the game.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Donovan released the other man’s hand. He took a step back and gestured toward the booth he’d just vacated. “Why don’t you join us?”

Rose’s eyes flared. Had he just...?

“We’d love to. Thank you.” Maxine slipped into the booth. Isiah followed her.

Rose scooted over to let Donovan sit beside her. She gave him a look that promised retribution. He responded with a smile that professed his innocence.

“Are you two going to the reunion in September?” Isiah shared a look between Rose and Donovan.

“Yes, we are.” Donovan cupped Rose’s hand as it lay on the table between them.

Rose looked at his hand on hers. It was broad and strong. His fingers were long and elegant. His skin was warm and just a little rough against hers. She lifted her eyes to his. Donovan squeezed her hand and gave her an encouraging nod. Was this part of their performance?

“That’s good news.” Isiah’s smile was relieved. “I was afraid I wouldn’t know anyone at the reunion other than Maxine.”

Rose could see the appeal Isiah had for Maxine. He was handsome, fit and appeared to be humble. His pale blue polo shirt and beige cargo shorts enhanced his neat, conservative appearance. His close-cropped hair shaped his square head. His wire-rimmed glasses were subtle on his broad, blunt features.

Maxine was the perfect foil for Isiah’s quiet, conservative appearance. She’d accessorized her vibrant red-and-gold peasant top with chunky silver jewelry.

Donovan squeezed Rose’s hand again. “If our ladies have to attend reunion events without us, we’ll find a TV and turn on a game.”

“And if the events are boring, your ladies will be joining you.” Rose’s voice was dry.

“Amen to that.” Maxine chuckled.

Donovan held Rose’s eyes. “Maybe this reunion won’t be so bad.”

Rose’s cheeks heated under Donovan’s open look of admiration. Benjamin had never looked at her that way. Her body had never responded to her ex-fiancé’s gaze as fervently as it reacted to Donovan’s attention.

The arrival of their server interrupted Rose’s musings. The young man took their drink orders. Rose and Maxine ordered iced teas with lemon. Donovan and Isiah requested sodas.

Donovan’s attention returned to the menu once their server disappeared. “We were debating toppings before you joined us.”

“I like everything on my pizza.” Isiah grinned.

Donovan inclined his head. “I can see we’re going to get along.”

“You two can share your heartburn-on-a-crust.” Maxine waved a hand between Isiah and Donovan. “Rose and I will have our reasonable toppings.”

Rose nodded. “That’s a plan I can live with.”

As the evening aged, Rose relaxed and enjoyed the company and conversation. Topics ranged from Anderson Adventures’ creative genius in the computer gaming industry, to the schedule for Rose and Maxine’s reunion weekend. They laughed and conversation hopped as though they’d all been friends for years. Afterward, Rose drove Donovan home.

She pulled onto his driveway, turned off the engine and shifted to face him. “I had a really nice time tonight.”