The Game That Breaks Us (Us 3)

I laugh even harder. “Oh, you’re good. But your favorite color isn’t really anything earth-shattering. Give me the good stuff.”

He chuckles and jumps up on the cart again, gliding on. “Like what, I lost my virginity at fourteen to an older woman and now I’m damaged goods?” I stop in my tracks and he laughs. “I’m kidding, Grace, but the look on your face is priceless.”

I try to school my face into normalcy. “What look?” I mutter.

He simply grins and kicks off again like he’s on a skateboard. “There’s not much to tell, Grace.”

I look at him closely. “You know that only makes me think there’s a lot to tell.”

He points. “Lights.”

I head toward them but quickly do an about face. “Nice try,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “You’re avoiding.”

He grins. “Maybe so.”

“Come on,” I plead. “Give me something.”

“You first,” he challenges.

“I’ve never done something like this,” I admit. “Go off with a stranger, but, I kind of like it. Doing the wrong thing.”

“I’ve done it a lot. The wrong thing, I mean,” he says, his hazel eyes growing dark. “I’m trying to be a better person, though.”

“And what is this?” I ask. “Us, right here, right now? Good or bad?”

He looks torn. “Bad,” he finally admits.

“I’m keeping you from something, aren’t I?” I ask forlornly.

He looks away. “Yes, but it can wait.”

I sigh. “I don’t want you to get in trouble on my behalf.”

His eyes snap back to me, a fire shining in them. “I’m a big boy, don’t worry about me.”

“Bennett—”

“Hey,” he cuts me off. “We’re only killing more time standing here talking about it. Let’s get what you need and get back.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Shit, I didn’t mean for that to sound like that.”

“Like you’re an asshole?”

He winces. “Yeah. I mean, I guess I am. No, I know I am, but I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”

“I don’t think you’

re an asshole,” I say softly. “An asshole wouldn’t have bailed on whatever it was you needed to do to help me out.”

He cringes. “I didn’t have entirely selfless motivations.”

“Oh, really?” I raise a brow.

“I thought you were hot.” He grins. “Who wouldn’t help out a hot damsel in distress?”

I laugh. “Well, thank you. No matter your motivation, thank you.”

He laughs and tilts his head. “That wasn’t the reaction I was expecting.”

“What can I say?” I turn away from him and look back over my shoulder. “I’m full of surprises.”