Excerpt of Playing the Game by M.Q. Barber

Henry clicked his tongue. “Jay and I have both noticed your interest, Alice. It’s nothing of which you need be ashamed. We’re flattered.”

She waited for his gentle brush-off. God, why couldn’t she meet any available nice guys? Ones who could dress themselves in the morning and put a meal on the table once in a while? Ones who could hold her attention for more than three dates but wouldn’t pressure her for commitment?

“Definitely flattered,” Jay chimed in. His gaze raked over her body.

The move might’ve earned a stranger a drink in the face, but not Jay, her de facto best friend. His look was what she’d wanted when she put the dress on. Even if he was untouchable.

No rule against fantasizing. She’d apologize and promise to rein it in and everything would be fine.

“Manners, Jay.” Henry released her arm to pull out her chair. “I won’t tolerate such boorish behavior. Alice deserves more dignified attentions.”

She studied her sandals against the dining room rug. Dignified, undignified…hell, she liked ’em both.

“She wants to play, Henry. You know she does, even if she hasn’t said so.”

Jay rarely sounded so serious. She opened her mouth to ask about their game when Henry spoke.

“Enough, Jay. Sit down and keep your eyes on your plate if you can’t be polite.”

Jay’s eyes, defiant, lusting, caught hers. And then he sat and stared at his plate. What the hell had she walked into tonight?

“Alice. Please accept my apologies for Jay’s rather forward behavior.” Henry took a softer tone with her than with Jay, gentler, and his hand grazed her bare back. “The young are always in such a rush.”

She would’ve smiled if she weren’t so confused by their behavior tonight. Jay might have her birthday beat by eighteen months, but the impatience and immaturity she had shed still clung to him. Henry had a decade on Jay, but age wasn’t what set him apart. She imagined him mature and controlled even as a child. Dignified.

Henry tipped his head and captured her gaze. He was taller than she was. Not much. She might match him in heels, not that it mattered, since they weren’t dating and never would be. His height hit the sweet spot that made standing beside him exquisite, even if she’d never admit it aloud to the ones she turned down, the ones who weren’t the perfect fit.

Henry’s fingertips trailed over her spine, and she shivered.

“Except when they’re a bit skittish,” he murmured. “Is that what you are, Alice? Perhaps you’re feeling unsure of your place here?”

She couldn’t meet his gaze for long. His eyes invited her to drown in tender concern, implied an intimacy that made her nervous and needy. Jay proved no help, his focus locked to his plate.

“If you don’t wish to play, my dear, that’s fine. We three may still have a lovely dinner, and your longing looks will be no less welcome for the declined invitation.”

Her gaze flicked back to Henry’s. She wet her lips. Beneath the nerves welled a thrilling jolt, an anticipatory burst of glee.

“But there could be more if I want it?”