Playing Passion's Game by Lesley Davis Read Free Book Online

hangs round with Zoe, so he has her little sister Sam by proxy.” She stepped back to introduce Elton to Monica. “Monica Hughes, may I introduce Team Captain Elton Simons.”
    Monica held her hand out to shake Elton’s, but he gently turned it over and kissed the knuckles hidden in her glove. “The pleasure is all mine,” he said gallantly.
    “You’ve removed your face paint,” Monica said with disappointment.
    Elton scowled at Trent. “She said I would scare the patrons of the pizza restaurant so I had to wash it off.”
    “It was very fetching.”
    “Thank you.” His eyes were drawn to a small tattoo visible on her neck. “You’re a fan of Within Temptation?”
    Monica fingered the band’s symbol on her skin and faked a swoon. “I want ‘Ice Queen’ played at my funeral.”
    Elton clenched his fist and punched the air. “Finally! A real woman! I want ‘Deceiver of Fools’ played at mine. Please, let me escort you to dinner.” He guided Monica past Juliet, tucking her arm in his, and they began chatting together as if they were old friends.
    Juliet blinked as they passed by. “So much for that awkward first meeting.”
    “Fate obviously meant for them to meet. You and I were merely their conduit,” Trent said.
    Folding her arms loosely across her chest, Juliet regarded Trent steadily. “And what about us?” she asked softly.
    Trent froze, caught off guard by Juliet’s obvious teasing. She hesitated, then offered her own arm to Juliet. “I too have a healthy respect for fate and destiny and little sisters lost in the wild streets of Baydale.” She gave Juliet a shrug. “But forgive me if I haven’t picked my funeral music out just yet.”
    “I’m very glad to hear it.”

    *

    The meal was a lively affair, full of loud talking and laughter. The gamers were seated at a large table that ran along the back of the restaurant in front of the windows. Kayleigh wasn’t the only child to join them at their table; Chris had gathered up his brother Wade, and Zoe had brought along her sister. The children were interspersed among the adults and kept highly entertained by their stories and jokes. Trent reached for a piece of pizza while speaking to Monica.
    “I wondered if you’d remove your gloves.”
    Monica lifted her own piece of pizza and sighed. “Had I known that today’s festivities would culminate in this food free-for-all, I would have dressed more accordingly.”
    “I think you look beautiful,” Elton said, his eyes never leaving Monica’s.
    She glowed at his obvious sincerity. “I can do jeans. I just prefer to express myself a little more differently on the weekend.”
    Trent stuffed a piece of pizza in her mouth and chewed, savoring the tangy cheese taste. “You look amazing. I’m used to seeing Elton all gothed up, but there’s something very striking about a woman in her regalia. You’re handsome and all, Elton, but you just wouldn’t look the same in that dress.”
    “Sad, but true,” he said.
    “Monica, I couldn’t help but notice your ornate earrings. They really are unusual.”
    Monica touched her ear and twisted the black bejeweled design so it caught the light. “Thank you. I found them in a little antique shop.”
    “Elton, show her your ring. I think she’ll love it.” Trent leaned back as the two dark heads bent together as Monica excitedly exclaimed over Elton’s devil’s head ring.
    “Are you quite finished matchmaking?” Juliet spoke softly into Trent’s ear. Trent’s whole body tingled at the soft breath that had whispered against her skin.
    “They make a perfect couple,” Trent said quietly back, looking directly into Juliet’s eyes and marveling at how blue they were. Juliet blinked and Trent hastily drew back, conscious of how close she had been leaning into Juliet’s personal space. Step away, Trent, this lady is not for playing and you’re certainly not the sort she’d play with .
    Juliet moved back also and regarded Trent a moment before