Super Dark (Super Dark Trilogy) by Tanith Morse Read Free Book Online Page A

thanks.”
    “It’ll be your turn in a minute.”
    “Can’t wait,” Frasier said, and I thought it sounded sincere.
    We watched intently as Lee glided up to one of the lanes and rolled his ball with expert precision, his movements fluid and graceful. In one throw, he demolished all ten pins.
    “Yes!” Lee punched the air triumphantly as everyone cheered. Then he turned to us and said, “Okay, it’s your turn now.”
    I shrugged my shoulders and felt heat creeping up my neck like a snake. I hadn’t really been watching Lee’s approach. I’d been preoccupied with how well his jeans fit.
    Lee handed me a ball. “Okay, Sam, give it your best shot.”
    I got up and walked up to the lane, acutely aware that everyone was watching me. The ball was much heavier than I’d imagined and I was having trouble just holding on to it. Then, trying hard to focus, I took two steps, dipped, and rolled the ball. It landed with a dull thud on the wood and crashed into the gutter.
    I squirmed and glanced sheepishly at Frasier. “Um, I guess that didn’t go too well.”
    “You can say that again,” Frasier said, laughing heartily.
    “Is this your first time?” Lee asked.
    I nodded dumbly.
    “I’m sorry,” Lee said sympathetically. “You should have told me. No problem. I’ll teach you.”
    “No, I’m okay,” I lied. “I know how to bowl, really. I probably just had something in my eye.”
    “Uh huh! A likely story,” Frasier laughed, shaking his head knowingly.
    Lee walked over to the rack and found me a much lighter ball. He handed it to me, then turned me to face the lane, his hands on my shoulders. Looking at his hands, I noticed that he was wearing a gold medallion ring to cover his tattoo.
    “Okay, to start with, your posture’s all wrong,” said Lee. “You’ve got to roll the ball. Don’t throw it. That’s a mistake all newbies make.”
    As he leaned forward to position my arms, his cheek softly brushed against mine, which sent my mind racing in every direction except bowling.
    “Do you work out?” he whispered.
    “What?” I said, my body stiffening.
    “Do you work out at the gym?”
    I could feel his breath against my earlobe. “Yes, a little. Nothing major.”
    “I can tell. Your arms feel pretty toned.”
    I smiled as the smell of his cologne filled my senses, struggling to think straight.
    “Okay, now close your eyes and try to imagine there’s no one else here but you. Not me, not Frasier, not anyone. Just focus on your target—those bowling pins at the end of the lane.”
    Taking a deep breath, I glided forward and rolled the ball. This time it sped down the aisle and knocked down six.
    It was my turn to punch the air. “Yes!”
    “That was really good for your first try, Sam,” Lee said with a broad smile. “You see? That wasn’t so hard, was it? All it takes is a bit of practice. You’ll get the hang of it.”
    “I might need some help, too,” Becky cooed, walking over and quickly placing herself between Lee and me.
    She glared at me briefly then turned back to Lee and gushed, “You’re such a good teacher. I think I could use a few lessons myself.”
    She linked her arm through his and led him to her lane.
    Lee glanced over his shoulder as he walked away and called, “Just remember, Sam, stay focused on the target and you’ll be fine.”
    “Now, do you think he can teach me, too?” Frasier joked as I sat next to him.
    “Ha, ha, very funny.”
    “But all joking aside, that was actually quite good, Sam.”
    I smiled thinly, but I wasn’t really listening. I was busy watching what was going on in Becky’s lane. She was shrieking with laughter as Lee stood behind her, just as he’d done with me. I watched her flirting, giggling, and tucking her hair behind her ear. Then I saw his fingers drop to her waist—and my heart sank. There was nothing special about me. Lee would have done the same for anyone. I silently cursed myself for being so naïve.
    Then I suddenly had a