Page 106 of Playing Her Game

I catch myself smiling more than once.

Not because of the scenery, though it’s hard not to appreciate it. Because she’s still there, just ahead of me. Because she chose to spend the afternoon with me, and then the drive, without making me ask twice.

Eventually, she turns onto a narrower road, and I follow her through a stand of tall pines. The trees thin around a bend, revealing a broad clearing tucked against the mountain slope.

Waldruh.

I slow as the house comes into view.

It’s not what I expected, though I’m not sure what I expected. The property sits above the valley, surrounded by forest, with the mountains rising behind it like a wall. The house is built from dark timber and pale stone, its steep roof carrying a thin layer of snow. Tall windows catch the fading light, and a covered terrace runs along the front, overlooking the valley below. A detached garage sits set back from the main house, and a path cleared through the snow leads to the entrance.

It’s private without being isolated from the world. Beautiful without trying too hard.

I pull in behind Anna and shut off the engine.

For a moment, I just sit there and take it in.

I bought this place because I wanted somewhere quiet. Somewhere I could come when Chicago became too much, when the season and the noise and the expectations got under my skin. A place that belonged only to me.

I’d imagined arriving here alone.

I hadn’t imagined her walking up the path ahead of me, her hair lifting in the mountain wind as she turns to see whether I’m coming.

She catches me staring at the house.

“Well?” she asks.

I get out, shutting the door behind me. “It’s something.”

“That’s all you have to say?” She grabs my hand and pulls me toward the house.

“I’m trying to decide whether I should be offended that you’re more interested in seeing the inside than you are in telling me what you think.”

She smiles. “I’m never allowed to travel without staying at a hotel.”

“Allowed? Anna, you’re an adult.”

“Twenty-six, soon to be twenty-seven, and yeah, I know, clearly, I have issues saying fuck right off. I’m an adult when I’m using my parents' card.”

I laugh and do it loud.

“What is so funny?” she asks, giving me the sass I’ve been aching for.

“Nothing, fancy, nothing at all.”

“Are you mocking me?”

“Never.” I rub my face to hide my amusement.

She turns her back to me and mutters, “I knew I should have said pussy.”

That does it; I lose my shit, and she scoops up snow and throws it in my face.

CHAPTER 19

LET IT SNOW

Anna