Read Online Game On by Lillian Duncan - Free Book Online Page A

know what. I think not. Bring it out while the other is cooking.”
    “Really?”
    “Sure, why not. I’ll bet it will taste even better while I’m starving.”
    “Will do.” Misty walked away, shaking her head.
    “Do you eat like that all the time? If so, I’m surprised you don’t weigh five hundred pounds.”
    His voice went down a notch or two. “Not at all. But it will make a great story for all the patrons to tell. Word of mouth is the best publicity there is.”
    “You sound like a politician.”
    “Well, you’re the one who told me to start acting like one. So I am.”
    “So I did.” She plowed into her chicken-fried steak. Delicious. After a few bites and a long sip through her straw, she looked at him. “What are you doing here? I thought you needed to go to DC.”
    “I postponed that. Decided the last thing I needed right now was more publicity. Elizabeth will reschedule it.” He shrugged. “I figured a few days back here would do me good. Did you listen to my message?”
    “Not yet. I haven’t had time.”
    Misty walked over with a giant helping of the cobbler topped with ice cream. “Here you go, Senator.” She pulled a camera out of her pocket.
    He tensed.
    Nikki was suddenly aware of his thigh resting against hers. It felt too familiar. She scooted away.
    “Mind if I take a picture of you eating?” Misty pointed at the wall behind the counter. It was decorated with other patrons enjoying their food.
    “Not at all.” He picked up his spoon, scooped it full, and then moved it up to his mouth.
    Misty snapped a few pictures. “We might try to get it in the paper if that’s all right with you.”
    “Have you ever known a politician to turn down publicity?”
    Misty laughed. “Can’t say that I have. Of course, you’re the only one I know.” She looked over at Nikki and then back at Lucas. Her eyes narrowed. “Hey, weren’t the two of you an item at one time in high school?”
    ****
    Nikki almost choked on the chicken-fried steak. She swallowed. “I wouldn’t say we were an item. We dated a few times.”
    Lucas hid his smile. It was fun watching her squirm a bit, trying to avoid the question.
    “Yeah, it seems to me that the two of you were head over heels. I mean, you don’t go to the prom with just anyone. Whatever happened with the two of you anyway?”
    Nikki stuffed another bite of her chicken-fried steak in her mouth even though she was coughing from the last piece.
    Lucas took pity and rescued her. “Graduation happened. I went off to college while Nikki kept breaking hearts here in Maiden for a few more years.”
    “That’s right. You were older than us.” Misty grinned. “And that silver hair proves it.”
    “It proves nothing except that I come from a long line of premature gray-haired men.”
    “It looks good on you. So…what’s this little luncheon about?” Misty grinned.
    “Just a coincidence, really. I had no idea she’d be here.”
    “Same here,” Nikki managed to say as she reached for her soda. “Two old friends catching up. That’s all.”
    “I don’t know. The two of you look awfully cozy. Just the way you used to.”
    “That was all a long time ago, Misty. Please don’t put that in the paper.”
    “I won’t. But it’s odd, both of you showing up here at the same time. Know what I mean?” Misty grinned.
    “That’s what I was just saying to Nikki. Both of us showing up in Maiden at the very same time and here at the restaurant. Serendipity, right?” Lucas winked at Misty. “It must mean something.”
    Misty looked at each of them with a knowing smile. “You still make a great-looking couple. It wouldn’t surprise me if God has something in mind for the two of you.”
    Nikki’s face flushed red as she protested. “That is so ridiculous, Misty. I’m a private investigator in Florida and he’s about to become a US senator. God definitely has no plans for the two of us. Together.”
    Misty shook her head. “I’m just