Free Love Game by Mallory Rush Page A

either way. Greg had a subtle humor, and a special knack for bringing out her own. It was, she decided, one of the sexiest things about him—next to his smile. No judgment calls from him; why the hell should she judge herself?
    “If the First Methodist Church could see me now, I’ll bet I could get out of playing piano for Sunday school.”
    “From what I know about Lubbock, you might even have a good chance of getting out of your job.”
    “You’re right,” she agreed, sobering. “Sometimes I get really tired of it—the school politics, neighbors knowing each other’s business, watching what I say and do so my Snow White reputation stays intact. Trying to be the perfect mom, the perfect daughter. Well, I’m not perfect.”
    “The things we have in common, don’t they beat all. Seems you’re a vice for me too, Snow White.” There was a darkness in his gaze that had the feel of a deep, wet kiss in a public place, an urgency too strong to wait for the closing of doors.
    Chris tried to look away, but couldn’t. When she took a quick sip of her drink, his eyes followed the movement and remained fixed on her mouth.
    “So, what other vices do you have?”
    Vices…vices. She was sure she had some besides her recently acquired taste for Greg. Did reading for an hour in the tub qualify? She didn’t think so. What about hating housework and having a home that showed it? Not down and dirty enough, either.
    “I always pick the longest line at checkout stands. That way I can flip through the tabloids without having to hide the trashy things at home.”
    His low laughter eased into an indulgent smile. “Is there a chance that you ordered a collection of Groovin’ Oldies for $18.88 from the tube when everyone with a life was already asleep?”
    “I was tempted,but I didn’t. They lost a sale when ‘Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I’ve Got Love in My Tummy’ rolled up the screen. Not that I didn’t like the song as a kid, but hey, I’ve got some pride.”
    “Since we’re baring our souls, I have a confession of my own to make: I was weak and totally without pride.”
    “No. Get outta here!”
    “It’s in Dad’s glove compartment, along with some other CDs I didn’t want to move. Again. I should pay rent for the stuff they hang on to for me.”
    “ You bought ‘Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I’ve Got Love in My Tummy’?” She cracked up and he joined her. “Boy oh boy, have I got something on you now.”
    “Mutual blackmail, Chris. Never can tell when a National Enquirer might show up in your mailbox.”
    “Don’t you dare! I wouldn’t be able to show my face to the mailman for a week.”
    “Want to know what’s your worst vice? Worrying too much about what other people think.”
    “And well I know it. That is my worst vice and ten times harder to kick than stealing smokes in the bathroom.”
    “No need to steal them here.” He shoved an ashtray her way on the coffee table. “Light up whenever you get the urge. Maybe I’ll even join you with the cigar my brother-in-law stuck in my pocket. I’m an uncle again, as of today.”
    The fact he hadn’t said anything until now told her where babies fit into Greg’s scheme of importance. Had Tammy just given birth, Chris knew she’d have camped out at the hospital to beg, borrow or steal any cuddles she could.
    “Did you see the baby yet?”
    “This morning. Cutelittle sucker—until it wet on me. Reminded me why I’m a lot more comfortable holding a football or a front line than babies.” He studied his drink, then downed it. “Sometimes I wonder if I’d given fatherhood a second shot, if I would have done better…. Hell, couldn’t do worse. But I don’t ever think about it too long. I’ve got enough guilt to deal with as it is. A double dose of shame, I don’t need.” He shoved his empty glass next to hers and reached for the remote control. “Oh, by the way, I’m clean.”
    “Better than clean, you smell great.”
    “Not what I meant.” He shook