Her Perfect Game by Shannyn Schroeder

his, where they gave each other pleasure, quiet, calm, and safe.
    Charlie hadn’t been so scared in all her life as she was when she stirred after Jonah’s lovemaking. She slid away from him. “I have to get changed for the competition,” she whispered.
    He stretched out in the bed, and she tried not to drool over the sight. She dressed quickly to stop the temptation of jumping on top of him, but then crawled back across the bed. “That was . . . amazing. More than I expected.”
    She kissed his chest and felt his heart thump beneath her lips.
    â€œWill you come back here after the competition tonight?”
    â€œYou know as well as I do, we might be working all night.” She swallowed hard with the realization that this might actually have to be good-bye. “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
    â€œMy flight leaves in the evening, but I have my room for the day. Business expense, so I don’t have to check out.”
    Not much of an invitation, and Charlie wasn’t sure if she could come back and spend the night with him, knowing he was leaving.
    She stood and he walked her out, always the gentleman. Leaving his naked hips tucked behind the door, he grabbed her collar and hauled her in for another searing kiss. “I hope you know that I won’t be able to think for shit tonight because I’ll only be imagining you naked in my bed.”
    She patted his cheek. “Definitely good that you’re not competing then, right?”

    Back in her room, Charlie showered and changed. She pulled her hair into pigtails as she did for her Laura Nim costume and hoped it might bring her luck. Walking down to the conference room, she tried to decide if she wanted to partner with Jane. She’d brushed the girl off last night because she’d been too preoccupied thinking about Jonah. The truth was, Jane hadn’t made much of an impression on her.
    At the conference room door, Charlie took a deep breath. This was it. Last challenge. Jane was already settled in front of her laptop.
    â€œHi, Jane. Did you still want to partner up?”
    Jane blinked up at her. “Oh, hi. Sorry. I didn’t get the impression that you wanted to work with me, so I’m partnered with Dark Horse over there.” She hitched her chin at a tall guy across the room.
    Well then. “Okay, thanks anyway.” Charlie backed off and went to check out the rest of the competitors. No way would she want to work with Poison. While he might be one of the best, she’d never be able to stomach his attitude and arrogance. Competitors’ names were listed on the screen in front of the room. Cracker and Dark Horse were already side by side as partners. Poison and Virus were paired. That left Charlie with Crash, Override, Wyred, CyberRe4per, or Legend. As she stared at the names, CyberRe4per and Legend connected.
    Charlie needed to make a decision fast, or she would have no choice at all. The problem was, she had no idea who was who. She couldn’t match a face with a name, but there was only one other guy in the room hanging by himself. She shrugged and went to introduce herself. “Hi, I’m Rook. Are you partnered up yet?”
    He extended a hand. “Override. And no, I’m not.”
    Override . . . if Charlie remembered correctly, he came in ahead of her and right behind Poison once Maverick had been booted out. He wouldn’t be a bad choice. “Want to hook up?”
    As the question left her lips, Jonah walked in. His gaze pinned her and she couldn’t help but smirk. She knew how the question sounded, but she didn’t care.
    â€œWhy not?” Override answered. He grabbed his laptop and followed Charlie to a section of table big enough for them to sit beside each other.
    Jonah walked the perimeter of the room, watching as hackers set up and paired off. Charlie met him at the front of the room, where Carl was manning his laptop. “Hi.” She winked