Page 91 of Renegade Rift
“But I don't know how to play.” I backpedal toward my room. “And isn’t it something where there’s a story, and you guys have already started, and I’m not a part of it, so I’d just be in the way?”
“Relax, Juliet. I’ve got you taken care of.”
Doesn’t he always.
Ford picks up a stack of papers off the table and offers them to me. “I’ve created you a character with an easy backstory. Your only job will be to hit things really hard and protect your party.”
“That’s it?” My brow wrinkles. “It can’t be that easy.”
“If that’s what you want. That’s the beauty ofDungeons and Dragons. You can be as much or as little as you want.”
I chew on my cheek, debating if I shouldn’t continue my retreat to the bedroom or hear him out.
This is so far out of my comfort zone. But of course, that’s why we’re doing it. Ford promised to teach me the ins and outs of dating. Anyone I go out with will have interests of their own that I’ll need to try. How am I supposed to discover what I like if I’m not willing to step outside my norm a little?
But Dungeons and Dragons?
Come on. Will I really be able to use these skills in the future?
Still, I can’t deny my interest is piqued by the game that took Ford from surfing prom king and unleashed his inner nerd.
I take the stack and glance over the top paper. The first thing to pop out at me is the name and class of my character.
“Shea Holkenson, Barbarian.” I snort and level a playful glare. “Youseriously named me She Hulk?”
Mischief glimmers across Ford’s face as he feigns innocence. “It seemed fitting considering you like to call me Hulk.”
All I can do is shake my head as I continue reading through the backstory Ford created for me. Shea is an orc who has been wronged. She used to be known throughout the lands for her family’s famous chili. But someone stole the recipe and is now claiming they have the best chili in the land. Shea is working her way across the continent to find the thief and bring them to justice.
It’s quirky and cute, and I hate that I’m swooning over the fact he wrote a backstory for my character that incorporates my love of cooking.
“Okay, so I’m a big green orc barbarian with a vendetta, but where do I fit into the game?”
“That’s the best part. We play a style of game that each session is a mission, that way whoever is able to show up to play can, and we’re still pretty low level, so there’s not too much overarching story yet. You’ll just be a pretty orc at the tavern that joins the party so she can make a few coins to fund her vendetta.”
Excitement and passion shine in his eyes as he talks about this game he loves. It’s contagious, and I find myself looking forward to seeing Ford in his element. Especially after watching him pour over the source books he now has neatly stacked on a cart in the corner.
“You’ve thought of everything.” I quickly look away and continue to read over the stats and features of my character so he won’t see how touched I am by his actions. “And who plays with you?”
“A few of the guys on the team. It started with me showing Smitty how to roll up a character during a rain delay. By the time the game started, a few more of the guys had joined in, and I agreed to run a game. Now we play whenever we’re in town and have a free day or the night off after an early game, like today.”
“And Jo plays with you guys too?”
“Correct. She’s probably the most excited for tonight, since it will mean she’s not the only woman at the table.”
Ford takes two steps forward, closing the space between us so we’re nearly toe to toe. His citrus scent engulfs me, and my stomach flips as I tip my head back and grin. “Well, we wouldn’t want to disappoint Jo, would we?”
His lips pull up in a tight smile. “That’s your reason for saying yes?”
“Do I need a better one?”
He shrugs nonchalantly. “It just means I’m going to have to wow you tonight, so you’ll walk away wanting to return for me instead of her.”
“That’s a tall order, Mr. Hulk.” I tilt my head to the side, exposing my neck to him.
For the hundredth time since our first date, I’m wondering who the heck I am to tempt fate like this and tease him, but I can’t help it. It's just so…easy with Ford. Maybe it’s because there are no consequences for my reckless behavior, or maybe it’s because as of late my body craves release like a drug, but I’m enjoying learning with him.
Ford leans in, his lips so close that I can feel his breath brush mine. “I’m up for the challenge.”
