For the One
Gaming the System, #5
Gaming the System, #5
by Brenna
Aubrey
Publication date: May 10th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Publication date: May 10th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
BLURB
He’s got everything but
game….
William Drake is an artistic
genius with a photographic memory and the intensity to master practically any
task. Oh, and he owns a chunk of a billion-dollar gaming company. A twenty-six
year-old guy with his wealth, talent, and good looks shouldn’t have problems
winning over women. Except he does. To be exact—and detail-obsessed
William is always exact—he’s got problems with Jenna Kovac, the troubled beauty
who has his heart working overtime and his tongue tied in knots.
And she can’t afford to
lose.
Jenna Kovac is a survivor. When
war ripped her world apart, she lost her family, her homeland, and her one true
love. She’s made a new life for herself in the US, but she’s learned that
nothing is permanent, and some nights it’s not even safe to dream. When a
scumbag sells her future out from under her, suddenly the only man who can get
it back is William Drake, geeky—but scorching-hot—social disaster. William must
learn to stay cool under pressure for the all-important duel he’s about to
fight. Unless she can teach him to loosen up, she’ll lose everything. Again.
But Jenna’s got a few things to
learn from this irresistibly enigmatic man. As they spend time together,
they’re soon exchanging long, slow kisses—and painful secrets. There’s so much
more to William.
Something that might be
worth taking one more risk…
“Because
I didn’t want to say anything rude, and you made me angry.”
“Because
I asked you to look me in the eye?”
“Yes.”
“Well,
maybe I’m just tired of you looking everywhere but my eyes.”
He
blinked. “It’s difficult.”
“Why?”
He shook
his head. “Because when I’m looking in your eyes, I’m too distracted to hear
what you are saying. It’s intense.”
“What’s
intense? I mean, I know I’m beautiful, but…” I joked in an effort to lighten
the mood.
“Yes. You
are beautiful. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
I sucked
in a breath. Wow. He’d said it in a matter-of-fact tone as if stating that the
sky was undeniably blue. There was no art to the words, no obvious attempt at
flattery. Why was my throat closing up like this?
“I was
joking.” I laughed self-consciously. “I’m not really that full of myself.”
“I don’t
know what that means. But you shouldn’t joke about being beautiful. It’s not a
joke.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets and waited.
I felt both uncomfortable and pleased at the same time. My cheeks were flaming hot and—ironically—I couldn’t meet his gaze even if he wanted me to.
I felt both uncomfortable and pleased at the same time. My cheeks were flaming hot and—ironically—I couldn’t meet his gaze even if he wanted me to.
“I didn’t
realize,” I suddenly blurted, my voice trembling with regret.
“What?”
“That it
was so hard for you to look in my eyes. I thought that was a myth. I don’t
spend a lot of time around autistic people.”
“It’s
hard to look in anyone’s eyes, but easier if I know the person.” I was flooded
with relief that he seemed okay discussing this. “Mostly it keeps me from
focusing on what is being said. It also makes me feel like I’m violating that
person’s privacy.”
“By
looking in their eyes?”
“Like I’m
seeing things that I shouldn’t see.” He shakes his head. “I get tired of having
to explain it to people. And you aren’t going to get it so—”
“The eyes
are the windows to the soul,” I interrupted quietly.
“Eyes are
not windows.”
“It’s a
metaphor, Wil. It means that a person’s eyes can show what’s going on with them
beneath the surface. So maybe you’re feeling like a Peeping Tom?”
He was
quiet for a long time, shifting from one leg to the other. “Yeah, so maybe if I
make eye contact with you as long as you want, you’ll let me peep through your
window.”
I opened
my mouth, about to lodge a protest, when I saw the smile on his face. He was
rather pleased with himself and his joke. “Ha ha. Then again, you do stare at
my boobs enough.”
“I like
your breasts.” His eyes darted to my chest, causing my nipples to tighten under
my t-shirt.
I folded
my arms to cover my unconscious reaction and laughed. “I can tell.”
“And your
butt. And your legs. And—”
“All
right, all right. I get the picture. Let’s get in your car,” I said with an
exasperated sigh. Typical man.
Brenna
Aubrey is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of contemporary romance stories that
center on geek culture. Her debut novel, At Any Price, is currently free on all
platforms.
She has
always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves
in her head. Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore
finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two
little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find
time to pursue her love of storycrafting.
She
currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two
adorable golden retriever pups, a bird and some fish.
Author Links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter
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