Game On Read Online Free

that?”
    “I could say because we cared about each other once, but I don’t think you’re in the mood to hear that. So how about because you love this country?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “You couldn’t even sing the national anthem all the way through without crying.”
    Her face warmed. She couldn’t believe he remembered anything about her, let alone that. “And what does that have to do with you?”
    “I’m not saying what’s happening to me is a threat to national security, but there is a possibility that it could be. After all, I am a US congressman and might be a senator soon.”
    “Appealing to my patriotism?” She had to give him credit. “You’re pulling out all the stops, aren’t you?”
    He grinned at her. “I wouldn’t say that.”
    “I would.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the yellow sticky note. She was beginning to hate that word. “If I listen, will you go away?”
    He nodded.
    “OK, I’ll listen. Then I’ll tell you no.”
    “Way to keep an open mind, Nikki.” He grinned as he sat down. “Can we talk about—?”
    “No, we can’t.” He hadn’t cared for the past sixteen years, and he didn’t care now. But he needed something from her, so he was willing to pretend if it meant she would be more agreeable. “Do you want to tell me what your problem is or not? I’ve got other things to do today.”
    “Better yet, I can show you. If you look me up on social media, you’ll see what I’m talking about.”
    She typed in the address he dictated.
    ****
    Nikki wasn’t the insecure teenaged girl he’d known. She was a beautiful and confident woman who wasn’t afraid to tell him what she thought. She didn’t seem to be the least bit intimidated by the fact he might become a US senator.
    Two of her best qualities had been her sweetness and her honesty. She was still honest, but he wasn’t so sure about sweetness after the scene he’d just witnessed. No one bullied her these days. He didn’t think even his father would have the nerve. If his father could see Nikki now, he’d be impressed with the woman she’d become.
    It was hard to believe sixteen years had passed since the last time Lucas had stared into those emerald-green eyes. He’d come here on the assumption she was over their past. That didn’t seem to be the case. Not that he blamed her. Nikki had every right not to help him, but he hoped to change her mind. He prayed for the right words to convince her.
    Nikki’s expression went from anger to curiosity to concern as she stared at the monitor.
    He didn’t have to look to know what she was seeing. His page was filled with pictures of himself in all sorts of situations and places. The pictures were accompanied by captions that said things like I see you or I’m watching you or something similar.
    “OK, this is a bit creepy. I’ll give you that.” She looked up at him. “So, what is this about?”
    “I appear to be part of some sort of internet game.”
    “A game?”
    “I know it sounds odd and it’s hard to explain, but it’s some weird version of hide-and-seek. And apparently, I’m it. I can’t get away from them. Everywhere I go, they are there taking pictures of me.”
    “And”—she held up both hands—“you’re a politician. A public figure. People like to take your picture. So what?”
    “Like I said, it’s hard to explain. They aren’t regular picture takers. Just today one of them chased me down the streets of DC. I was determined not to let her get my picture, and I won the game. At least for today.”
    Confusion crossed her face, then doubt. “You came all the way to Florida to see me because of some game. I don’t think so.”
    “I know it sounds bizarre.”
    “It doesn’t sound bizarre—it sounds as if you’re making the whole thing up. You’re a public figure—people have a right to take your picture.”
    Why couldn’t he make people understand? “True, but they don’t have the right to stalk me, do they?”
    “Excuse