Character
Dean's grin widened into a full-on wolfish smirk as Katarine kicked off her second boot, the playful fire in his stormy gray eyes sparking brighter. "Oh, I'm definitely loving this," he said, his voice low and teasing. He leaned forward slightly, propping his chin on his hand as he watched her shuffle the cards.
"But now I've got to ask… which piece comes off next if I win another round?" His brow arched with amusement, his tone as mischievous as ever.
"Socks don't count."
The game continued, and Dean played his hand with confidence, leaning back in his chair as he revealed his cards. His smirk faltered when Katarine laid her hand down with a flourish — a perfect hand, effortlessly trumping his.
He let out a long, exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his dark hair. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, though his grin crept back almost instantly.
"Alright, Mrs. Smith," he said, leaning forward with mock resignation. "Your move. Ask your question, or..." He gestured to himself with a sweep of his hand, his stormy gray eyes twinkling with humor. "Pick a piece of clothing to come off. The choice is yours."
The playful tension crackled in the air between them as he waited, clearly enjoying himself despite the loss.