Hal had wandered away, each step slower and more controlled than the last. He rubbed the back of his neck as he paced, never looking directly in Zinda's direction. The woman had destroyed him at his own game and though the solid weight of disappointment was crushing his chest, it was nothing compared to the joyful flutter in his stomach. Oh no...
He turned swiftly, mouth agape, with an accusatory finger pointed in her direction. Whatever he wanted to say was lost and he was forced to thrust his fingers through his hair and continue his meandering. "How did this happen?" he groaned, rubbing a hand down his face to try and mellow the disbelief that had surfaced. "I can't lose. I never lose. How did I lose?"