“You played really well,” she whispers in my ear as her breath skates across my neck. A zing down my spine has me adjusting my pants as she continues to rub my shoulders. She has strong hands. Moving my head back and to the front, as she continues to loosen up the knots in my neck and shoulders. Not from bowling per se, I’ve done a ton of manual labor, and this is just what I need. It’s even better than sitting in the hot tub.
I don’t even look behind me. It feels too good. I croak out, “You were better. Great job.”
The rest of the team congratulates her on the big win. No one has ever beaten me.
“Sis, great job kicking the shit out of this guy. You know he’s a pro.” He playfully jabs me with his elbow right in the ribs.
She leans back in and says, “I win.”
TWENTY-NINE
Ava
What Kai doesn’t know is that I’ve been on several bowling leagues, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. I didn’t want to let on that I was good—well,amazing. A little competition doesn’t hurt anyone.
“Want to know a secret?” I’m inches away from his ear, and it’s taking everything in me not to grab onto his ear with my teeth—tugging and sliding them over it.
“Ava, please tell me all your secrets.” The deep rumbling of his voice vibrates through my body, nipples tightening, heat pooling in my core…all for him.
“I’m also a pro bowler. These shoes suck, and the bowling balls are useless. Next time, I'll bring my own.”
He whips his head around, his eyes light up, and his mouth opens. “You’ve played in a league?”
With one shoulder to my chin, I say, “Ahhh…yes.”
“You are a shyster. You played me hard.” He has no idea how I want to play him hard right here on this bench.
I shake my head yes. Then, I bring both hands to my chin and smile. “Just having a little fun with you.”
“I’m getting my revenge. You wait.”
“I’ll be ready when you are.”
“Are you a professional laser tag player too?” His voice is low and deep, rocking me on my heels.
“I may or may not have some of the top scores at the laser tag place up in Portland.” I smothered my laughter with my hands.
He takes one huge step toward me, picks me up, and says, “Better gear up—I’ve got dibs on you for my team.”
“Well, I have dibs on you, I’m all about Team Kai, and kicking some ass.” I throw up both my hands over my head. “Let’s go.”
Placing me back on my feet, he sits down, takes his shoes off, and grabs his balls, yes, his bowling balls, then puts them in his bag. After returning my rentals, we walk over to the laser tag area and line up. My hand grazes his, and I glance over at him as he smiles at me. I do the only thing—smile back.
There’s a party ahead of us, which works in our favor because the rest of the gang is slowly moving this way.
I grab his arm and pull him down. “Ready to kick some ass?”
He slings his arm over my shoulder. “You bet I am.”
I lean into the scent of leather, mixed with a touch of citrus, and inhale deeply, blowing it out on his neck.
His arm grips me tighter as he mumbles, “Fuck, Ava,” under his breath.
I didn’t mean to do that and had no idea it would affect him like that. He smells good enough to eat up. I’d inhale his scent all day, with it lingering. As he pulls me in closer, the rest of our group joins us.
Logan’s voice bouncing off the walls, “Guys, Room…”
Kai stands taller, not phased at all.
