“She knew you were scared of heights, but she didn’t even alternate with the smaller rides so you could join them. Her birthday or not, that was rude. And you were a funny kid. I was much happier hanging out with you anyway.”
Words fail me, other than a paltry, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
It’s been a while since we’ve gone this long without snarking at each other. I just can’t find it in me to be petty right now. Perhaps he can’t either.
We stand inches from the door that leads to our game area, simply stuck in the moment. Gazes locked like we’re seeing the other through fresh eyes.
His fingers stroke mine tenderly, and I decide we aren’tstuckin the moment. Rather, we’re indulging in it.
And all those hummingbirds start to take flight.
Oh no. Not again.
I blast those stomach-dwelling pesky birds with frigid air so they go to sleep.
Time for a topic change. “When we left the front desk, why did you ask the cashier what kind of car he drives?”
Reed smirks and opens the bay door, tipping his head to encourage me to head out first. “I’m gonna find his car in the lot before we leave and run his plate to see if he’s got any outstanding warrants. Maybe bring him in for a little chat one day.”
As he ushers me into our private game area, I try to keep my laughter muted. Additionally, I attempt to ignore how much I like the sound of his.
I fail on both accounts. But there’s something to be said for consistency, right?
Bay twelve has two comfy couches and a bar-height table that box out our space. In the center is a rectangular patch of green turf that butts up to the edge of the deck. Clearly, that’s where we’ll tee off.A computerized console is on one side with a rack of golf clubs.
I glance around, noting we’re essentially on a large patio that runs the length of the entire building. It’s covered on top but opens onto a gigantic driving-range-type space. There are big fans and chillers to keep it comfortable, which my deodorant will no doubt appreciate. On both sides, there are other alcoves matching ours, most of them filled with people who are eating, drinking, laughing, and hitting golf balls.
This place reminds me of golf’s version of a bowling alley.
For a better view, I pad to the edge of the deck.On the golf green, which is somewhat downhill from our vantage, there’s a smattering of multi-colored holes in varying sizes spread out with no apparent rhyme or reason. Those must be our targets. My superior powers of deduction also lead me to believe the smaller or farther away the target, the more points it’ll be worth.
Beyond the range, giant netting spans the property, rising well over one hundred feet. Maybe even two or three hundred feet. I have to bend my neck to take it all in. The posts holding the netting are so dang tall they give me a gnawing sensation in the pit of my stomach. My chest tightens as I stare upward.
Oh, boy.Don’t like that.
I blink and retreat a few steps to relative safety. I won’t be spending much time out on the ledge. Even if we’re on groundlevel, there is something unsettling about being near super-tall things like that.
Reed’s sitting at the table, so I join him. A server comes along to set up our game console, explain the rules, and take our beverage orders.
I smile at my date. “This seems like it will be fun. Good choice, Reed.”
He plucks a plastic-coated menu from atop the napkin dispenser and slides it across the table at me. “Well, I did some thinking after our last date.”
“Oh,look at you, big guy. You must be so proud,” I jest.
He licks his lips and melts me with an earnest smile. “I wasn’t sure if you’d want to eat or not this time, so I figured I’d pick a place that has entertainment too. Eat or don’t. It’s up to you. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable about meals in public. Even if I don’t agree, it wasn’t fair of me to force my opinion on you. Especially when you’re the one living with those thoughts and experiences.”
Words. I’m sure I’ve got some. I just can’t find them now.
He shakes his head and shrugs. “I’m sorry I was heavy-handed about dinner. I won’t do it again. When we’re together, I only want you to be content and happy.”
I’d like to amend my earlier statement.
Please let the official record reflect that I willnotfall in love with Reed Hayeswillingly.
TWENTY
