Page 29 of Counting His heartbeats

A shout of laughter leaves my mouth from the tightness around Zurmani's eyes and the deadpan tone of her voice.

This is why I need this woman in my life. Usually, I'm making other people laugh but Zurmani gives me multiple opportunities to feel and express humor in her presence.

"Damn, I'm amazed at your ability to wiggle in those jeans while wearing granny panties. I'm gonna have to submit your name to Guinness because I'm sure you deserve an accolade or something."

"Seriously wh?—"

"Welcome to Dungeon of Plays. I need to stamp your hands," a steroid-looking dude instructs when we reach the front entrance.

"Is this a sex club?" Zurmani quietly asks while leaning closer to the man, who laughs loudly. "Why is that funny?"

"Come on, woman. Let me remove the mystery so you can calm down," I respond, guiding Zurmani inside the large warehouse-like structure.

Ting. Ting. Zap. Zap.

"Wait... it's an arcade," Zurmani says when the sounds in the room bounce around the expansive space.

"Mhm. You should be ashamed of yourself for letting that dirty mind of yours run like that. I'm a wholesome g—" I start laughing when Zurmani stops walking before her left brow hikes, and her head cocks to the side with her right hand resting on her waist.

"Be for real, Jawaan."

"I am. Just yesterday, I was walking up the King?—"

"Jawaan Young, I'm not about to let you play in God's face. Please don't ruin this date by forcing God to humble you."

Putting my hands up in a sign of surrender, I waved the white flag because I had been within seconds of a dangerous fabrication.

"You're right. What would you like to play first?" I ask.

Warmth dances across my chest, and my stomach jolts when the corners of Zurmani's mouth turn upward. Seeing Zurmani's smile causes an electrifying and satisfying feeling to spread through my body.

"Pac-Man if they have it. I haven't played it since I was a kid."

"I'm sure they do." Grabbing Zurmani's hand, I lead us toward the old-school arcade games.

One thing I can appreciate about this particular establishment is that all the arcade games are broken down by year of creation. It gives this place a unique and intricate vibe that most businesses like it don't have. I attribute the thoughtful planning to the owner, a heavy gamer who also appreciates every type of fun all ages can enjoy.

"Here it is. How about taking turns and placing a wager on who wins?" I ask.

"Hm. Okay. I'm sure I'll beat you just like when we played games at your house."

A sneaky grin forms because Ms. Zurmani doesn't know that knowing the owner means my opportunity to spend countless hours here whenever I want. I'm pretty confident I'll come out the victor this time.

"You're pretty confident, Tigress."

"I am.

"Good. What do you want to wager?"

"Bragging rights and a commemorative souvenir from here."

"Say less."

"You're about to go down, Mr. Young."

Awe, my pretty Tigress. You're about to discover how determined I can be when something significant is on the line.

"You won fair and square, so I can't take your trophy."

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