Page 15 of The Run Option

“How do you cheat at pinball?”

“I-I don’t know,” she stammers, flustered. “Calvin always says I cheat even though I don’t know how. But you definitely did.”

“Want to try best two out of three?” I ask through my laughter.

“You’re on. And this time I’m going to keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t cheat.”

“Fine by me. I don’t have any qualms about you having your eyes on me, in case you were wondering.”

Her already flushed skin gets brighter. My grin grows.

“You’re an incorrigible flirt,” she says, which wouldn’t necessarily be an insult if not for the way she says it. She steps toward the machine but loses her balance. I reach for her, but I don’t steady her in time to stop her ankle from bending awkwardly in her high heel.

She hisses in pain and clutches my arm.

“Are you all right?” I ask.

Her glare assures me that was a stupid question.

“I think I twisted my ankle. This is why I hate heels. Well, that and I’m usually taller than my date when I wear them.” She looks up at me. The realization that she’s lookingupeven in heels dawns on the both of us. “Don’t say it.”

“What?” I give her an innocent look. “All I was going to do is point out I’m a foot taller than you.”

“No, you’re not. You’re six foot eight, I’m five foot nine.”

“Why do you know how tall I am?” I ask, my chest warm at the thought of her looking me up.

“I work for the team. I have to know these things.”

“How tall is Calvin?”

“What? Why?”

“You said you have to know the team’s stats. How tall is Calvin?”

“I-I-” she stutters. Huffs. “Are you going to quiz me or help me walk? I don’t think I can put weight on my ankle.”

“I can do both,” I say with a grin, then sweep her up in my arms bridal-style. She sucks in a surprised breath.

“This is not what I meant when I said help.”

“You ought to be more specific then,” I reply. “Do you want a ride home now or later? I can plant you on a couch upstairs if you want to enjoy the party a little longer.”

She sighs, the fight already seeming to leave her. “I’m kind of tired. I’d like to go home, but I can call an Uber.”

I start to carry her upstairs, ignoring the cacophony of whispers from those in the game room. I’m sure this looks like more than it is, but carrying her will be a whole lot easier than helping her limp up the stairs.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ve been ready to leave for a while,” I tell her.

“Okay.” She relaxes a little more in my arms. “I’m going to close my eyes so I don’t see everyone staring.”

“Good plan,” I say with a breathy laugh.

Once we’re on the main floor, we draw a lot more attention. I do my best to glare at everyone enough to keep them away, but Aaliyah rushes over before I can make it to the door.

“Is she okay?” she asks.

Willow lifts her head and looks at her. “I’m all right, I just had a little too much to drink and twisted my ankle. I’ll have to Uber over here in the morning to get my car.”

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