Page 31 of Impacted by Love

"They're comfortable, and I can do the same thing in these that I can in tennis shoes," she says, shrugging.

"Lucky for you, you're about to change into more appropriate shoes for this experience. I'll buy you a pair of footies so you don't have to worry about putting your bare feet in footwear that others have worn." Extending my hand, I bite my lip to prevent the moan from escaping when a jolt of something foreign surges through my body when our hands connect.

Unable to form words that won't allow me to express my need to keep Onesti in my life forever, I guide us toward the front entrance. Onesti's hand in mine somehow has me feeling the comfort and peace I have yet to experience with a woman other than Mama Layton. My chest is tightening and expanding with every step we take, and my nerves are firing on all cylinders. Dating isn't something I have appreciated or given much consideration to because of the stressors I have from my parents. Yet at this moment, with Onesti, the desire and urge to allow myself to experience something other than sexual pleasure envelops me with the grip of a bear hug.

"Now I'm going to forewarn you, I'm good at this, so I'll do my best not to rub your nose in my skills once we're done," Onesti warns when we enter the building, breaking me out of my thoughts.

A smirk upturns my mouth when my eyes connect with the cocky grin on Onesti's lips, causing me to goad her a little.

"Oh yeah? Do you want to place a friendly wager on who wins?"

Onesti's head starts bobbing, and her fingers snap at the sound of Kelly Price echoing around the room.

"I'm game," she agrees before her gaze roams around the room.

The bowling alley is loud and teeming with patrons engaging in league and pleasure play. Just in front of us, a group of people appear to be involved in a bowling tournament, judging by the presence of their logo shirts. Seeing two older women standing at the lanes, appearing to taunt one another, causes me to chuckle low before I focus back on Onesti.

"Okay, I'll let you set the parameters. In the meantime, let's take care of the logistics."

Heading to the man at the main counter, I pull out my wallet to pay for our games and shoes. "Good evening. I need a single lane with three rounds of play. I also need shoes for me and my lady, along with a pair of socks."

"Gotcha. What size?" the man asks.

"I need an eight, please," Onesti requests.

"Ten for me, please," I add.

Once the logistical part of the night has been taken care of and we've gotten balls and shoes on, I rub my hands together, peering intently at Onesti. "So, what are we playing for?"

"Your heart," Onesti teases before cracking up, and warmth fills me instantly upon hearing the merriment from her laughter.

Joy bubbles in her humor and shines in her eyes, causing me to swallow over the burning desire to keep experiencing moments with this woman.

"Unlike that sad-ass ninja, you will never have to sacrifice your integrity to own my heart. All I need is reciprocation, but seriously, what's the wager? We have three rounds of play, so how do we want to do it?"

"The loser has to buy coffee and lunch for the winner for two weeks," Onesti declares with twinkling eyes.

"Hm. Is that it?" I challenge, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Oh, that's not steep enough for you? Okay, then throw in breakfast too."

"Okay, let me make sure I understand. The loser has to buy coffee, breakfast, and lunch for the winner for two weeks. Is that correct?" I ask, smirking when I see a familiar face coming toward us.

"Yep," Onesti confirms, letting theppop.

"You're on, Ms. Onesti." Extending my hand so we can shake on it, I smile widely when Onesti places her hand in mine, sealing our deal.

"What's good, Asaiah? I thought y'all tournament isn't until next week," my boy Moses says, causing Onesti's forehead to wrinkle.

"It is. This is for pleasure. Onesti, this is one of my best friends, Moses. Mo, this is Onesti," I introduce while fighting the urge to laugh when the lines on Onesti's forehead increase.

"Wait, what is he talking about?" Onesti asks.

"Oh, Asaiah didn't tell you he's part of a bowling league?" Moses interjects before I can, and Onesti's eyes balloon.

"Man, that's not fair. I was getting my mouth set for victory," Onesti replies, pouting.

"I'm open to negotiations," I tease, smirking.

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