Page 34 of Hard Count
Why do I think he’s just the man for the job? Nash somehow understands the extreme fear I have with letting someone new into my life. He's patient to the point I wonder if I'll be the one making the first move.
“I’ll settle for that kiss tonight.” He drops my hand and wraps his arm around my back, pulling me into his chest.
Tilting my head back, I look at him and say, “You’ll have to beat me first.”
He chuckles then kisses the center of my forehead. My skin tingles and my stomach does a little flip with every touch.
“What do you want to do first?” he asks. We walk past a few car racing and first hand shooter games. He could win those with his eyes closed.
“How about a classic?” I nod toward a water shooting game. It’s similar to one you would see at a carnival except you have to shoot water at moving targets on a screen.
“It’s on.” He drags me toward the game. We put our drinks down on a small table to our left and take our seats. Swiping our cards, we select the two player option.
I place one hand on the water shooter and the other on the start button. “On the count of three.”
He places his hand on top of mine. “Count with me.”
Our eyes lock and we begin to count. On three his hand presses against mine. The sound of water spraying against the game’s screen and dinosaurs roaring in annoyance pulls our attention away from each other and back to the game.
Dinosaurs run in between plants, trees, and large rocks trying to dodge our water. It takes me a minute to figure out you have to hold the water on the dinosaur to get more points.
“You’re really good at this,” I say, as he racks up points tracking down pterodactyls flying through the sky.
“It’s not too far off from some of the games I play at home.”
“Lucky you.”
“You’re doing good. Hold it steady and keep an eye on the left. They keep popping out of there. If you get them on that side, I’ll knock ‘em out over here.”
“Youshouldn't be helping me. We’re supposed to be competing against each other.” I jerk my water gun left and attack a bunch of raptors.
“I like it when we work together. We make a good team. Don’t you think so?” He glances over at me, waiting for my response as time runs out on the clock.
“Yeah, I think we do too.” My cheeks warm and I’m grateful the game is over so I can take a sip of my drink.
Nash swings around on his stool until he's facing my direction. I grab my drink and take a sip. He places his hands on my thighs and spins me until my legs are trapped between his. “What do you want to do next? We can play another game or get something to eat.” His fingers drift lightly over my jeans.
The way he’s touching me makes me want to surrender and let him claim his winning kiss now.
“Skee-Ball then pizza?” I ask instead.
“Sounds good, baby.” He squeezes my thigh then leans forward to grab his drink behind me. My chin hits his shoulder and I turn my head toward his neck, inhaling his woodsy cologne. He moves closer causing my lips to skim his jawline. The pads of his fingers still resting on my thigh dig deeper into the fabric of my pants.
“Sorry,” I whisper as I pull away.
“You never have to apologize for touching me. Let’s see if your arm is better than mine.” He winks.
I huff a laugh. “I think we both know how this is going to go.”
“I can use my right arm if you want.”
“I don’t think so. If I’m going to win against you, it’s going to be without any advantages.” I suck down the rest of my drink and place it in a bus tub as we pass. Nash stops and does the same.
Two of the four lanes are empty on the left side of the row. The other two are occupied by a couple of guys in high school. Seniors if I had to guess. I pick the lane beside them and they smile over at me. Nash presses his chest into my back and wraps his arm around me from one shoulder to the other.
The guys glance up at Nash and I have to roll my lips to keep from laughing. They throw the last few balls they have down their lane in rapid fire succession then high tail it away from us.
“I know you aren’t threatened by a couple of teenagers.” I spin out of his hold and put a hand on my hip.
