“Got to get three for three, man. Two out of three gets you a ducky,” says the attendant.
Yeah, I don’t want a stupid duck. I want this girl. I grab the ball from him and give the beauty a wink before I look to the net. Studying the height, gauging the distance, and fucking praying that I make it. And when I launch the ball, it goes right in.
I turn and look down, smirking when I see how shocked she is that I made it. But under that shock is a little twinge of excitement, a smile she’s trying to fight. “That’s one,” I tell her, picking up the second ball.
“That was luck.”
She says it right as the second ball drops through the net. I kiss my fist and point to the sky, thanking my dad for playing hoops with me as a kid. “That’s two.”
“Do you play basketball?”
My brow cocks up. “Do I look like I play basketball?” I’m the Savage Knight VP, not some athlete. But I’ve always had a good eye and a good aim, hence, me being King’s right-hand man.
Her eyes travel over me again, warming every inch they land on, and my dick is starting to aim straight at her, wanting to make a dunk shot and sink into her sweet body. Damn, she is something. Little curves. Cutest smile. Prettiest darn eyes I’ve ever seen. They remind me of the ocean. One of my favorite spots as a kid. Probably because it’s the place where I share the happiest memories with my parents.
“Here you go, son.” The man hands me the ball. “Good luck.”
I tip my chin at him and turn, lining up my shot, gauging the distance, breathing in to calm my nerves. Her sweet scent fills my nose on the inhale. Coconut oil and palm trees with a hint of citrus. Like a hot summer day at the beach drinking a piña colada. Damn, this girl in a bikini would be a sight for sore eyes. Gonna need to take her up to the lake for a picnic. That is…if I get the chance.
I take the shot and it hits the rim, giving my nerves a flip before it drops right into the basket, and I’ve never been more fucking pleased. The excited little squeal slips out of her before she shuts it down. I glance down, and though she’s still trying to fight it, I’m assured that she’s not disappointed by the fact that I came through for her. That piece of shit she came here with is a damn fool for leaving her alone.
“We’ll take that bear.” I point to the one she wanted. He hands it over to me and I give it straight to her. “For you, gorgeous.” I give her a wink. “Now, how about we take that ride?”
She takes the bear from me, looking at the thing like it’s something special, and that makes my chest hammer harder. When her eyes finally rise, my entire world shifts. Yep, that boy just forfeited his chance with her. She’s mine now. And I ain’t makin’ no bones about it.
“I think that was too easy for you. Maybe I should pick a more difficult game? Make it harder for you.”
And now she’s trying to play hard to get. Shit, I’m in love.
I lean in close, wanting to make sure the man before us doesn’t hear what I have to say.
“You’ve already made it impossibly hard, babe. Deal’s a deal.”
The shiver that rocks through her shoulders penetrates down my spine, leaving my sac hanging heavy and my dick trying to make a mess in my pants.
“Now, are you ready, doll?” I hold out my big, callused hand, still a bit dirty from working on the cars all day. But havin’ dirt under my nails is the story of my life. I’m ready to get her locked in that little cart, up at the top of the Ferris wheel with the mountains glowing under the light of the moon in the background. I want to sit across from her, stare into her pretty eyes, and find out everything there is to know about this girl. Where she’s from. Though, judging by her designer clothes, I’m guessing she’s from the ritzy part of town. What she likes to eat in the morning. Or if she just wants me to bring her a cup of coffee in bed.
“Fine,” she huffs, actin’ as if she’s annoyed, but that twinkle of excitement is still gleaming in her eyes, and her cheeks are blushing like crazy. “I’ll go. But I’ve only agreed to one ride.”
Fine by me.
Her little hand finally slips into mine and the spark that runs up my arm on contact almost trips my feet. Never been hit so hard with the case of flutters, but my entire body is buzzin’like a live wire. I start leading her toward the Ferris wheel, making a quick stop before we get to the ride.
“Can I have two bags of cotton candy please?” I hand the guy a twenty, tellin’ him to keep the change then I take her to the ride. Slipping the conductor a hundred-dollar bill to keep us on the thing until I give him a signal, and another twenty to keep her bear safe.
As soon as I get her locked in the cart, I could’ve ridden the thing all night long. It was the best first date of my life. Talking to her. Laughing with her. And man, the sound of her little laugh was addictive. We rode and rode. Around and around. And I never once saw the scenic view of the mountains or noticed the people down below. All I saw was her.
“Jeff just texted telling me they want to head out,” she states, looking at her phone. The smile drops from her cheeks and that glimmer goes dim.
“Do you want to leave, babe?”
Her eyes lift and the answer is right in the creases of disappointment etched around the edges.
“No, but he’s my ride.”
Not anymore, he ain’t.
“Do you think I want another man taking my girl home?”
