Page 143 of How to Win the Girl

Drake

I’ve shother at least ten times.

Each time, Daisy curses at me before stomping away to respawn, steam practically rising from her cute little ears. Muttering curse words even though they told us very specifically not to curse since there are kids present.

She’s adorable.

Even if I wanted to stop shooting her, I can’t.

At this point, it would be a travesty, she’s just so darn bad at laser tag.

Whose idea was this?

Mine, obviously.

My heart races as I crouch in a “house” made of plywood, fake vines hanging from the room, over the windows for camouflage. I peek over the window ledge, looking for anyone with a different color headband, enough light in the warehouse to at least differentiate red from blue.

I can’t see the human on the other side of the wall, but like a ninja, I sense it.

Wait, crouching tiger, hidden dragon—come at me bro.

The little blond girl from the red team rounds the corner, standing in the doorway. She widens her eyes, mouth shaped like an “O.”

In less than two seconds, I raise my laser and zap one of the points on her vest, the lights on her headband lighting up.

She’s out.

“Sorry, kid.”

Not sorry.

“Gotta be quick.” That’s my advice as she hefts her laser and runs off to respawn, as furious as Daisy has been the ten times I’ve nailed her.

Wonder where she’s hiding…

Creeping out the door of the fake shed, I hustle down a long corridor, ducking inside a large, refrigerator-size cardboard box. I peer around the corner, watching for movement.

Count to three and then I’ll run for the opposite side of the—

“Oh shit!” Daisy swears when she quickly darts inside the box, which has plenty of room for us both with breathing space. “You.”

“Not happy to see me? Personally, I think this is a delightful surprise.”

I can see her narrow her eyes. “You’re so full of shit.”

“You’re right.” I pucker my lips. “Give me a kiss so I can go fuck some more shit up. They time these games.”

Behind her narrowed eyes, I can see her warring with herself, debating about whether or not to kiss me.

I tap on my chin. “Come on. Once more before I go off to battle.”

“I should shoot you.”

I nod. “Yup, you should. But you’re not going to.”

She frowns. “You are so annoying.”

I pucker my mouth.

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