Page 144 of Tides That Bind

“Oh, I know, man, trust me.” I laugh even though it goes right over Lucas's head. I place a hand on his shoulder. “Be brave.”

Lucas straightens and runs away into the dark, the only light coming from the glow-in-the-dark graffiti littering the walls.

If I’m being honest, I’m dead ass tired after the previous three games of laser tag, but I made a promise to do my due-diligence and provide cover for Lucas so he can make it to the other team’s base and fire at it to win.

I lean against the walls less for cover and more for support and come to the end of an alley, sticking my head out to peek around. Harper’s light hair picks up a hint of the neon-streaked walls.

With not-so-cat-like steps, I make my way behind her. But I don’t bother with my laser gun. I grab her by the waistband of her jean shorts.

“Gotcha.”

Harper sighs. “Took you long enough. I’ve been in this spot for the last five minutes.” She turns around and holds up her hands, surrendering. “Go ahead. Let’s end this round already.”

“I know,” I begin, turning her around. “But I’d rather take you out a different way.”

When I press her against the wall, Harper raises an eyebrow. “How is that?”

I place my arm above her head, leaning closer. “Something slow.”

In the glowing light, I can see Harper bite down on her bottom lip.

It drives mecrazy.

“We’re playing laser tag,” she reminds me. “WithLucas.”

I tug on the heavy vest she wears. “I guess this explains the chastity belt then.”

Harper pushes my shoulder. “Do you think he’ll be doneafter this? I’m about to collapse. Next time, suggest the movies, would you?”

I smile at Harper’s use ofnext timeand about to lean down and give her a quick kiss when the vest she wears screeches and vibrates, indicating Lucas took out her base.

“Riley!” Lucas screams, from god knows where before the lights come on. “I did it!”

I straighten, looping my arm around Harper’s shoulders. “It wasn’t easy, but I took her hostage for you.”

“Good work.” Lucas runs up, holding his hand out for a low five. “What do you think? One last game?”

“I think we have to feed your mom,” I tell him, ticking my head toward the direction of the exit. “You know how she gets. She turns into a total gremlin when she’s hungry.”

Harper throws me a look over her shoulder. “Speak foryourselves.”

We hang up our gear and head out of the arcade.

“Burgers?” I suggest.

“Ice cream.” Lucas counters.

“Protein first, dessert second,” Harper concludes as we walk down the street, stopping at a stand with a line that better be worth the wait. “Why don’t we take it to go on the pier?”

I flick my head across the street. “Take him. I’ll grab the food.”

Twenty minutes later, I’m carrying a bag full of take-out, winding through dozens of people as I scan the crowd, looking for Harper and Lucas.

I stop in the middle of the pier and maybe everyone around me thinks the tall guy with the man-bun and the stupid grin on his face might be mid-stroke, or maybe having an out of body experience. But really, I’m just so fucking happy to be looking formy family.

In the distance, still a ways down, Lucas calls out my name, his voice nearly lost to the crashing waves of the ocean below the pier. But I’d hear it anywhere.

“What’s this?” Lucas pulls out a heavy, styrofoam cup out of the bag I place on the bench.

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