Page 52 of Forbidden Mischief
“Patience,” he says with a grin, his voice low and smooth. “You’ll see soon enough.”
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued, but not wanting to push for answers.
When he turns off the main road and heads toward town, I sit up a little straighter. “This isn’t a camping trip, is it?”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “Not this time. Trust me, I’ve got something way better planned.”
My curiosity peaks as we drive into town, and the car eventually pulls into a parking lot with a glowing sign that readsRider’s Alley:Bowling and Games.
I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “No way. You’re kidding, right?”
His eyes glint with that devil-may-care sparkle I’ve come to love. “What? You don’t think I can be fun?”
“I think you’re all business, usually,” I tease, eyeing the neon lights of the bowling alley. “But, alright. I’m game.”
Asher grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he opens the door and steps out. “You’ll see. I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve.”
We walk into the alley, the familiar sounds of bowling balls rolling, pins clattering, and cheerful laughter filling the air. The scent of fresh popcorn mixes with the faint rubbery smell of the lanes. I follow him up to the counter where a worker smiles at us.
“Shoes, please,” Asher says, his voice light but confident as he leans on the counter.
I glance at him, a playful smile tugging at my lips. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to beat you at this,” I say, nudging him with my shoulder.
He shoots me a sly grin, his eyes gleaming. “You think so?”
I grin back, feeling that familiar rush of competitive energy. “I know so.”
The competition is lighthearted, with me pretending to struggle as he gets strike after strike. I make exaggerated efforts with my throws, barely managing to hit a few pins. Asher, on theother hand, doesn’t miss a beat, effortlessly sinking his ball into the perfect spot.
“You’re showing off,” I tease, sticking my tongue out at him.
“Just proving a point,” he responds with a smirk, his eyes following me as I take my turn. “But go ahead, impress me.”
I try to focus, determined to at least match his moves. But every time I look over, his grin has this dangerous charm, distracting me just enough to miss my shot.
When I finally score a half-decent turn, I throw my hands in the air. “Victory!” I shout, earning a laugh from him.
“You’re cute when you’re excited,” he murmurs, his gaze lingering on me with that intense warmth. “Did you cheat your way into winning with magic?”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t flatter me. And I would never!” I fake being appalled.
As we finish our game, I glance at him with a mischievous smile. “Alright, so what’s next, Mister Surprise Planner?”
“Follow me,” he says, his tone suddenly turning serious in a way that sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine. He pulls me toward theLaser Tag Arenainside the bowling alley, and I can’t help but laugh.
“You’re determined to wear me out, aren’t you?”
“Only if you’re up for the challenge,” he says with a wink.
We’re handed our laser guns and told to wait as the arena’s lights flicker on, painting the space in neon blues, greens, and purples. The music thuds in the background, making the atmosphere electric.
“I’m not going easy on you,” I tell him, sliding the vest over my shoulders, trying to hide the grin tugging at my lips.
“I wouldn’t expect you to,” he replies, that familiar smirk of his that tugs at the corners of his mouth, making my heart race in all the right ways.
The game begins, and we’re off, darting through the maze of glowing obstacles and tight corners. I’m determined, focused, but Asher’s always one step ahead. His movements are sleek, strategic, like he’s spent years perfecting this, and it’s driving me crazy.
“Gotcha!” I call out when I finally land a shot on him.
