Page 13 of Blind Date with a #Doctor
She nods. “Unfortunately.”
I exhale, forcing myself to step back. “Fine. But if I win, I get another kiss.”
She smirks. “You’re not winning and when I win I’ll tell you what I want.”
* * *
The bowling alley is exactly what you’d expect for a small-town Saturday night. Flashing neon signs, the scent of hot grease andbuttered popcorn hanging in the air. The low rumble of pins crashing, mixed with bursts of laughter from teenagers who think they’re way cooler than they are.
And then there’s Aspen. Wearing jeans that fit entirely too well, a thin sweater that drapes just enough to make me insane, and a smug little smirk that tells me she’s planning my demise.
I should focus on my game. Instead, I’m focused on her hips as she saunters toward the lane, picking up a ball with slow, deliberate movements that make my brain short-circuit. She glances over her shoulder, eying me knowingly.
“So,” she says, adjusting her grip on the ball, “what’s the wager again?”
I drag my gaze away from her fingers wrapped around the smooth surface of the ball—which should not be as distracting as it is—and clear my throat.
“If I win,” I remind her, leaning in slightly, “I get another kiss.”
Aspen pretends to consider this, tilting her head just enough for a strand of hair to slip over her shoulder. “Hm,” she murmurs, turning back toward the lane. “And if I win?”
I smirk. “Name your price.”
She tosses me a glance over her shoulder, eyes dark and knowing. She lines up her shot, wiggling her hips just slightly, like she’s building momentum or trying to kill me where I stand.
I exhale sharply. “You always do that before you bowl?”
She grins and nods. “Superstition.”
“Right.”
She bites her lip, gaze locked on mine. “Is it distracting you? I wouldn’t want to do that.”
I chuckle. “Oh, I think you passed distracting five minutes ago.”
Aspen laughs, then turns her attention back to the lane, rolling the ball with perfect form. It glides smoothly down thecenter, smashing all ten pins with an effortless strike. She spins on her heel, throwing both hands in the air.
“Boom.”
I shake my head, grinning despite myself. “Alright, I’ll give you that one.”
From somewhere behind us, a group of whooping and hollering erupts. Aspen and I both turn. It’s the book club ladies.
Nan, Sally, and Marie are posted up at a booth near the snack bar, each with a glass of wine, looking way too pleased with themselves.
Oh my God,” Aspen mutters under her breath.
Nan raises her glass. “Don’t mind us, kids! Carry on!”
Sally sighs dreamily. “Oh, young love.”
Marie shakes her head. “I give them two more frames before they make out behind the shoe counter.”
Aspen groans, rubbing her hand down her face.
I just laugh. “You realize they’re never going to stop messing with us, right?”
“Oh, I know.” She points a finger at them. “You behave yourselves.”
