by S. K. Rose
Flushed, she nods. “Sounds good.”
Following her out, I stick my head out of the curtain just as she grabs the new strip of photos and surreptitiously slides them into her purse. I give myself a mental high five—if it was a bad kiss, there’s no way she would want that photographic evidence.
She leads me to the small pizza shop that sits in the corner of the arcade. We both order a coke with a slice of pepperoni pizza and slide into a plastic green booth to wait for our food.
“So, you’re like...a real girl gamer,” I say, remembering the way she immersed herself in Invasion and straight fucked up those aliens like a boss.
“Can’t fool you,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
She’s kind of a dick. Why does it turn me on so much?
“It’s just, you know, finding a cool chick who really games is like finding a unicorn.”
Shaking her head, red curls flying through the air, she neighs like a horse and shoots me a grin.
“So what kind of games are your favorite?” I ask with a laugh.
“Shooters for sure,” she says, without a moment’s hesitation. “Although I enjoy real time strategies and MMORPGs1 as well.”
Fuck. She might as well be talking dirty to me when she says shit like that.
Where the hell has this girl been all my life?
I nod and try not to look as pervy as I feel. “What’s your favorite shooter? If you say Call of Duty I’m ending this date.”
She grins. “Nah, COD is dead. Tactical Heart has been my favorite since it was released.”
“Fuck yeah, me too!” I exclaim. “The game play is epic; plus, the story is phenomenal.”
Her face lights up. “Exactly! Wow, small world. I wonder if we’ve ever been grouped together and didn’t even know it.”
“Well I’ve grouped up with plenty of female toons, but I’m fairly certain half of them are actually dudes.”
“So true.” She snickers. “Then again...how do you know I’m not a dude?”
I raise an eyebrow. “You know that would make a lot more sense...” I joke. If she’s a dude then somebody needs a medal for creating this masterpiece. How could I even be mad about it?
She shakes her head with mischief sparkling in her eyes. “I suppose there’s only one way to find out.”
I swallow hard and practically jump when I hear our number called. Sliding out of the booth, I take one last look at her sly grin before I leave to pick up our pizza.
Yeah, this girl’s definitely trouble.
8
Scarlett
I didn’t just imply that I may or may not have a penis and then hit on this cute guy, right? That can’t really be what just happened or I’ll have to drown myself in wine when I get home.
Okay, he’s coming back to the table with our food. Be fucking chill, Scarlett.
Chill as a snowflake.
Chill as a blizzard and other things that are more fucking chill than I am right now.
God, he’s got such large hands. I wonder what they would feel like wrapped in my hair or closed around my throat...
Shit.
I know he just asked me a question, but all I heard was “I’m really hot, please sit on my face.”
Okay, I’ve got to keep it together. He’s not buff or rocking a six pack like my sister so clearly lied about. He doesn’t look like a model or have Superman dimples—so why the fuck am I so turned on right now?
Sure, he has shaggy hair that falls over mesmerizing blue eyes, but besides that? Kane is an average joe. Average height, average build, and if statistics have anything to say about it—average dick. Somebody needs to pass the message on to my lady bits, though, because I’m seriously hot and bothered right now.
Wait, I do know why I feel this way. It was that motherfucking kiss.
That panty dropping, bone rattling, heart stopping kiss.
Okay, Scar, he’s looking at you weird. Try to find out what he just asked you in a subtle way.
“Huh?” I blurt out.
I want to slam my head on the table in frustration. Smooth, real smooth.
He laughs, and the sound is music to my ears. “I asked if you came here a lot as a kid. You seem to know the layout of this place like the back of your hand.”
“Oh, yeah. Just about every day after school until I got my first computer.”
“Let me guess, you were the cute nerd girl who all the boys were intimidated by?”
I snort so hard I swear a little soda comes out of my nose. “Wrong. I was a hideous little beastie. Gawky, freckled from head to toe, flat chested. Not exactly popular.” My face scrunches up as I think back to those days of constant humiliation. “Especially not to Dylan McFucker…” I grumble under my breath. Can’t believe that little shit is still under my skin after all these years.
“Unfortunate last name.” Kane snickers. “So what did this Dylan do to earn such a glamorous nickname? You know, so I make sure not to make the same mistake.”
“Sadie Hawkins dance. You know where the girl asks the guy to the dance. I’m sure you can put two and two together.”
“He turned you down for another girl?”
“Worse.” I sigh. “I couldn’t even spit the question out before he gave me a dirty look and hightailed it, like I was some escaped criminal.”
“Ouch. McFucker indeed. Tell me this has a happy ending at least. Like the coolest kid in school swept you off your feet and you showed that fucker what was up.”
I giggle and shake my head sadly. “Nope. Wasn’t asked. Didn’t go to that dance or any dance, well, ever actually.”
He holds up his palms in disbelief. “Wait. You didn’t even go to prom?”
“Affirmative. Nerds not wanted, that much never changed.”
“Well, that’s depressing. Everyone needs to drink spiked punch, slow dance to Aerosmith, and take cheesy photos in front of a starry backdrop. I mean, it’s a rite of passage, Freckles.”
I shrug like it doesn’t matter, but weirdly, all of those stupid things sound kind of nice.
“So is Julie your only sibling?” Kane changes the subject, and I can’t be more relieved.
“Yep, just the two of us.” I take a bite of pizza before I can say something stupid again.
“You guys are so, you don’t seem very…”
“We aren’t. Julie and I are night and day, but that’s never stopped us from being thick as thieves. What about you? Any siblings?”
He nods. “Two brothers, actually. Max is a year older than me, and Jack is twelve. They’re assholes, but I love them.”
“What about your parents?” I’m compelled to learn every little thing about him that I can.
“My parents are cool as hell, which I realize is a really strange thing to say, but completely true. Loved but never smothered, disciplined but never judged—I kinda won the lottery in that area.”
I smile thinking of what it must be like to have amazing parents like that. “That’s really nice. My mom is, well, she’s a judgey dick. Which is maybe a bit unfair of me to say because I had everything I ever wanted growing up. She never abused me or anything like that. It’s just exhausting to try and live up to her expectations.” I don’t know why I’m being so brutally honest with a stranger.
“What about your dad?”
“He was amazing, full of life and laughter. Would take the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He, uh, he died when I was in high school.” I blink quickly and force the tears to go unshed. “Heart attack, out of the blue.”
He reaches across the table and grabs my hand, rubbing his fingers across my knuckles in a way that makes my heartbeat quicken.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
I force myself to laugh it off. “Wow, totally not first date material. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“I’m glad you told me,” he says gently.
I give him a small smile of appreciation. “Enough of the depressing stuff. You said you play
Tactical Heart, right? What level are you?”
He brightens, a good sign. I just might have finally met someone to match my passion for video games. “I was max level until that new expansion hit. I need to grind1 out some more next weekend. What about you? What race do you play?” He lets go of my hand, and I mentally pout.
“Oh, I hit max level again days ago, and I’m an elf, of course—the superior race of the Queen herself.”
His hands fly to his chest. “My toon is human, you racist.”
“Ah, the traitor race, I see.” I tsk, making him chuckle.
“Man, the expansion barely released. How the heck am I the last to get max level?” he grumbles.
“Dedication my friend. Oh, and you have to shirk a lot of responsibilities.” I grin.
“Noted.” He props his elbows up on the table. “So do you ever get ganked2 over and over in the game? I have this asshole who I swear to God gets off on taking me out.”
“Aww, are you getting bullied? By a single character? Do you need someone big and strong to protect you?” I tease.
He flips me off. “Jerk. I’m telling you this guy is OP3 and he’s been on my ass for years now; I’ve almost stopped playing ‘cause I’m so sick of dealing with it.”
“Don’t be such a noob,” I scoff. “Get stronger and kick his ass.”
“Easier said than done,” he grumbles.
“Before I go home, we can swap gamer info, and I’ll help you take him out.”
He laughs and pretends to swoon. “My hero.”
I stick out my tongue and change the subject. “So I know Leo goes to Greenfield University, what about you? College? Job?”
He raises an eyebrow. “I go to Greenfield, too, a junior actually. Wow, Julie really didn’t tell you anything, did she?” He lets out a low whistle.
“Woah, woah, woah. We go to the same freaking school?”
“Wait, you go there too?” Both his eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
I shake my head and giggle. “Yeah, I’m a sophomore now. Looks like you weren’t exactly in the loop either.”
He grins. “Fair enough. Why the heck did you even agree to this date? I could have turned out to be a serial killer for as much as you knew.”
“Maybe I’m into that.” I wink.
And I can think of something you could stab me with.
Oh, wow, what is wrong with me today?
“Okay, freak,” he teases. “I can’t believe we go to the same school and haven’t met.”
I shrug. “Most of my classes are at least a hundred students, it’s really not that surprising.”
His eyes light up with an idea. “What are your classes this semester?” I tick off my schedule, and he shakes his head. “Ah, yeah, I had most of those last year—be glad you didn’t get Professor Snetz for math, he’s a spitter.”
I crinkle my nose. “Eww. Okay, you’re definitely helping me pick out my classes next semester. That could have been a disaster.”
“No problem. So you’re taking mostly computer and art focused classes. My, my, aren’t you intriguing. What’s your major?”
I straighten with excitement, making the plastic booth squeak. Finally. someone who might appreciate, or at least understand, my career path. “I’m majoring in digital art with a minor in programming.”
His huge smile lights up his features. “Get the fuck out! My major is computer science, also with a minor in programming.”
Somebody slap me ‘cause I’m on the verge of a romance novel swoon: hand across my forehead, pathetic little sigh, and crash to the floor type of situation.
“That’s…” For the first time in... well, ever, I’m at a loss for words.
“Awesome,” he finishes for me, and I nod with a blush.
“Yeah. Totally awesome.” I sigh happily, not caring that I sound like a lovestruck geek.
Is this what love at first sight feels like? From the moment I turned and our eyes locked, my heart was hammering and my palms sweaty. The more I learn about him, the way he talks about his family, his passion for games, and how he actively listens when I talk, the more I like him.
He seems perfect and way too good to be true.
Oh no.
What if he has a micro dick?!
“I think I lost you there for a minute. Earth to Scarlett.” I snap my eyes to his, and the tiny laughing penises circling my head pop out of existence.
I decide to be honest with him, take a leap into the scary unknown because college Scarlett is one brave bitch with a heart open to new experiences.
“I can’t speak for you, but this date has been really great, and I would definitely not be opposed to a round two.” I get out the words and hold my breath.
He practically beams at my words, and my breath releases in a big whoosh. “For the first time in my life, I can say I’m happy I got my ass handed to me by a girl.”
I laugh. “Good, stick with me, and it won’t be the last time either.”
He looks suddenly nervous. “I’m going to go out on a huge limb here. Instead of ending this kickass first date, would you possibly want to come back to my place, smoke a joint, and watch the uncut version of Fellowship of the Ring?”
I stare back at him in disbelief.
That’s it. That seals the deal.
If my vagina had a lock, that bitch would have popped right open.
I’m going to marry this man.
A minute passes, and I realize I haven’t actually answered, and he’s looking more nervous by the second. “Oh! Fuck yes! I mean, um, yes that would be totally chill or whatever.”
“Damn, way to make a guy sweat, Freckles.”
God I hate my freckles. But damn if I don’t like that nickname coming from his mouth.
That more than anything confirms I’ve officially lost my mind.
We clean up our trash from the table and make our way through the busy arcade. His fingers slip between mine, and my stomach jumps into my throat. His hands are soft and warm; I can’t wait to feel them on other parts of my body…
Bad ho, Scarlett.
Sex thoughts aren’t allowed until the third date for a prospective boyfriend. It’s like a law or something.
“Oh, hold on, give me your tickets.” He holds out his hands and makes grabbing motions with them.
I dig into my purse and pull out the wad of paper tickets. I hold up my hand when he starts to turn. “Wait, there’s a few more.” I dig into my bra and yank out another string of tickets like a magician pulling a scarf out of a sleeve.
Kane’s eyebrows furrow. “Wait, do chicks really keep stuff in there?” He eyeballs my tits like a mathematician, trying to solve an equation.
“Uh yeah,” I scoff, pulling out a mint lifesaver from the other side. “Tit pocket, a tocket if you will.” I point a finger at him and narrow my eyes. “Totally trademarking that, don’t try and steal it.”
He holds his hands up in defense. “Wouldn’t dream of it. You have very nice...tockets.”
I flash him a toothy grin and give the girls a nice pat. “I know.”
Nice job, ladies, keep up the good work.
Hands full of tickets, Kane walks away, muttering something about his inability to understand females. I use the restroom, fix my makeup, and when I return, Kane is sitting on a bench holding a small paper bag in his lap.
“I went to the prize room,” he explains.
“Get yourself a nice sticky hand or maybe some Play-Doh?”
A muscle in his jaw twitches. “Not exactly.” He pulls out two silver rings from the bag, and on closer inspection, I find that there’s a little dragon forged on each of them. “This was the only dragon they had in the shop: it came in a pack of two.”
I pluck the ring he’s holding out and slide it onto my middle finger where it fits perfectly. “Kane...this is perfect. Thank you.”
“It’s not the stuffed dragon you wanted, but this can be a placeholder till I win him for you.” His boyish grin is downright adorable.
>
Snatching the second ring, I motion for him to give me his hand. The only finger the band fits on is his pinky. He holds up the ring to the light and tilts his hand back and forth.
“I do!” he gushes, and I give him a playful smack.
“You have to keep it on.”
“Only if you promise to go on that second date,” he shoots back.
“Deal.”
We shake on it, and he takes my hand once more, leading me through the exit and outside to the well-lit parking lot. He comes to a stop beside a black and red motorcycle. Pulling out his keyring, he flips it around his finger and pops up his eyebrows. “Want a ride?”
I point to the truck beside the bike. “You’re talking about in that, right?”
He pats the seat of his bike. “Nope, this beautiful girl right here is with me.”
I release an unladylike bray of laughter. “Let me get this straight. You’re a gamer nerd who rides a motorcycle?”
His hand flies to his chest. “Well, Miss Scarlett, I think you’ve learned a valuable lesson today. Never underestimate the badassery of a nerd.”
“Touché.” I grin.
Maybe a nice wedding in March…
I clear my throat and take a step back. Lots of things are happening right now, and I’m not thinking straight. Magical kisses, sexy bikes, and dragon rings—I can’t let his wizardly ways cloud my senses.
“I need to, um, get something from my car real quick. I’ll be back in two shakes.”
He gives me a pointed look. “You’re going to go call your sister, aren’t you?”
Offended, my mouth pops open. “I am not going to go call her. I don’t even know why you would think that.” I flip my hair and turn toward my car. “I’ll be back.”
As soon as the car door slams shut, I plug my phone in the car and call Vanessa, her loud voice comes through the speakers.
“What up, slut?”
“Nessa. I just had the best goddamn first date of my life. We kissed, he bought me a cute ring. It’s been fucking amazing. I’m going over to his place to get high and watch a movie. Please tell me I’m fucking crazy to go to a stranger’s house and do drugs.”
“What kind of ring?”
What the— “What kind of ring? I don’t know, silver, and it’s got a dragon on it.” I look down at it with a cheesy smile.