at this.”
He flashed a quick, hot grin and winked.
“Which is exactly why I chose it. I wanted to see you in action.”
As first dates went, it wasn’t exactly ripe for conversation, but Domi was still learning a lot about Mitch. He was competitive but a good sport. He wanted to win but accepted defeat gracefully. He was also a show-off and a goof, even in the middle of trying to win.
“I have to admit, I’m not doing as well as I usually do.” Domi groaned as she pushed herself into a crouching position, a spot in the small of her back aching slightly. “I’m getting too old for this shit.”
“Okay, Murtaugh,” Mitch said, laughing. He bumped her shoulder, leaning down to sneak in a quick kiss that sparked some heat, even though it couldn’t go anywhere. He was turning out to be a tease. “You’re only what, three years younger than me? I’m thirty.”
“I’m a mom,” Domi countered. “That means the last five years have operated more like dog years. Now, move it, old man.” She leapt into action rather than letting him kiss her again, sprinting across to the next barricade, shooting in the direction of the other team.
The birthday party of ten-year-olds were far more vicious opponents than any adults could be. They were smaller, faster, and didn’t have any hesitation in throwing themselves in any and all directions, whereas Domi kept worrying about throwing out her back. Yeah, yeah, she knew she wasn’t that old, but it was times like this when she felt like it. At least half of the birthday party was on her and Mitch’s team, even if that half didn’t seem super happy about it. Kind of demoralizing to realize they were the weakest link.
It was still fun as hell… especially since she was kicking Mitch’s ass. Maybe he’d spank hers later to make up for it.
Mitch
Last place. Not second to last, that spot belonged to Domi. Nope, full-on last place. Most number of times killed and injured, least number of hits on anyone else. Embarrassing. Mitch put his hand over his heart as he looked up at the board, shaking his head mournfully.
“This is the last time I play laser tag with a bunch of people half my size.”
“Hey, I’m not that short!” Domi elbowed him in the side, making him grunt.
Chuckling, he wrapped his arm around her. As petite as she was, she tucked in nicely next to him. She was more like two-thirds than half his size.
“What was that?” he asked, leaning down. “I couldn’t hear you all the way down there.”
“I will end you,” she threatened, but she was laughing and jabbing her fingers into his side, trying to tickle him… or something. Mitch tensed his stomach muscles, blocking her attempt. “I don’t have to stand here and take this.”
“That’s right, you could bend over the table and take it.” He curved his fingers around her ribcage just under her breast, feeling the softness of her breasts before she wiggled away.
“Mitch!” she hissed, half-laughing, half-aghast. “The kids!”
“They aren’t watching… or listening,” he said, glancing around. The kids were involved in their own little party world. The only ones looking at him and Domi were the ones who had been on their team and weren’t too happy about losing. Pretty clear who they blamed. “Come on, let’s go get dinner. I’m starving.”
Then she wouldn’t be able to scold him about anything else filthy that fell out of his mouth. What could he say? He had a one-track mind when she was around, especially with the shirt she was wearing. His fingers stroked down the sleeve. It was so soft.
“So, is laser tag a normal date for you?” Domi asked as they walked out of the building. Mitch steered her down the sidewalk. The restaurant he’d chosen was on the other side of the shopping complex.
“Wouldn’t know.” Mitch shrugged. “I haven’t been on a date since high school. I did laser tag and paintball fairly regularly then, but it was always with a group of friends, so I don’t know that you could call it a date, even if my girlfriend was there.”
When Domi came to a halt, Mitch had to as well or risk knocking her over. She stared up at him in surprise. “You haven’t been on a date since high school?”
“Nope.” A bit of anxiety welled up at the reminder. Hmmm, he hadn’t felt anxious while they were running around the laser tag arena. Shaking her head, Domi