Enter Player Name: Noah

Her smile was tantalizing. Impossible to ignore. And even harder to resist.

The corners of her lips curved up ever so gently — bright red from the cherry and rum drink resting leisurely in her hands. Her cheeks and nose tinted peach like a flowering rose. She might as well have been one.

Unaware of my watchful gaze, Riley's melted pools of chocolate followed Mikey's joyous sugar-infused form. Her face radiated, enthralled to see the little guy running around the arcade. I, myself, was content to immerse in the luminous joy of her smile.

Riley was a gem. Weaker people would crumble in her situation, but that was the thing. Crumbling was not an option for her. Only moving forward. In the midst of her life, she radiated. She laughed and cried, and even when sadness tried to overtake her, she held herself together for her brothers.

How could anyone not be captivated?

Riley's big hazel eyes fluttered to me. "What are you looking at?"

"Just a little jealous of your drink," I said, tapping the rim of her glass.

It was not entirely a lie.

Riley's lips engraved themselves in my memory. Their softness and flavor plagued my thoughts. It was far worse at night, when my mind had free creative freedom. Even now, the ridiculous notion of how great it would be to be the straw against her lips crossed my mind.

"Want some?" Riley asked. Her brown hair cascaded over her bare shoulders as she pushed her drink towards me, encasing her body in a heart shape.

I slid a finger along the length of her wrist, beckoning her hand closer. Her skin was cold under my touch, frozen by the ice that swirled in the cocktail. I wrapped my fingers around hers and her fingertips warmed as my heat coated them. I captured the thin blue straw within my mouth.

Riley's lips parted.

The hot rum burned like wildfire down my throat. I kept my gaze locked, watching her rosy cheeks flare crimson red. God that color looked lovely on her. A chuckle rumbled down my chest. The vibrations resonated up her arm and spread throughout her luscious body, caressing every inch of her skin.

She squirmed, rubbing her legs together.

I held back a grunt of approval. My voice deepened. "Thank you," I whispered, releasing her hand. I cleansed my mouth with a sip of water and thanked the cold liquid for soothing my dry throat.

"SIS! SIS!" Mikey's childish voice grew louder as he ran towards us. "Why is your face so red?" He hopped in front of Riley to get a better look.

I choked, coughing droplets of water into the back of my hand. Riley's embarrassed gaze cut through me, forcing my blatant enjoyment at her floundering deep into my chest. The devilish voice inside my head tempted me to sneak my finger over that friendship line between us, and god did I want to take a bite out of that forbidden apple, but I bit my tongue down instead.

Riley fanned herself. "Nothing, it's just hot in here."

"It sure is." I winked, earning myself a delicious glare.

"Kay." Mikey wholeheartedly accepted her answer. "Can you play with me?" He swayed back and forth, buttering her with a wide, toothless grin.

Riley jolted from the chair and assumed the wonder woman pose. Wonky smile on her face, she chanted,"Of course!"

Mikey seized her outstretched hand and dragged her across the arcade to the white and blue air hockey table. She walked hastily, causing her hips to rock suggestively. That damn dress, it did not do my developing problem any favors. It wrapped tightly around her, outlining every single curve of her body. Not to mention that low cut front. It took a will of steel to not steal an obvious glance.

Riley grabbed a paddle and stood by the table, back facing me. She tossed the puck to Mikey and he smacked it across. It zigged-zagged, gliding across the smooth surface. That cycle repeated for many rounds. At some point, the puck came to a full stop at the center of the table. Mikey stretched, repeatedly sliding his arm to hit it to no avail.

Fuck me, I cursed.

Riley bent down over the table. Her apple-shaped, round ass looked so inviting, sticking up in that sensual position. I tugged on my black tie, hoping it would release some of the warmth flaring underneath my skin, and snapped my gaze away.

At the other end of the bar, two men eyed the gorgeous sight before me. One a stubby older man with gold rings on all his fingers. The other looked like his younger brother, yet much taller, and had black hair. I knew I had no right, but goddammit did I want to break their faces. I took a deep breath, calming my building irrational anger. Riley was not my girlfriend. In fact, I was doing the same thing. Eyeing her like a hormonal teenager.

The taller one approached, swatting invisible dirt off of his business suit and placed his bony hand on her waist. Shock crawled up her back and she jolted away. My composure broke, and no chains could keep me from tramping over. I leaped off the bar stool and marched, chess puffed out and shoulder squared, ready to crack his hand if he overstepped.

"So sweetheart, can I take you to dinner?" He asked as I treaded near.

Riley gave a strained smile. "Sorry, no thank you."

He leaned in, invading her space. Riley stepped further back, away from his green breath. "Come on sweetheart," he winked.

I placed my hands on Riley's shoulders and loudly said, "Is everything okay, love?" I threw a cutting gaze at the guy. His eyes widened and he stumbled back in surprise. "Can I help you with anything, buddy," I grumbled, flaring my nose.

"Oh you have a boyfriend, my bad?" He held his skeleton hands up in surrender.

"So, you won't listen when I told you no, but back off because of him?" Riley growled, jabbing poison daggers into the guy's throat with her enraged gaze. "Let me put it in clearer terms then, fuck off."

The guy grimaced and opened his mouth to bite back.

"Walk away if you know what is good for you," I warned. The dog threw us a nasty glare and walked back — tail wrapped in between his legs. My shoulders relaxed and I looked down at Riley. She glared. "What?" I asked, startled to be under her scrutinizing gaze.

Riley crossed her arm and frowned, foot tapping at each word. "I can handle myself." She poked my chest. "I don't need you to run over and rescue me."

"I was just trying to help," I rebutted. Should I have just let that bastard keep invading her space? "What if he tried something?"

Her chin tilted and she walked up to me. Her gaze nailed me to the ground. "It looked more like you were trying to piss all over me."

"That's no—"

"Why would Noah pee over you?" Mikey asked, eyes wide as he stared at us from the other side of the table.

Riley choked on air. "It's a saying, it's not like..." Her brain malfunctioned, scavenging for the correct words. "Just forget it Mikey." She slammed her palm into her forehead in defeat.

Before the little guy could prowl further, I proclaimed, "I want to play," and stuck my hand out, asking Riley for the hockey stick.

Riley eyed me, seeing through my plan to appease her. Her gaze still held me at gunpoint when she said, "Sure." She dropped the stick into my hand, walked around the table, and stood on the long side. The lights of the arcade flashed behind her. Like a race car announcer, she asked, "You boys ready?"

Mikey squinted, eyes slit into a tight line, matching the table height. He glared — he attempted to glare. In the corner of my eyes, Riley snickering. "I won't go easy on you!" Mikey declared..

"I won't either." I shook my shoulders and hands, readying for war. All the while, my thoughts were on Riley's reaction. I couldn't place its reason — was she upset that I didn't let her handle it or did she want to cement that friendship line between us?

Riley moved the puck closer to Mikey. Instantly, he smacked it. The back disk skied, bouncing off the sides. I lunged forward, exaggeratedly extending my hand across the table and pretended to try to hit it. "Ohh, NO!" I cried in fake anger as it smacked into the goal hole.

Mikey crackled, a proud look graced his face. "You're so bad, Noah!" he gloated. "You couldn't even hit it back." He tippy-toed, making himself taller with pride.

"That was just a warm up." I stretched my arms, preparing for the next round. I placed all my weight on my left leg and held my hand back, posing like an animated character. We continued for quite a while. Every so often, I would hit one in. After all, I couldn't look like a complete chump. But, mostly, I acted distraught at my massive losing streak.

In between shots, I stole glances at the ever growing mystery that was Riley. Her eyes would diver to me and she would grant me that goddamn sexy snort. Whatever anger I awoke with my previous actions receded into the past.

"I think you are too good, Mikey. Why don't you let me try?" Riley asked for Mikey's paddle. He, in turn, shrugged his shoulders and gave it to her.

Mikey looked around the arcade. "Is it okay if I go play with the pinball?"

"Sure, just don't go out of sight," Riley answered.

"Sur'." Mikey hopped away.

Now it was Riley who stood in front of me. She licked her lips and reset the score on her side of the table. I followed suit, keeping careful watch of her as she readied herself. She exuded confidence from every pore. "Are you ready to lose, Noah?" She taunted me with my name.

"Give it your best shot, sweetheart," I said. My fingers tingled with anticipation.

Riley leaned over, preparing to serve.

Lord have mercy, that low cut of her dress. Although it wrapped tightly around her waist, the top draped loosely, spilling over her breast. From this angle, the edge of her red bra peaked out from underneath, teasing my mind. This was a mistake. A big mistake.

She hit the puck. It flashed past me before I could even react.

"Hey! I wasn't ready?" I protested.

"That's not my fault," she said, a smug smile on her face. "By the way, my eyes are up here." She winked, proud to throw my own words back at my face.

"I see. So we are playing dirty now. Just remember you started this." I took the puck from its hole and wasted no time in hitting it across. She was fast and hit it back. We battled for a while, intensely trying to outmaneuver each other. Eventually, I swapped one past her defenses. We both breathed heavily, surprised by the intensity of the game. We wasted no time getting back into it.

1-1

1-3

3-6

6-9

I held my hand up, stopping for a second to catch my breath. A small layer of sweat covered our foreheads. Riley fanned herself, holding her hair up and exposing her neck. My throat dried as droplets dripped slowly down the curve of her jaw.

What was this woman doing to me? I wondered. Everything she did felt so enticing. My hand tightened around the puck to stop me from walking over. I needed something — something to release all this tension I was feeling. "Let's make a bet, Riley."

"What would that be?" she asked, lowering her hair and giving me her full attention.

"One more point decides if you win, right? Let's raise the stakes." My hands rested against the rails of the hockey table. I lowered my voice. Eyes hooded, I focused my gaze on her lips. "If I win, you owe me a kiss."

Her mouth formed an O in shock. "A kiss?"

"I must admit that since you kissed me, as I joke, I may add. I was left feeling unfulfilled."

Her face flushed. "Unfulfilled?"

"Yes." I straightened and stood confidently. "I never got the chance to kiss you back. It's a crime really."

Her eyebrows furrowed and she bit her inner cheek. "Noah, I recognize that it was a bad joke. Let's leave it at that."

That was not the answer I wanted. But a girl like Riley, she was competitive. I saw it when she picked up the paddle, ready to destroy me at air hockey. I let my tone drip in a taunting tone. "Afraid you are going to lose?"

"I am ahead of you by three points and only need one more." She placed her hand on her waist, chin tilted high. "I am hardly concerned."

Her words fell perfectly into my trap. I slid the puck on the table with one finger as I said, "So what do you have to lose? If anything, you only have something to gain. What would you like if you win?"

She bit her lips, considering my words. "A toy." She pointed across the arcade where a row of colorful claw machines lined the wall.

"Those are rigged," I protested.

"And I'll enjoy watching you suffer. But that shouldn't matter. Unless you know, you are afraid of losing." She smirked.

"Fine. Deal."

I readied myself, determined not to lose, and awaited her final hit. Her hand glided on the white surface, dancing around the puck — a failing attempt at distracting me. I watched the black disk like a hawk, my sanity may as well depended on it. I just needed one kiss to help erase the desire off my mind.

She hit and I sent it flying right back in the goal.

7-9

Next, it was my serve.

8-9

Riley started to fidget on her feet, doubting her past confidence.

9-9

Riley's face puffed red with anger. She crossed her arm and demanded, "Did you scam me?" Her gaze bore holes into me as she tried to rip the answer from my eyes.

"No, sweetheart." I smirked. "But having an actual reward in mind has heightened my senses."

"Bullshit!" She fired back, but returned to her battle position. Her nose wrinkled and eyes narrowed. She swayed back and forth, waiting for her turn to make her final fighting stance.

"Are you ready for the last round?" I asked.

"Bring it on," She said.

I focused on the puck in front of me and my heart beat with excitement. Yet, I knew that this one rare chance to taste her lips could easily slip between my fingers.

"Oh, no, Mikey?" I looked off into the background, mouth wide and eyes open in shock. Instantly, Riley zapped around, face plagued with worry. Her heaving chest settled when she realized Mikey was fine, but it was too late. I smacked the paddle against the puck. A straight shot cut through the table and into the goal. It rang as it hit the back.

Riley snapped around in shock. "You cheated?!"

"I did not cheat. I strategized." I corrected, holding my finger up smugly.

"But you distracted me! Ugh." She pulled the puck out from the goal. "I demand a redo!"

I left the paddle on top of the table and strutted over. I paused in front of Riley and cupped her cheeks. Her melted chocolate eyes looked at me, dazzling from all the lights that shined throughout the arcade. Red and blue caressed her beautiful face. I leaned forward, bringing my lips ever so closer to hers. "You are the one that played dirty first. Now you must deal with the consequences."

"But..but..." she mumbled, looking anywhere but my eyes. Her attempts to avoid my gaze were futile. I tilted her chin up slowly with my index finger.

"What are you doing?" she whispered. Her breath brushed up against my lips. Her gaze faded and breath quickened.

"Claiming my price," I whispered.

Her eyes closed, waiting for the kiss. I stopped for a moment, taking a minute to admire the sight. The blush on her cheeks. Her rosy lips. How they slightly parted, awaiting mines. I felt caught between wanting to kiss them roughly or gently. Between releasing the frustration or savoring the moment. I used my finger to brush up against them lightly. Feeling how plum and soft they were.

I wanted to kiss them so badly, but I couldn't make myself close the final inch. Something about obtaining it through a bet didn't feel right. Just when my lips brushed hers, I leaned my head to the side. My lips met the soft curve of her neck. Her pulse palpitated frantically under my lips. I don't know if it was unconscious, but her head tilted back, giving me better access.

How I wished it was not a public place and I could kiss my way up her neck.

I felt her body shiver as I pulled away. Both of our eyes met, locking into a silent agreement. I don't think either of us could deny it. Not anymore. The intense attraction that existed between us was spilling over and there was no dam that could contain it.

Not after the way her eyes looked at me. Not after the way I was looking at her. 

"Sis" — Mikey's voice interrupted the moment — "I am getting tired."

What great timing did that little guy have?

Riley jumped back and turned to look at Mikey. After a relieved sigh, she kneeled, rubbing his shoulders gently as he yawned. "We still need to go get the stuff that Noah needed. Can you hold off a bit?"

"But my feet are tired," he whined.

"Come on, buddy, how about I give you a piggyback ride?" I kneeled next to her, also matching his eyeline. He nodded his head and walked behind me. Relief washed over me at the thought of not parting.

Mikey wrapped his little arms around my neck. I gave him a small push and wrapped my arms under his leg. I straightened and when his legs wrapped like an anaconda around my waist.

"Shall we go?" I asked Riley.

She fluttered her eyelashes. "Yep."

I paused at the way she looked at me. There was something there, but it turned away before I could unpuzzle what it was.

"Go, Noah! Go!" Mikey jumped on my back like riding a horse.

"Yes, sir." It didn't take long for my long strides to catch up to Riley.

"So, what store first?" She asked.

"Let's stop by the electronics. We need about five computer setups that will go into the start-up office. Nothing too fancy to start with, but the computers need to have the processing power to handle the work."

"So, what exactly do you need my help with?" She asked, looking at me.

"I was hoping you would lend me your computer expertise. I am used to just getting the most expensive parts, which is not really an option at the moment." My mind wandered to all the bills that were slowly pulling up. Inversely, how fast my money was disappearing. "So I was hoping that you could help me figure out what I actually need."

"So, basically, you are telling me that you were spoiled?" She asked, a teasing smirk on her face.

"To the bone," I exaggeratedly proclaimed, slightly nudging her shoulder.

We reached the electronics store and walked inside. Half of the store was stacked with computers and gaming consoles. The other half was full of aisles packed with video games and figurines. An old man sat at the register looking through a magazine.

Not a second after entering, a store employee greeted us. "Do you guys need any help?"

"Don't think so, I have an expert over here." I pointed at Riley and the employee scanned, eyebrows raised in surprise.

Riley rolled her eyes and grabbed a large red cart, and made a straight line for the computer parts. She rolled it down the aisles, placing piece after piece in the cart, only stopping occasionally to read some of the information.

I approached her and asked, "Umm Riley, wouldn't it be easier to look at the full computer builds?"

She drove by me and I scooted out of the way, afraid to ruin her moyo. "Yes, but it will also be more expensive. You can get higher quality by spending money on important things and saving on things that are just gimmicks. That's if you take the time to build it," she explained.

"You want us to try to build 5 computers?"

"Not, try. Do it. It's not hard" she informed me.

I looked around the store and then at her. "Should I just let you do your thing or do you need my help,"

"Sure. You can push the cart," she smiled cockily.

"Your order is my command."

I grabbed the cart as she dragged me around the store, adding component after component. Soon enough, we accumulated an entire mountain. When we made it to the register, I was shocked at the price. Maybe my wallet would live to see another day. I would have to make sure to thank Riley for that.

"I'll wait with Mikey outside so you can pay," Riley said, grabbing Mikey from behind me.

"I don't wanna!" Mikey protested.

"Come on. My back is far more comfortable," Riley said once she managed to pry Mikey from my back.

"It's fine. You get tired easily," Mikey stated, just grabbing her hand. They walked outside, Mikey giving a quick yawn on his way out.

"Pretty wife, you got there." The older man behind the counter winked. "Make sure to treat her right."

My cheeks flushed red. What? I didn't blush. "Oh, she's not my wife," I said.

"Well, what are you waiting for? I saw the way you looked at her. The same way I look at my wife," he said and finished scanning the last item.

I chuckled, not feeling the need to correct him. "I'll keep that in mind."

He cropped a page out of a book and placed it in front of me. "So if you just sign here, we can have everything delivered on Sunday. We will email you a time frame."

"Got it," I said, signing the receipt. Once I got my copy, I waved goodbye and thanked him for all his help. Although, internally, I was, in fact, cursing him for putting those thoughts in my head. I knew I was attracted to Riley. But did I really have it that bad?

I made my way out of the store. Feeling a whirlwind of emotions twisting in my guts.

I set a rule that Riley was off-limits. Knowing that dating a neighbor was a bad idea. Even more, now that I asked her to help out with my start-up. It could all turn sour in the drop of a second. Yet, I wanted to take the risk.

I searched around, looking for where they wandered off. Across the foodcourt, Riley stood by a display window, with an uninterested and yawning Mikey at her hand. The lights from the display window bounced off her skin, dancing and illuminating her form. Her gaze was locked on an elegant red dress.

The top was tight as it folded over the chest area. It showed just enough cleavage to make a man wonder and hid enough to make him want to remove it. The bottom opened up in multiple layers, emphasizing the hips of whoever wore it. It was shorter in the front, reaching just below the knees. Riley's sun-kissed legs would look amazing in that dress.

I walked up next to her and said, "You should get it. You can wear it to my mother's event." My words startled her, snapping her out of a trance.

"Is the event supposed to be that fancy?" she asked. Her nose wrinkled with worry.

"A little, I would say."

She looked at the dress and bit her lip. Her fingers twitched like she wanted to reach for it, but her face fell. "No it's fine, I should probably save the money. I have some other stuff that I can wear."

"That's a shame. You would look ravishing in that dress," I said, giving her a wink.

"I think we should go," the smile and blush betrayed the sternness of her words.