Our eyes met and held. Harlow showed me everything in a single moment before disappearing into the woods. Her heart both craved and feared me. My heart understood the struggle.
My group consisted of Lenny and Jason Jr. who was the baby brother of some big deal in Memphis. Much like the day before, the coddled idiot found a spot to hide. He would be safe until anyone with actual eyes glanced in his direction. I didn’t blame him for being stupid. These games weren't his usual gig. The guy had office man stamped on his forehead while Lenny was all muscles and no brain.
I tracked the asshole through the woods, remaining back enough to avoid him seeing me. He was looking for Harlow. That made two of us. As I moved soundless behind him, I enjoyed the wild nature around me. Ellsberg included a lot of pretty sights besides the blonde girl I had under my skin. Even with all this natural beauty, I couldn’t imagine spending a life in a place so small.
When I considered retiring, I pictured buying a place in a big city where I could remain anonymous. Blending in made me feel safe in a world where I had many enemies. No matter what mask I wore, I was too big and dark to blend into a place like Ellsberg. This was Harlow’s home though.
We could start over anywhere and be anyone. All my failed retirements spurred from boredom and feeling lost without my job. With Harlow as my anchor, I was ready to create a life bigger than my next job.
First, I needed to get through these stupid games that had nothing to do with either Harlow or me. Cooper and Tucker plus the twins needed to show their brass balls. Dutch and the boys needed to show they could work together and keep their shit straight. I had nothing to prove. I just wanted to spend time with Harlow.
Lenny caught sight of her a second before I did, but he couldn’t fire since she was out of range and partially behind a fallen tree. Aiming, he prowled closer. While I considered shooting him in the back, I wanted Harlow to do the deed. Sounding the bird whistle my dad taught me growing up, I hoped she understood the signal. Harlow turned towards the sound and caught sight of Lenny prowling closer. Startled, she fired a bit wildly. I didn’t blame her for fearing him. Lenny wasn’t someone I’d want to see lurking either.
Lenny let loose with profanity and I feared he might shoot her even though he was out of the game. Before he could fire, I shot Harlow in the thigh.
“Hey, Lenny,” I said walking past the cursing asshole.
Harlow frowned at me. “You shot me.”
“Where’s your big bro Vaughn to shoot me?”
A paintball came out of the woods and landed on my back. I glanced back to find Judd peering from thick brush.
“Vaughn’s taking a piss,” he said, frowning at Lenny.
Grinning, I looked at Harlow. “The rest of our afternoon is now free.”
Lenny stomped off while Harlow rubbed her leg. “I can’t believe you shot me.”
“Like you wouldn’t shoot me if you got the chance.”
“Yeah, but I’m overly competitive and more than a little petty.”
My fingers reached out and wiped a line of sweat from her forehead. “Hey, Judd, you might want to tell your boss that the twins made an old barn their base camp.”
Harlow smiled. “I’ve seduced you into betraying your allies. How badass am I?”
“So badass that you deserve a reward. Let’s go swimming.”
“I feel like you seeing me in a swimsuit gives you the reward.”
Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to her cheek. “Since when do you not enjoy me shirtless and wet? Is this a new thing?”
Harlow’s breathing shifted and she frowned. Her gaze focused on Judd who rolled his eyes and walked away.
“Don’t get me… flushed in front of the guys.”
“Stop your bitching,” I said, taking her hand. “You said we’d swim in the river after the game.”
Harlow tightened her grip on my hand even while adding in a grumpy voice, “That was before you shot me.”
“I’ll give you a massage later.”
“I don’t want one.”
“I have magic fingers,” I said, giving her a sly smile. “They’ll make you my slave.”
Mellowing out, Harlow finally grinned. “You sweat in the sexiest damn way.”
I stopped and pulled her to me. “I need to kiss you.”
“Okay and I’ll kiss you back.”
Harlow’s lips found mine. Her arms snagged me behind my neck. She tasted sweet like she’d been sucking on a candy. Wanting more, I lifted her off the ground. Her legs wrapped possessively around my hips. We walked like that for a few minutes. Only the sounds of laughter up ahead pried us apart.
Harlow stared into my eyes as her legs loosened around my waist. “I like you.”
Grinning, I set her down. “Let’s get our suits and a few drinks then go cool off in the river.”