The first ball finally escapes through the flippers, and she looks at me, so satisfied with her first number of points. She steps back to give me room to take my turn.

“First ball, baby, don’t get too cocky.” So casually, I send the ball shooting up into the machine and go about accumulating as many points as possible. I mean, I’m not above letting her win to make her happy, but not on the first game. I need to live up to my reputation, and besides, she would never ever let me live it down.

“Yes!” she yells as my ball disappears, and I haven’t managed to get higher than her on my first time.

Her hand lands on top of my arm and strokes me like a cat. “Don’t worry, baby, it’s just the first ball.” Her smugness is oozing from her as she pulls the plunger, full concentration on her second ball. The more she plays, I have this underlying suspicion that she may have some pinball experience that she didn’t disclose.

We both get through our second ball and my score is better. I’m just above hers now, but I need to bring it home with the last ball. Harper steps up for her turn, and I can’t help but notice the change in how relaxed she is.

“Not so vocal now, are you?” I ask, trying to put her off as she pulls back the plunger and lets the ball shoot off. But this woman has the concentration of a fighter pilot and doesn’t even acknowledge what I said.

The ball hits every bonus point, and the numbers are just rolling higher and higher. Shit, this is going to get interesting.

“Let’s see how good you are now, Mr. Pinball.” She walks to the side of the machine as I stand in front, ready to play my last ball. I find the fighting spirit of this woman so attractive, even if it’s only in a game.

“Oh, you’re going to regret that sarcasm, baby,” I reply.

“I’m not your baby.” She gives me the sexiest smile, and I think I might be finally breaking down some of the wall that she has been holding up between us.

“But you could be.” I wink at her, and not giving her a chance to reply, I shoot the ball, and it’s game on. I’m working the machine hard and using every trick I have to keep my points moving up toward her total. I’m getting close, but for the first time in a game, I can feel the sweat on my brow. I didn’t realize how competitive I would be with Harper, but it’s making my adrenaline race, and I love it.

I can hear her mumbling next to me the closer I get to her total, and it makes me more determined.