Matty swings the Range Rover into the parking lot for Level Up, claiming a spot near the entrance. I’m so caught up in my own thoughts that I barely notice him hopping out and jogging around to open my door. When it swings wide and what he’s doing finally registers, I blink up at him in surprise, laughing nervously when he extends a hand in my direction.
“Are you serious right now?”
He flashes me a grin, nodding down to his outstretched hand. “Trying to be a gentleman here.”
Ugh, that grin of his is getting hard to resist.
I reach out to place my hand in his, my stomach fluttering as he helps me out of the car. I’m jittery with nerves and suddenly hyper-aware of how out of place the two of us seem as we start walking from the car to the entrance, a mismatched pair standing at the threshold of something that should feel normal. Matty’s fitted blue jeans and crisp white polo cling to his muscular frame, while I’m rocking a black mini dress, fishnet tights, and leather ankle boots. We definitely don’t look like we belong together. Hell, we couldn’t look more incongruent if we tried.
I feel the stares the moment we step inside Level Up, anxiety twisting in my gut. Not that I see anyone I know, but the fear of being judged for my choices is ever-present, keeping me on edge. My fingers instinctively run through my hair as I pull away from Matty’s side.
“Uh, should we grab drinks?” I ask awkwardly.
“And tokens,” he says with a wink, sidestepping to reclaim the space between us. He brings a hand to the small of my back, guiding me toward the bar.
We order drinks and the bartender delivers them along with a plastic cup of tokens for each of us. Armed with all we need, we start wandering through the dimly lit barcade, searching for where to begin. The distant clink of coins and the sounds of arcade machines fill the air, mingling with the upbeat music playing overhead. The soft beat of the track pulses in the background as we make our way past clusters of people, each absorbed in their own games. The flickering lights cast shadows on the walls, and the occasional bursts of laughter or cheers from nearby players makes the whole place feel alive in a way that’s almost electric. It’s sensory overload, but in thebestway, and I can’t help but grin, feeling like a kid again.
“So, are you a skee ball girl, or is air hockey your game?” Matty asks, glancing around. “Or maybe pinball?”
“Hmm,” I muse, scanning our options. I spot the Pac-Man table across the room and my heart skips a beat. “They have Pac-Man!” I exclaim, unable to contain my enthusiasm.
“Pac-Man it is,” Matty laughs.
We make our way over to the game and take seats across from one another, Matty dropping a couple tokens into the slot. I set my drink down so I have both hands free– one to move the joystick, the other to mash the buttons– and as soon as it starts, my little guy starts gobbling up dots like nobody’s business.
“Jeez, save some cherries for the rest of us,” Matty jokes as I beat his player to the fruit.
“Gotta be quicker than that,Isaac,” I tease, sticking out my tongue at him.
“Oof, low blow,” he replies with a wince.
I laugh– a genuine laugh that’s been too rare lately– and steal another piece of fruit from right under his nose, fleeing before one of the ghosts catches me.
The banter between us flows easily as we play, taunting and teasing one another the whole time. I win, of course– Pac-Manhas always been my game– but Matty definitely holds his own. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised he’s a decent gamer, given the line of work we’re in, but it strikes me as just one more thing we have in common, even if wearean odd pair.
We choose a two-player shooting game next, and within minutes, we’re both fully invested. I point at the screen, shouting warnings as zombies rush us. Matty’s reactions are quick, his hands steady as he guns down enemies left and right.
“On the left!” I yell, adrenaline pumping.
“Got it,” he replies, taking them out in one swift motion.
I slide him a grin. “Thanks for the save.”
“Anytime,” he winks.
By the time we grab another round of drinks, we’re laughing, sharing tokens, and sinking into the games like they’re second nature. The evening becomes a blur of flashing lights, heated competition, and easy camaraderie. It feels like we’ve found our own rhythm, something simple and natural in every laugh and affectionate touch.
When we finally decide to call it a night and step out into the cool night air, I’m surprised by how reluctant I am to end the date. I drag my feet all the way to the car, the warmth of Matty’s hand enveloping mine as he walks with me to the passenger side. I turn to him as we step up, about to insist that I’m a grown ass woman who can open doors herself, when he suddenly leans in, lips descending on mine.
It's slow at first– tentative, like he’s testing the waters– but the moment I kiss him back, his restraint dissolves. He immediately deepens it, hand cupping my jaw and pulling me closer, his broad chest pressing against mine.
I melt into him, the world around us fading away to nothingness as his lips move against mine with gentle urgency. My heart races as our tongues tangle, his fingers diving into my hair and tugging me impossibly closer.
We’re both breathless when we finally break apart, my stomach flip-flopping as I stare into his gorgeous blue eyes. Then he reaches for the door handle beside my hip, popping it open and gesturing for me to get in with a lazy grin.
Talk about leaving a girl hanging.
I have half a mind to go in for seconds, but I quickly think better of it and slide into the passenger seat, buckling up as Matty comes around to the other side and gets in.
