Chapter 2

Paisley's POV

"Please tell me this isn't your revenge plot."

I stared at the neon-flashing laser tag arena in front of me, feeling like I'd fallen into one of Bodhi's traps. Yesterday we'd agreed to cooperate in setting up Rhodes and Sloane, and his suggestion for the "perfect date location" was THIS?

"Trust me, this place is a total romance catalyst," Bodhi said in my ear, his voice particularly sexy against the deafening electronic music. "Dark environment, adrenaline rush, plus plenty of opportunities for heroic rescues. Dating Psychology 101, babe."

I rolled my eyes but had to admit he had a point.

"Paisley, I really don't think I can do this... laser tag? I can't even play whack-a-mole!" Sloane wore the athletic outfit I'd carefully selected for her—tight yoga pants with a black sports bra, looking sexy yet helpless.

"That's exactly the point, sweetie." I patted her shoulder. "Remember, let him protect you. Men love playing the hero."

"But I really don't know how..."

"You don't need to know jack. Just look like you're trying hard." I lowered my voice. "When the moment's right, trip a little and let him catch you. Trust me, works every time."

On the other side, Rhodes was whispering with Bodhi in the equipment area, occasionally stealing glances our way. After Bodhi's "makeover," Rhodes had clearly put effort into his appearance today—a black fitted t-shirt perfectly outlining his muscle definition, and his hair was deliberately styled.

"Now," Bodhi walked over with a laser gun in hand, "we need to divide into teams. I suggest..."

"I'm on your team!" I said quickly, then looked at Rhodes and Sloane. "You two team up."

"What?" Sloane's eyes widened. "Me and Rhodes? But I don't know how to play..."

"That's the whole point." I winked at her. "Remember what I taught you—when you're in trouble, turn to your teammate."

Rhodes looked nervous but excited: "Sloane, don't worry. I'll protect you."

"Then it's settled." Bodhi smiled at me. "Though I should warn you—don't drag me down."

Narcissist. I rolled my eyes.

After entering the game area, red and blue lasers crisscrossed through the fog, filling the entire space with a sci-fi atmosphere. Bodhi and I were the blue team; Rhodes and Sloane were red.

"Captain, what's the tactical plan?" Bodhi asked through the headset, his teasing voice echoing in my ear.

"First, we need to create opportunities for them to shine." I observed the terrain while speaking. "But we can't let them win too easily. I'll flank from the left, you take the right. Remember, create some small dangers so Rhodes can play hero."

"Copy that." Bodhi's voice carried laughter. "Though I have to say, this take-charge side of you is pretty attractive."

"What do you mean?"

"You're always thinking about how to control the situation, making everyone follow your script."

I paused behind cover. "What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing wrong, it's just..." his voice became lower, "I'm wondering if anyone could ever make you lose control."

My heart skipped a beat, but then Sloane's surprised cry rang out. I immediately peeked over to observe, seeing Rhodes protecting her from our "attack," the two pressed close together behind cover.

"Nice work." I said to Bodhi through the headset. "Looks like your student learns fast."

"My student?" Bodhi's voice was full of pride. "That protective move from Rhodes was pure instinct. Seems like he really likes her."

I was about to respond when I sensed movement behind me. Turning around, I saw an "enemy" aiming at me.

"Watch out!" Bodhi's voice rang out urgently, and the next second, he appeared beside me, using his body to block the attack.

"Thanks." I caught my breath. "Didn't expect you to react so fast."

"Partners look out for each other." He looked at me, something unreadable in his eyes.

Over the next ten minutes, Bodhi and I displayed amazing coordination. We didn't need to say much to predict each other's actions. Meanwhile, the atmosphere between Rhodes and Sloane was getting more intimate—I saw Rhodes teaching Sloane how to aim, the two practically pressed together.

"Round one complete!" The staff member's voice announced. "Red team wins!"

Sloane jumped excitedly: "We won! Rhodes, you're amazing!"

She hugged Rhodes enthusiastically, and his face instantly turned red, but he didn't push her away.

"Looks like our plan is working." Bodhi walked up to me.

"Not enough." I stared at the two still embracing in the distance. "We need to take it further. Round two—boys versus girls."

"What?" Bodhi raised an eyebrow. "Won't that eliminate the opportunity to set them up?"

"No, this is better." I turned to him, challenge sparkling in my eyes. "I want Sloane to see that she can be more independent. And Rhodes will discover that pursuing her requires more effort."

"Interesting psychological warfare." Bodhi nodded. "Though are you sure you want to go head-to-head with me?"

"What, scared?" I smiled provocatively.

"Scared?" Bodhi raised an eyebrow. "Sweetheart, I just don't want to make you cry on your way home."

Round two began, and I pulled a somewhat confused Sloane to the girls' team side.

"But Paisley, I was working so well with Rhodes just now..."

"BECAUSE it was working so well, we need to show him your value." I adjusted my equipment. "This time, we're going to absolutely destroy the boys' team and show them what girls are capable of."

When the game started, I became a completely different person. Three years of cheerleading training had given me excellent physical conditioning and reflexes, and I moved through the battlefield like a fish in water, hitting several targets in succession.

"Paisley, you're incredible!" Sloane said behind me.

"You can do this too—aim for Rhodes' chest and fire!"

Under my guidance, Sloane began showing her fighting spirit too. I saw Rhodes' shocked expression when he got hit and couldn't help feeling secretly pleased.

"Looks like I underestimated you." Bodhi's voice carried across the battlefield. "But the game's just getting started."

Over the next few minutes, he began showing his true skills. I found myself being led around by him, always one step behind.

At the crucial moment, I set a trap. When Bodhi was pursuing me, I deliberately exposed my position, then rolled behind him the instant he fired.

"Game over, coach." I smugly aimed my laser gun at his back.

But I hadn't expected Bodhi to suddenly turn around and grab my gun with one arm. In our struggle, we lost balance and fell onto the soft padding together.

Time seemed to freeze.

We lay face to face, so close I could feel his breath. His hand still gripped my wrist, his gaze focused intently on me.

"You know," his voice became husky, "I've been wondering when I could make you lose control."

My heart was beating so fast it might explode. "Does... now count?"

His gaze dropped to my lips. "I think..."

"Hey! What are you two doing?" Sloane's voice interrupted us.

We quickly separated, my face burning hot.

"We were... discussing tactics." I stammered.

"Tactics?" Rhodes walked over, his gaze shifting between us. "Didn't look much like tactical discussion."

"Is the game over?" I tried desperately to change the subject.

"Girls' team wins!" The staff member announced the results. "Let's cheer for tonight's champions!"

Sloane hugged me excitedly: "Paisley, you taught me so much! I feel like I've become stronger!"

Rhodes walked toward her: "You were really amazing today, Sloane. I... I wanted to ask you—would you like to go to an art exhibition with me next week?"

Sloane's eyes lit up: "Really? I'd love to!"

Bodhi and I exchanged a glance. Our plan had worked.