Elevator Kiss

She should watch out. I was a terrible return shot.

“I guess I lost the archery contest,” I said when Nurse Flirt left. “Unless you count yourself the bigger loser.”

“Don’t call me a loser.” He managed a jovial air.

“What’s your prize?” I leaned closer.

“Oh, I can think of the perfect prize.” His eyes hooded.

“Or should we say my punishment?”

He shut down, looking away.

What had I said to cause that? Because it was definitely on me.

“Uh, I’ll get back to you on that.” He closed his eyes. “Meanwhile, tomorrow let me make it up to you about not getting to ride horses.” His tone was light again.

“Oh, how are you going to do that? It’s a pretty tough thing to match. Unless it’s a waterfall.”

“Waterfall was if you won. Which you didn’t.”

Somehow I knew Calvin could make even a consolation prize feel fun. It’d been a long time since I’d allowed fun in my life. I’d been working like a pack mule for SolutionX, silently begging them to notice me for the creative team. I’d mostly forgotten fun. Calvin Turner embodied it.

“So, if not a waterfall, what is it?”

“You’ll see.”

In spite of myself, I could hardly wait.