Page 124 of Bonus Game
Riley quickly followed Allen’s order, not because he was happy to be dommed by him, but because they had a common goal in mind.
Allen still caught onto how easily he had complied, turning to shoot a wicked grin at Riley, which Riley then snorted at, but the exchange helped to fuel his determination.
That was how they ended up on a full tour of the arcade, moving from game to game to see which ones they were good at and which ones could win them the most tickets. One look behind the counter told them exactly what they were playing for, and with the challenge set, it was only a matter of time before they got what they wanted.
Riley discovered that he was excellent at shooting basketballs into a hoop, and he ended up racking up atonof tickets, while Allen stuck to the racing games and air hockey. They reconvened at the claw machine because Allen wanted to test his luck on getting extra prizes, and Riley was happy to watch him.
“I have a plan—but it’s a crazy plan,” Allen said, keeping his eyes locked on the claw as it descended and picked up a wolf plushie.
Riley didn’t know what Allen justified ascrazywhen it came to arcade games, but he really hoped he wasn’t planning on robbing the place.
When Allen looked up from his task with his new stuffy in hand and saw Riley’s expression, his eyes widened, and he shook his head.
“No, not for winning the prizes,” Allen said, shoving the small wolf into Riley’s chest. “Here, I won this for you. Take care of him.”
Riley smirked as he took the wolf and held it up, already planning to treasure it forever.
“I have a crazy plan on how to help Jake,” Allen clarified, and Riley immediately caught onto the hint of nervousness in his voice.
“What do you mean?” Riley asked, ducking closer to Allen so they could hear each other over the clamouring noise surrounding them. “You mean for the wedding?”
Allen caught his bottom lip between his teeth and began chewing a little too hard for Riley’s tastes, but he wanted to hear what Allen had to say, and he didn’t want to distract him.
“I just want Jake to be happy,” said Allen. “And I think I know what to do, but it’s going to take a lot of balls.”
Riley didn’t doubt that Allen had balls. He also knew there was only one person who Allen was nervous around, and that was Jake’s father. He’d had a feeling after the Christmas dinner that Allen was planning on getting Everett to back off, but Riley understood how daunting the notion was.
Everett was not someone you could go toe-to-toe with lightly. Convincing him to do anything took a shit ton of leverage, and yes, balls.
“If you need backup,” Riley began, keeping his expression stern so Allen would know he wasn’t joking. “Call for me, and I’llbe there. I know you’re capable of handling yourself, but don’t be scared to ask.”
Allen groaned before bumping his head against Riley’s arm. “He’s basically your father. I’m not letting you put yourself between us, and you’re right, I can handle myself.”
Riley was confident that Allen could walk Everett like a dog if he really wanted to. The man made no effort to hide how much he had liked Allen during their conversation at the Valero residence.
“I’m planning on meeting him in a few days,” said Allen. “So, if I don’t come home after, you’ll probably find my body washed up on shore, bloated and unrecognizable.”
Riley blew out a breath. “Ally, I promise the Valeros are not mobsters.”
Allen hummed and pulled his head away, his frown suggesting he was unconvinced. “Come on, I think we only need a few more tickets. I want you to pull up your sleeves while you shoot some hoops. Let me ogle at those sexy biceps of yours.”
Riley had no complaints about being ogled, and he could tell that Allen was still anxious, so the least he could do was cheer him up by putting on a show.
And when they walked away from the arcade thirty minutes later carrying a huge black cat and an equally huge white cat for Jake and Kingston, Riley concluded that his first date with Allen had been a successful one—and he couldn’t wait to do it again.
27 /ALLEN
“I’msurprised you asked to meet in person, Allen. You’re usually so anxious to end our phone conversations.”
Allen fought to keep his hands from fidgeting as he met Mr. Valero’s gaze in challenge. Facing the man was like standing in the path of an approaching tornado, and Allenhatedtornadoes. They scared the shit out of him.
He’d thought calling Jake’s father to meet in the conference room across from the penthouse might make things feel more casual—but now, sitting at the long, empty table with nowhere to look and nowhere to hide, he found himself deeply regretting that decision.
“You’re an intimidating man to talk to,” said Allen. “And you’re right about my anxiety surrounding your calls, but I didn’t want to ask you for something this big unless it was face-to-face.”
Mr. Valero had done well in the genetics department because he and his son could have passed for brothers if Jake didn’t look so damn young. But unlike Jake, Everett Valero was very expressive and easy to read, so Allen could at least judge the man’s reactions and know if he was crossing a line or not.
Mr. Valero’s smirk was also much colder than Jake’s, but there was kindness in his eyes when he leaned forward on the table and set his chin on his folded hands. “Tell me what you have in mind then, son. Take your time explaining, and I promise not to interrupt you.”
