Ten ~ Evelyn

I walk through the maze of towering glass monuments.

The falling sun bounces off of the panes.

My boots rhythmically click against the uneven pavement.

Tonight I'm wearing black jeans and a strappy lace top. The deep red highlights the green in my eyes.

The top has sewn in pads, so I've gone braless. My boobs jiggle slightly with every step I take. As a D cup, I fill the material nicely.

Knowing there's a free cloakroom allows me to wear a more scarce outfit paired with a long coat to ward off the cold and straying eyes.

Adrian is standing by the entrance looking hotter than hell.

He's wearing black jeans that perfectly hug his powerful thighs, a grey polo shirt and a dark overcoat.

I bite my lip, as I take him in.

As soon as I'm within proximity, Ade pulls me into a hug.

"You look stunning." His rich voice and warm breath tickle my ear, sending a burning flush straight to my cheeks.

"Says you!" I ogle him shamelessly.

He gives me a lopsided smile before capturing my hand and leading me inside.

Colourful LED batten lights curve round the generous spiral staircase leading to a lower level.

We head to the cloakroom to the right of the landing.

Ade helps me out of my coat before removing his and handing them both over.

My eyes are drawn magnetically to his ripped biceps, straining against the material of his shirt.

I clasp my hands together to subdue the urge to touch them.

Ade's hand on my elbow jolts me back to earth. He slides his hand down my forearm and laces his fingers with mine.

He lends me his strength walking down the stairs. I'm quite accustomed to manoeuvring in heels, but since taking a dive in front of this god isn't on my to-do list, I appreciate the support.

Downstairs is an endless feast for the eyes.

Three extravagantly rogue golf courses surround a carnival themed bar, complete with berry-coloured lightbulbs framing the perimeter.

We check the train departure board for our name and assigned golf course.

Even the names are illuminating. Amber, sapphire and emerald.

For tonight, sapphire is our designated destination.

We are greeted at the entrance by a disinterested young adult.

Each ball is assigned to an individual and can then be tracked upon placement on the tee. So, all of the scoring is done automatically.

He pulls up our slot. The guest names read as "Evie and Adrian". Confused, I turn towards a smug Ade, grinning from ear to ear.

He must've changed my nickname when I sent him the link to register his details. Smart ass.

The first hole if a graffitied halfpipe with cutouts.

Three shots and I'm in!

Three shots and then three more and Ade is still stuck in the mock sandpit. His knuckles grow whiter with each shot.

Unfortunately, the computer flatteringly caps his shots at eight.

The next hole is on a raised platform, set up like a bowling alley. I knock the ball into the the strike bonus hole and give a triumphant cheer.

Ade slumps up the steps and somehow ends up with a gutter ball.

I hold a hand to my mouth to suppress a laugh as his low score is deducted extra points.

The smug grin is a historical event by hole four.

Although, mine is now out in full force.

His muscular arms ripple as he swings the club, sending the ball hurtling up the ramp. It completely misses the collection of oversized bear pong cups.

I stroll up to the tee and dramatically close my eyes. I could feel the intensity of his glare on my back as I judge my power rather than my aim.

My eyes flutter open at the sound of an exasperated groan.

Ade gestures towards the large screen with our current score. There's a short animation before "Hole in One" flashes onto the screen.

Pure delight fills me. I start bouncing before diving into Adrian's arms.

Realising what I had just done, I tried to take a step back but Ade held my hips firmly in place.

Peering up at him, a new wave of happiness hits me when I see that his dimples have made a return.

He dips his head to press a brief kiss to my forehead before releasing me.

"Would you like some help?" I tilt my head and give him a sheepish smile.

"Fine! But what happens on the miniature golf course stays on the miniature golf course!"

Laughing, I make my way over to our next challenge.

It's a shoot a duck style carnival stall. The ducks swim back and forth.

I step behind him. With great difficulty, I wrap my arms around him to adjust his position before trying some practice swings.

I monitor the ducks movements and time the shot.

Following through this time, the ball lands in the bonus duck's mouth before dropping onto a track and straight into the hole.

He releases his club, all wide-eyed with dimpled similes. I go to lunge for the club but my feet are quickly swept off the ground.

Ade has managed to scoop me up into an overexcited hug that has my shorts legs dangling in the air.

I give in to his pure excitement and wrap my arms around his neck. Enjoying the heavenly smell and warmth that accompanies having him near.

The final three holes see a markable improvement that manages to appease Mr Competitive.

But I win.

We check out the daily leaderboard on the way over to the bar.

I've just been knocked from first place by a…Mr Bean? I bet Teddy carried the ball straight to the holes with an insane score like that.

Having my turn to grumble, Ade drags me to the bar.

"What would you like to drink?" Adrian tilts my chin up to look at him.

"A lemonade, please."

Ade watches me silently, as if waiting for the punchline. When it never comes he asks, "Would you like a cocktail?"

"No thank you, I don't drink."

Another pause as he studies my face, "Then I'll have a coke."

"That's not necessarily, other people drinking doesn't bother me. Sorry…"

"Don't be, I don't need to drink to have fun!"

The sentiment sparks a fire in my chest.

During first year, I lived in the party flat. I even dipped my toe into the occasional night of sober clubbing. But almost always, you end up looking after someone.

It was such a sweet gesture that I'd never been offered before.

We carry our drinks to one of the high tables with comfy bar stools.

With a small wriggle and a hop, I'm gracefully situated. Laughter trapped in Ade's eyes at the sight.

"So, why don't you drink? If you don't mind me asking." Adrian is sweetly cautious about the topic. Most bark the question as an order after trying to shove a drink in my face.

"I don't mind. I don't like feeling disoriented and out of control." I don't trust the general public, so the idea of having my senses and vigilance dulled terrifies me.

"What's your favourite non-alcoholic drink then?" Ade's talent to fill an awkward space with a joyful redirect never ceases to amaze me.

"You can't beat a milkshake! Mango with white chocolate and marshmallow fluff is probably my favourite, you?"

"Hmm…Whilst that sounds interesting, you can't persuade me not to have a cookies and cream milkshake!"

"Wow. Sooooo original." I dramatically roll my eyes. "You may as well stick to vanilla!"

Ade shakes his head as he drags his teeth along his bottom lip.

"Long time no see! How're you doing?" I was so entranced by the fantasy of biting Adrian's soft lip, I didn't notice the man approach our table.

After exchanging pleasantries, random friend nods at me, "Who is this delight?"

"Apologies, this is Evelyn. Evelyn meet Nick, he's an old friend from secondary school."

Nick sends a shiver up my spine with a leisurely once over. "So what's a young beauty doing with this old grouch?"

"Losing at mini golf apparently." Adrian smirks at my small wink.

But apparently I've bored Nick. He's back to talking Adrian's ear off with his back to me.

I play with my straw for a while before turning to the quirky decorations for entertainment.

Scanning the room, I land on a man holding his phone at a peculiar angle.

Is it pointed at us?

When he moves, adjusting his phone so it remains pointing at us, dread sloshes in my stomach.

Shit.

What's he going to do with the pictures?

What if work sees?

I need to get out of here!