Wrecked (Dirty Air 3)

He grabs my hand and lifts me out of the bed. “You’re going to a gala.”

“I’ve been to a gala.”

“Yes. But have you ever gotten drunk at a gala on two-hundred-dollar bottles of champagne?” He smiles wickedly.

I see where this train wreck is going. I’d say no, except the smile on Jax’s face tells me a favor is a favor, and unless I’m willing to owe more, I better suck it up.

“I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” I rasp.

“Only in the morning, love. For now, let’s let loose and have some fun.”

For people like Jax, fun is synonymous with trouble. But when you date the ultimate troublemaker, you’re bound to join in eventually.

I decline the champagne after a glass because if I plan on getting drunk, that’s the last hangover I want tomorrow. Jax asks the bartender for a bottle of top-shelf tequila. A whole bottle. One-hundred percent blue agave and one-hundred percent likely to get us all fucked up sooner rather than later. I clutch onto the tray carrying the sangrita chasers, lime wedges, salt, and eight Caballito glasses for us and all our friends.

Elías and I teach everyone the proper way to drink tequila. We weren’t raised to knock back shot glass after shot glass. Our grandparents taught us to cherish the flavors and enjoy the glass sip by sip.

Jax helps me get settled into my seat at our table. Sophie and Maya eye the tequila bottle with a smile while Noah rubs his eyes.

“We love tequila.” Sophie grabs the long glass.

“So does the toilet after you puke up your guts.” Liam pinches his nose.

“That happened a while ago.” Maya laughs.

“That was last month,” Noah offers dryly with a smirk.

“Okay, remember to sip rather than shoot,” Elías calls out to the group as he pours the glasses.

Everyone holds out their full glasses in the center.

“A toast…” Santiago calls out.

“To friends…” Elías starts.

“…who become family.” Noah smiles in Maya and Santi’s direction.

Elías and my eyes meet. He started this connection with everyone by hosting his game night, but Jax and everyone else solidified it. I can’t help the feeling of vulnerability settling in my stomach at gaining new friends.

Awareness washes over me as I move my attention toward Jax. Damn him. He’s working his way into every single crevice of my soul. He makes me want to be accepted by him and his friends, who act like a family I’ve always craved but couldn’t have. No one wants to be friends with the person who keeps cancelling because of work and other obligations like helping Abuela. Well, everyone except Elías, who doesn’t take “I’m busy” as an excuse.

Jax must sense my mood changing because he squeezes the area above my knee reassuringly.

“And to sad wankers like Liam who will never win another Championship in their lifetime.” Jax breaks the silence by clinking his glass against the rest.

The group laughs, washing away my darker thoughts.

“And to assholes who made history by falling in love faster than anticipated.” Liam raises a brow in Jax’s direction.

I pretend not to notice Jax shaking his head, fighting a smile. I pretend my heart didn’t squeeze at the idea of Jax falling in love. I pretend so well, I end up drinking quicker than intended.

A few glasses of tequila later, I gain new friends, along with securing myself one killer hangover.

And it was most definitely worth the pounding headache.

“So, I have a question I’ve been dying to ask you…” Sophie rocks back on the heel of her sneaker.

“Oh God. No.” Maya groans at her best friend.