Love You Better (Better Love 1)

“Good game,” I say, before taking a sip of my beer.

“Thanks,” she smiles confidently. “They were easy to beat.”

I nod and laugh with her, unable to contain my grin. “What’s your name?”

“Bianca. You?”

“I’m Ivy.”

Her smile is warm, her eyes focused and interested. She’s not drunk, so that’s a notch in the pro column, and she seems like a straightforward woman, so I cut to the chase.

“Alright, Bianca, I’m going to be blunt.” She pops a brow at me, suddenly suspicious. Another notch for the pros. “First, how much have you had to drink?”

She jerks her head back, no doubt ready to put my nosy self in my place, and I find myself liking her even more. I throw my palm up in an effort to show her I’m harmless. Mostly.

“No judgments here. Totally respect your right to party however hard you want. I have a purpose, I swear,” I say, and her shoulders relax a bit. She studies me a moment before defiantly taking a sip of her beer and responding confidently.

“This is my second beer. I got a paper to write tomorrow so I’m just here to let loose some steam and kick some ass at pong.” She winks.

I nod my head and can’t hold back the mischievous grin.

“Perfect. Okay, Bianca. I’m playing wing woman for my friend over there.” I nod my head toward Jesse. “He’s the tall, tan, sexy one talking to the guy at the corner table.”

She slides her eyes over to J, and I watch as she assesses him while sipping her beer. Then a smile forms on her face, and she brings her gaze back to me.

“And what’s your sexy friend have to do with me?” Her grin is almost predatory, and I know I’ve got a winner.

“Well, Bianca, I’m pretty sure he wants to provide you with a few orgasms tonight.”

She barks out a laugh at my bluntness and spits some beer out of her mouth. I should have waited for her to swallow before delivering that information.

“No shit? And why should I follow through with this opportunity?”

“I’m glad you asked,” I say with a smile. “He’s a great guy. Word is he knows his way around the female body. Respectful. Safe. Clean. A little goofy, but he’s fun. And he’s 6’3”.” I punctuate his height with a wink, and her eyes widen with humor. “But he’s not wanting a relationship, and he only takes home women who are sober, single, and well-informed on his intentions.”

I know I’ve sold her when she nods appreciatively and slides her eyes back to J. She eyes him greedily and takes a few more small drinks from her cup before looking back to me.

“Alright, Ivy. I’m in.”

“Great!” I say, clapping my hands in front of my chest. “Cool if I hang out here until he’s done securing my company for the night?” I waggle my brows at her and we both giggle.

“Nice.” She laughs, and we watch Jesse until he looks over at us and sends me a wink.

“That’s my cue, Bianca. Have fun tonight. Your orgasms will arrive shortly.”

“Thanks, Ivy.” She smiles, I smile, and I head over to meet the brunette jock in Jordans. My company for the evening.

I’ve been chatting Brock up for the last ninety minutes and so far, so good. He seems like a decent guy, albeit a bit dull. Several times I find myself wishing Kelley were here to liven up the conversation, but my best friend doesn’t go out. It’s for the best, anyway.

With the exception of some shoulder rubs and a light hand on my hip, Brock hasn’t gotten gropey, so I’ve been cool, collected, and flirty. I think this might actually be the night I beat it.

But then it happens.

Brock slides his hand up to my waist and gives it a squeeze as he lowers his lips to the shell of my ear.

“Want to head to my place?” he asks, and I feel the familiar drop of ice skate its way down my spine, leaving pinpricks in its wake. My breath catches and my pulse thunders in my ears.

To anyone else, I could definitely pass as aroused, and I can tell Brock assumes as much by the way he slips his fingertips into the back band of my jeans. I shut my eyes and take a deep breath in, letting it out slowly. I’m sure Brock thinks I’m being coy, but that’s better than him knowing the truth. I recite the Attorney’s Oath in my head, and just like last weekend, I only have to say it once before I’ve calmed my heart rate. I take that as a good sign.