“And how are you tonight, Presley?” he asks, leaning across the bar as he places two drinks in front of Lennon. “I missed seeing you this afternoon.”
“You saw me,” I reply defensively. Not that I was trying to be defensive, but that’s how my comment came out. Maybe it’s the presence of both of them at the same time.
“For five minutes and then you disappeared.”
“Kyra wanted to bake cookies, so we went back to her villa.”
“You know who likes cookies?” His smile grows wider.
“I bet you do.” I reach for my drink. “What is this by the way?”
“I’m calling it the Lusty Lady.”
It’s a soft-pink color with a hot-pink umbrella sticking out of my straw. Removing the umbrella and sticking it in my hair behind my ear, I bend down and take a small sip.
Holy shit, that’s strong.
“Um, what’s in here?” I ask, coughing as the liquor burns its way down my throat.
“Everything. You’ll want to drink slow and only have a few. I’d hate to see you fall into the wrong hands tonight.” He glances next to me at Lennon who still has yet to say a word.
“The only thing I’ll be falling into tonight is my bed,” I state firmly, stepping back from both of them, drink in hand. “Alone.”
With that, I take another sip of my drink as I walk with purpose over to where Kyra’s seated. She smiles at me hesitantly as I approach.
“Hey, girl. How are you?” I ask, sliding into the leather seat next to her.
“Fine. Nervous,” she admits. Her eyes are trained on Callen’s ass as he bends to take a shot, pulling back the pool cue slowly once, twice, striking the ball with purpose.
“Here,” I say, handing her my drink. “Drink. Small sips. I promise you won’t be as nervous in five minutes. Just... only have one. They’re strong.”
Kyra takes a sip and barely flinches. Am I that weak? She has half of the drink gone by the time there’s a knock at the door, catching the attention of everyone in the room.
Our first game has arrived.
Charades.
This should be interesting.
An hour later, I’m rolling on the floor, laughing my ass off at Courtney as she tries to act out whatever the hell movie she drew. We’re losing, miserably. I’ve had two of Jace’s special Lusty Ladies and my glass is empty.
“Time!” Drake yells, fist pumping the air. “Guys win!”
The guys are still celebrating when our next game is delivered. Once everyone has a full drink, including Kyra who seems to have relaxed even more than I thought she would, Jace removes the black linen sheet revealing our next game.
Pictionary.
This seems unfair. If we got our ass kicked at Charades, how are we going to do any better at this? And I was chosen as team captain so if we do by some miracle win, I’ll have to face off against Jace at whatever game they throw at us next.
With a groan, I help Jace set up the game.
“Is that your third drink I see?” he asks, nodding in the direction of my frothy pink drink.
I’d lie to him, but all he’d have to do is count the umbrellas in my hair.
“Maybe.” I smirk. “Then again, they’re not as strong as the first one you made me.”
“That’s because you’re used to the taste. Be careful, Presley. I’d hate to have to fight someone for the chance to carry you to your villa.”