“All right, baby doll,” he concedes while handing me the bottle. “But just for today, okay? Things are getting fucking wild.”
“We can’t talk here,” Parker says gruffly. “Too many ears.”
I nod. “Too many loose fucking cannons.”
“Looks like our families are being watched,” Lev observes. “So, we have to pick a place that isn’t where we would typically go.”
Tomas sips from his glass, sighs, and shrugs. “Boathouse. Nobody would expect to find us there in a cold, dark, crappy place.”
“Why would they when we have cozy mansions to party in?” I pose thoughtfully. I smile at Tomas and whisper, “Good thinking, Tommy.”
He winks. “I thought so too.”
Soren reaches for my shoulder, offering me a light squeeze. Things are still weird between us, but the way he touches me makes me feel like a human being. “Sorry about the, uh…” He clears his throat and offers me his famous Hollywood smile. “That shitstorm back there. You all right?”
As much as I want his comfort, I recall the snide comment about the white dress and shake his hand from my shoulder, leaning toward Lev. “I’m fine. I should be used to it by now, right?”
Parker touches my hand. It’s a light tap, a way to remind me exactly who I belong to, but part of my body feels inclined to lean toward him too. My confusion doubles as I struggle with a medley of feelings all warring at once in my gut. I just want a couple of drinks and a pair of warm arms around me—is that too much to ask?
“It’s settled then,” Parker announces. “We’ll meet at the boathouse for the NYE party later.” He focuses on me and adds, “And wear something pretty.”