Salvation (Surrender 3)

I punch him on the shoulder until he puts her down, and I scoop her up.

“Did I embarrass you?” She looks at me wearily.

“Nope, it’s perfect. Everything is perfect.”

“Is Cruz right? Do

you usually serve chips and awful dip?”

I don’t answer but brush my lips across hers lightly.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Next time I’ll know.”

“Hell no!” Tripp yells. “This shit is terrific. Hayes is hosting poker night every time.”

She beams. “Thank you, Tripp. If Cruz is so offended, he’ll really be upset when he’s the only one that doesn’t get any chocolate turtle brownies.”

Groans of appreciation fill the room, and Cruz looks horrified.

“Ember, don’t be silly. That’s my favorite.”

“That’s why I made them, you big jerk, to commemorate your first poker night with the hottest group of straight men I know.”

He flaps his mouth open and shut a few times without a good comeback.

“Speaking of travesty, what the hell are you wearing?” Gabe asks Cruz with a scowl.

“I’m playing to win. The internet said I should dress so you couldn’t read my tell,” Cruz answers, referring to his black hoodie, ridiculous visor, and sunglasses.

“That’s fucking crazy. Can we get started now?”

For an hour, we play several rounds. Everyone except for Cruz beats Jimi. Finally, he can’t handle it.

“Cheaters! You’re all a bunch of fucking cheaters!” Jimi yells, throwing his cards on the table.

“You still suck at poker. Admit it.” Tripp rakes in the chips and hands the cards to Finn to shuffle.

“Nope, I owned that hand.”

I take a drink of my beer and shake my head. The guy won’t admit he sucks at poker. Ember comes around, collecting empty bottles. When she brings in a plate of brownies and sets them on the coffee table, the game breaks.

Max moans with his first bite and looks at me seriously. “I’m gonna marry her.”

I open my mouth to cuss him out, but Ember giggles beside me. She slides her arm around my waist and smiles at him.

“I’m glad you like them. They were my grandmother’s recipe. I figured tonight was a special occasion.”

“Me and you. Tomorrow. The courthouse. We’re getting hitched. I’ll treat you so good, you’ll never remember this loser’s name,” he tells her pointing at me.

“Watch it, douchebag. I’ll kick your ass again.”

He shrugs and goads me more. “Someone’s gotta make an honest woman out of her. I’ll gladly take the job.”

“I hate to tell you, even as cute as you are, I’m pretty smitten,” Ember’s sweet voice answers him. She uses the word from so many months ago when I described Jonas.

“They’re all gone!” Cruz interrupts us, looking at the empty plate, horrified. “I went to the bathroom and they’re all gone!!!”

Ember doubles over, laughing. “I saved you a few in the kitchen.”