Blame it on the Vodka (Blame it on the Alcohol)

Her reaction was all the proof I needed that thinking Rae could be jealous was the most absurd idea ever.

“Hey, Emerald,” Brogan called to Rae, cutting off our banter.

Rae turned to one of Parker’s band members with a bored, who-the-fuck-are-you stare, but I noticed her lips twitch—a clear sign she wasn’t nearly as irritated as her haughty glare led to believe.

When Rae didn’t melt at Brogan’s feet like any other woman in the world, he smiled, holding up his hands in surrender. “Raelynn,” he corrected.

“Thank you,” she answered with a demure smile. Rae wasn’t a woman who answered to nicknames. Especially from someone she knew damn well knew her name. Especially not a nickname as lame as the color of her dress.

I stood back, watching Brogan try to lure Rae in, doing my best to mask the jealousy pulling my jaw tight. I should’ve been used to her flirting with others, but it still screwed my muscles too tight. Thankfully, I at least knew she wouldn’t be going home with him. I’d watched her strut away with men since we met, but it never got easy. Not even when I found a woman to lose myself in. But tonight, I didn’t have to worry because she had Bodie. I hated the douchebag, but he was a solid cock-blocker.

Everyone started talking about their plans next, and I considered tossing Rae over my shoulder so I could have her all to myself. However, that plan was dashed when Brogan spoke up. “Evan just texted me about a party at the Bellagio.”

“I’m down with that,” Rae jumped in.

The look Brogan gave Rae was textbook—the one any guy got when he thought he was going to get lucky with the bombshell in front of him. I didn’t fucking think so. “Don’t you have a boyfriend you should call?” I interjected, hoping to dash Brogan’s hopes and get Rae and me back on track for a night alone.

“You’re not her boyfriend?” Brogan asked.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure out if he was that arrogant or that dumb to flirt with a woman so openly when he thought their boyfriend was standing beside them.

Before I could ask, Rae answered, “Nope. He’s just my forever wedding date.”

My lip curled at the description. Just. I wasn’t just anything.

“Well, then, by all means, come along,” Brogan crooned, scanning her from head to toe. “I know I’d love to have you there.”

I hoped that Rae would roll her eyes at his cheesy come-ons, but she stood there, eating it up.

Fuck.

Bringing up Bodie didn’t work, and with each passing second, I saw my plans of just the two of us fading away. “I am not going to some random hotel party,” I tried to reason with her.

Fail.

She shrugged. “Vera will go with me.”

Vera stepped back with her hands up. “Girl, I love you, but Nico and I have plans. It’s our first trip after the baby, and we’re making the most of it.”

Unphased, Rae stuck out her tongue. “Party poopers. Fine,” she added with a dramatic sigh. “I’ll just go alone.”

“Austin,” Nova said. I ruefully met her wide, pleading eyes, already knowing my fate. “Please. I don’t want to have to skip out on my wedding night to make sure my best friend is safe.”

“What?” Parker almost shrieked.

Nova gave him a not-so-subtle wink, assuring me I wasn’t getting out of this.

“Fucking fine. I’ll go,” I grumbled, turning to point at Rae. “But we’re not staying long.”

She smiled in victory, and as much as I fought it, I couldn’t help but smile back.

I’d go anywhere for her.

Chapter Four

Raelynn

The party could have been one at college. A crowded room, drunk people grinding on each other, beer pong in the corner, and the occasional cheers and shouts mirrored everything I’d loved about frat parties. Except this one had top-of-the-line liquor and beer dispensed by a bartender. Add in the Vegas skyline twinkling in the distance, and I for sure knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

I giggled at my own silly reference.

“What’s so funny?” Austin asked, standing tall like a centurion by my side.

“Me.”

“You are pretty hilarious.”

“What I think is funny is that we’re at a celebrity party, and you’ve had all of one beer.”

“Someone has to stay sober to keep an eye on you.”

“Pssshhh. I’m a big girl, Austin. Haven’t you noticed?” I put my arms up and shimmied, blowing him an extra pouty kiss. Euphoric victory shot through my veins when his eyes flicked from my lips to my breasts before looking away, a tinge of color heating up his cheeks.

“C’mon, Austin. Have a shot with me.”

“I’m not doing shots. Shots with you lead to epic hangovers.”

“But also, epic nights.” He confirmed I was right with a smile but still shook his head. “At least have one drink with me,” I coaxed with my best pout.