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When I slap down a wicked draw four on her sister, I let out a whoop that has her giggling. The sound like music to my ears. "Take that, sister dearest!" She starts the shit talk for me.
Annabelle turns red but laughs it off. "Just you wait, Kitty Kat. I'll get you guys back!"
I let out a dramatic sigh. "Y’all are vicious. Remind me not to cross you ladies.”
Kat bumps my shoulder playfully, sending a pleasant tingle through me. "All's fair in cards and war."
Her eyes sparkle mischievously and I find myself leaning in without thinking. “Maybe I should let you win, just to stay on your good side.”
Kat worries that plump bottom lip between her teeth, sending all my blood rushing straight down south. Get it together, man.
A polite cough interrupts our moment and we all look up to see Kat’s mom and dad entering the suite laden with plates, containers and platters of food galore. I immediately hop up to help lay it all out on the table, and when I return to my seat at the coffee table, Kat gazes at me with a softness in her eyes, making my ears burn hot.
As smitten with me as she seems to be, Kat does not pull any punches during the next few rounds, pulling off combos and evading draws like a pro. I love it.
Each time she whoops triumphantly or nudges me conspiratorially, it just ramps up the energy sparking between us. And judging by the way Wyatt's jaw keeps clenching and Emrys' grunts get grumpier, they sense her warming up to me too.
Man alive, I can't remember the last time I had this much fun playing some silly card game. But going toe to toe with this quick-witted, captivating woman has me grinning like a fool. Yep, Kat Sharpe is really something else. And win or lose, as long as I get to stay by this brilliant firecracker's side, I'll be riding high.
As the drinks and snacks keep flowing, everyone starts loosening up. Even Wyatt cracks a reluctant smile now and then, and Emrys almost looks happy after polishing off his third fancy beer. The upbeat music and lively company make it impossible to stay uptight for long.
Eventually, Kat’s mom and dad bow out claiming something about being old and tired and they quickly leave the suite, though we all let out disgusted gags and groans when they can’t even wait for the elevator doors to fully close before they’re drawn together like magnets.
It’s…warming to see the obvious love they have, but–shiver–I don’t want to see their love.
Soon, Kat discards her shoes and curls up on the sofa next to me, all casual and cozy. I have to resist wrapping an arm around her and nuzzling into that sweet-smelling hair. Wait. Why am I resisting?
I let my urges take the reins and do exactly that. Kat is a bit stiff at first, her eyes surreptitiously glancing around at the other two guys, but then she relaxes.
When Annabelle stumbles to her feet, giggling and rosy cheeked, I know the real fun's about to start. "Time for...drinking Uno!" She announces loudly. Ethan just chuckles and shakes his head with a fond smile. These two are just too damn cute. Nauseating, but cute.
Annabelle explains the rules while swaying slightly. "So like, if you get skipped, you drink. Draw two, drink two. Draw four, four drinks!" She emphasizes each point by nearly smacking me in the face, not that I mind. Kat has to stifle her giggles, especially when Annabelle ends up spinning in a circle and landing right in Ethan's lap at the end of her speech.
"I think you've started celebrating a little early, sweetheart," Ethan teases, steadying his bride-to-be.
Annabelle just smacks a big, sloppy kiss on his cheek in response. "You're just sc- scared I'll kick your butt at drunk Uno!" She slurs out boldly.
Well that's all the motivation I need. I grab my whiskey and guzzle a hearty mouthful, then slam my glass down in challenge. "Let's do this!"
Kat shakes her head at my antics but takes a sip of her fruity cocktail just the same. A happy buzz thrums through me and judging by the way she leans in closer, that electric draw between me and this gorgeous gal is only getting stronger.
As the game gets rowdier, Kat ends up on my lap more than once and each time it takes every ounce of gentlemanly restraint not to cop a feel of that luscious backside. Emrys ends up chugging an entire beer in one go after a particularly brutal draw four combo, and even Wyatt loosens up enough to get in on the spirit of the game.
As Kat takes her next turn, being hit with a draw two by Wyatt, I let out a low whistle. "Bottoms up, darlin'."
Kat shakes her head at me playfully but reaches for her fruity cocktail without hesitation. I watch the delicate line of her throat as she swallows, desire stirring hotly. She's loosening up by the minute, laughing more freely and leaning into my casual touches. I can almost see the exact moment her sharp mind stops overthinking and she gives herself permission to just feel.
When she grins at me, relaxed and glowing beneath the low lights, something warm unfurls inside my chest. I'm seeing glimpses of the real Kat beneath the polish. And I want more.
As the game continues, Kat ends up perched comfortably in my lap, my arms wrapped loosely around her hips. The warm, vanilla scent of her hair envelops me, wreaking havoc on my composure. I have to shift subtly to hide the effect her nearness has on me.
Emrys tosses back another beer, watching us broodingly. But Kat seems beyond noticing the charged dynamic tonight.
When her next turn ends up being a draw four for Wyatt, Kat cackles gleefully. "Bottoms up, chicken boy!"
We all cheer Wyatt on as he swallows four gulps of whiskey in quick succession, Adam's apple bobbing. He grimaces at the burn but meets Kat's shining eyes steadily, his hand splaying over one of her thighs. "Well played," he acknowledges.
"Why thank you kind sir," Kat shoots back airly, her leg instinctively pressing further into his touch. I take the opportunity to lean into her further, and Wyatt shifts in his seat, jaw tightening as he watches me nuzzle against Kat's delicate neck. I meet his stare evenly over Kat's shoulder, a silent challenge in my eyes.
