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“It’s Steve.”
“Whatever,” I mumble and walk away. Pushing my way to the front of the bar, I order two shots of tequila. “Charge it to the back room. Casanova.”
“Of course, Bill. Congratulations. This is big news for your family.”
I shrug and grumble, “Just my brother’s girlfriend’s sister.”
She pours both shots and places them in front of me. “Yeah, but it’s wonderful you’re all giving her a new family.”
This town irks the shit out of me sometimes with the constant gossip and being in everyone’s business. No doubt they know about Chelsea and Adley’s upbringing, but to act like it’s okay to talk about it is another thing.
Downing both shots in succession, I say, “Give me one more, please. And a beer.”
The bartender pauses before giving me my last order, no doubt replaying the gossip about me. I wait with an expectant look, signaling I’m not leaving this spot until I get what I want. She pours and places it in front of me, and I down the third shot quickly then snatch the beer from the bar and turn to head to the party just in time to hear, “Surprise!” yelled from the back room.
Swallowing more of the beer, I right myself and enter the room. “Congrats to the happy couple!”
Adley turns abruptly at my voice, placing her hand gently on Steve’s arm and stepping closer to me, while he turns his back on me. “Thanks, Bill. This is surprising, for sure. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Anything for you, Ad. You know that.” God, the words fall from my lips for this chick every chance I get. Every time I open my mouth, there’s no controlling it. There’s no show. There’s no thinking of what lines to use, it just comes out. She watches me with sadness though, like she wants to say more. “So I guess this means you’re not staying in Christmas?”
“No, not right now...” her words hang in the air.
I want to keep her talking, keep her attention on me, but it also hurts, like looking into the sun. She’s so brilliant. I slip my hand back into my pocket, rubbing the chain.
“Who’s going to be the referee between Adam and Chelsea now?”
“I guess you’re going to take over my duties.” She smiles at me, and it’s different from what I saw before. All her smiles are different except the ones I get. Those feel true. “Hope you’re up for the challenge.”
“Come on, we’ll fly to Vegas tonight!”
An image of me proposing pops into my head. My eyes dart around her face and my heart rate picks up as I take her in. She’s anatural beauty. Her lightheartedness and teasing fun are her best qualities. Besides her ass, of course.
An image of her laughing in my bed as I tickle her ribs crosses my mind. I try to shake away the feeling that I’ve been here before.
It’s just wishful thinking, Bill.
“I may need to call you once in a while. You know, as a substitute or something.”
Rolling her eyes she replies, “I’ll never be a sub, Bill.” She winks and my fist clenches in my pocket, the chain tight around my fingers.
“You’re a first choice, for some, Ad. Never forget that.”
Her brow furrows and she jumps as Steve wraps his arm around her waist. “Cheers, Will.” He holds his glass up and I stare blankly at him before I lean in and kiss Adley on the cheek. “Congratulations.”
I glance at her necklace. It’s a thin chain with a book charm.
The same fucking one as in my pocket.
She catches me eyeing it and gently touches it. Scenes slam into the forefront of my mind.
Tequila on her skin, pink lace wrapping her body, her soft hands stroking me to completion.
“Beautiful.” I whisper, stunned as I head to the table where my brother is seated.
My mind races and I gulp down the rest of my beer as I fall into the chair next to Tom, and he asks, “You okay, brother?”
Thoughts of that night continue to swirl around me, making me feel lightheaded and dizzy.
