Monty’s eyes flick to the line of shots, his gaze fixated on the drinks.
“Fuck.” He breathes out, shaking his head before taking a large gulp from his beer and walks toward me. His eyes lasered in on me, anticipation skitters across my skin as the distance disappears between us. He stops with our bodies so close I can feel the heat of him radiating onto me.
With his eyes still on mine, he takes the clamato juice and shoots it back. There’s a twitch in his eye as he swallows but otherwise he reveals nothing else. The tequila shot is next, which gets me a bigger reaction. His eyes slam shut, his throat working the tequila down. Shaking his head quickly before taking the final shot of pickle juice.
“Gaah!” Monty exclaims, before making a hissing noise out of his mouth. “That was cruel you little minx.”
A quiet gasp leaves my lips as I stare up at him. He’s still so close to me that I get hints of lemon and bergamot invading my senses. I take a moment to breathe in his scent before schooling my features and summoning my hormones to relax and not let this very attractive man in front of me see how much he affects me.
Placing my hand on his chest, I rise up on the tips of my toes and bring my mouth to his ear. “Oh Sweets, this is only the beginning.” I purr.
My body jolts when I feel the warmth of his palm caress my hip, a deep chuckle emitting from his chest. Goosebumps form along my skin, the timbre of his laugh making my body feel things it really shouldn’t.
“Oh, game on.” Monty counters, turning toward the bartender he orders shots of tequila for everyone. A round of groans follow the request, as he grabs the salt shaker and passes it over to Xavier.
Chapter Twenty One
Monty
Six Months Postpartum
Withasaltshakerin hand Xavier licks the column of Harper’s neck before sprinkling salt on her skin. I chuckle as Harper laughs and tries to push him away. It’s half haphazardly, and she clearly doesn’t mind. These two are disgustingly in love, and I’m so happy for my friend. I’ve seen a light in him since Harper came into his life.
I let out a cheer of encouragement and watch as he licks the salt from her body, throws the shot back before popping the lime in his mouth. His eyes slam close as he sucks on it.
One by one we each take the salt and take our shots. The shot burns as it goes down my throat, and I quickly put the lime in my mouth in hopes to chase down the taste. My stomach warms as the alcohol settles in my stomach, and I know if I don’t get some food soon. I will be sloppier than a pig in shit.
“Excuse me,” Betty, the hostess interrupts. “The table for Monty is ready.” She’s standing there with menus in hand and a fake smile on her face. We follow her through the restaurant. The lights are dim, as if to set a mood. There’s chatter across the dining area of other customers sitting and enjoying their meals. The walls painted a deep red color, the wooden tables are chunky and well used with matching chairs.
We reach the back of the space and are seated at a large table. I pull Josie’s chair out for her, allowing her to sit down. Dropping a kiss to her shoulder I take the seat next to her, dropping my arm along the back ofher chair. Harper and Xavier sit across from us, and Evie takes the seat at the end of the table beside the ladies.
We sit in comfortable silence as we look at the menu, and a moment later our server arrives at the table with a bowl of chips and salsa.
“Hello! My name is Matthew, and I will be your server here tonight!” Matthew exclaims with a bit too much enthusiasm. He fans his hand towards the bowl of chips, “here is our complimentary bowl of chips and salsa. I know you guys were at the bar, but can I top anyone off?”
“Yes, actually can we get a pitcher of margaritas?” Evie asks, scanning the drink menu. Her eyes shoot up to me before she looks at Matthew and smiles sweetly at him. A feeling I’m not used to prickles across my skin as I watch their interaction. My jaw tenses so tight as she laughs and places a hand on his forearm, I’m surprised it doesn’t crack.
The feeling of Josie’s hand squeezing my thigh allows for me to change my focus. I look down at her and force a smile. She smiles back similar to me, and when I look into her eyes I see the way I feel reflected in her eyes. Leaning down I press my lips to hers, her body melts into mine before I pull back.
“Easy.” She whispers, “I can see those possessive eyes of yours. I feel it too.”
Matthew left the table, off to fetch our drinks as we decide what to order.
“Are we going to get our own meals or should we just get a bunch of appies to share?” I ask, flipping through the menu once more, unsure what I want.
“I think appies are good.” Xavier hums, “I’m feeling a little bit of everything. What about you, babydoll?” He looks down to Harper who is intently looking over the menu.
“I think a little bit of everything sounds good.” Evie chimes in. “Ouu, the jalapeno poppers sound delicious.”
“Oh I love jalapeno poppers!” Josie exclaims. “Monty can’t take the heat so I find myself eating them myself.”
“Shut up! Girl, these are my favorite. Let’s order some! Harper is lame and never eats spicy food.” Evie rolls her eyes dramatically and smirks at her friend.
Harper chuckles, “I don’t like spicy, what can I say.”
“Alright, well I guess it’s unanimous. Appies it is.” I say, putting my menu down on the table.
A few moments later Matthew returns with the pitcher of margaritas and five glasses. Harper begins to fill the glasses and pass them along. Matthew takes our order then retreats back to the kitchen.
