The construction crew has already gone home. I’m no expert, but it looks as if they’re almost done. A few more days, and things can go back to normal around here.
Inside Santiago’s house, everyone has settled into their nightly rhythm. Bear is with Shadow as usual. Walker occupies the couch, paperwork spread out across his lap and the coffee table. Levi leans back in a recliner, reading a veterinary journal that he swears is interesting. Santiago stands in the kitchen making hot chocolate because, apparently, coffee isn’t an acceptable beverage after eight o’clock.
I stroll inside and sit down on the arm of the couch. “Any plans tonight?” I ask.
“Paperwork,” Walker answers, lifting one of the stacks.
Levi keeps his eyes on the article. “Reading.”
Santiago enters the living room, a steaming mug in hand. “Got something in mind?”
“What do we say to a friendly game of poker?” I glance around, gauging reactions.
Walker drops the paper he was reading and gives me a look. “Baby Girl, you don’t have a poker face.”
I sit up straight. “Says who?”
“We’d all be able to read you like an open book with big, bold text,” Levi answers, his nose still in the journal.
I doubt that.
“Can we at least give it a try?”
Santiago gives a look like he thinks I’m up to something. He sits down in the other chair and sips his hot cocoa. “What’re we betting with?”
“Money?” I suggest.
Santiago shakes his head. “Been there, done that.”
I shrug a shoulder. “Kisses?”
Levi quirks a brow. “Walk doesn’t go this way.”
I raise my brows. “Sexual favors.”
“Again.” Levi gestures to himself, reiterating his previous statement.
“We could make it interesting,” I smirk.
Santiago narrows his eyes. “Interesting how?”
“Bull poker.” I cross my arms like it’s the best idea in the world.
Walker’s response is immediate. “Hell no.”
“No hay forma que te acerques a un toro.”There’s no way I’m ever letting you near a bull.
Levi finally drops what he’s reading. “When pigs fly, Butterfly.”
Walker frowns. “How do you even know what bull poker is?”
Sitting forward, I enunciate each word. “I grew up here.” I roll my eyes. “Do I need to tattoo it on my face?”
Levi sits up, kicking the footrest down. “Don’t tell me you’ve played before.”
“Maybe.” My eyes dart to the floor, and I twist my hands in my lap.
“What!” Walker jumps to his feet like he’s going to find who I played bull poker with and punch them in the face.
