Page 67 of Sterling Fight

“Any responding remarks.” The waitress tweaks her brow, almost enjoying her position as messenger.

Vale hands the shot glass back to the waitress. “Bees sting. That’s all.”

Then Vale focuses on our table. “Let’s get back to that discussion about toys-as-tools for companionship.”

Enya cranes her neck, head swinging from Vale to flannel-man and back, like she knows a bit more about the longing in Vale’s eyes and the mystery behind the man at the bar.

“Yes,” Cadence smacks the table, drawing all of us back to our circle. “I heard sex might motivate this little love to move out.” Cadence runs her hand over her swollen belly once more.

“You’re only five months along. Don’t rush it.” A gentle warning graces Enya’s tone.

“Right. Okay. I just want to have sex with my hot future husband.” Cadence winks at me, as if I understand the superpower of the Sylver males.

Vale groans.

“And you,” she points at Vale. “We need to get you all sexed up.”

“Set up,” Enya corrects.

“That’s what I said,” Cadence smiles, tossing me a wink.

Vale groans again but lifts her glass of wine in a mocking toast.

“God, I miss tequila,” Cadence grouses, but lifts her glass of water to knock against Vale’s.

And I wonder what it would be like to be sexed up for a certain sexy Sylver.

When Judd picks me up at The She Shed, he offers Vale a ride home as well. She’s had a few too many glasses of wine to complement her earlier shot.

Judd opens both the front and back passenger door of his pickup truck, and Vale motions for me to climb into the front seat while she lugs herself into the back.

“I see it’s been a good night,” Judd chuckles, helping me into the front.

“I think she’s a little overserved,” I stage-whisper.

“I’m underserved,” Vale announces. “That’s my problem. Under-serviced.”

Judd arches a brow at me before closing my door and then closing his sister’s once he confirms she’s fastened her seat belt. He rounds his truck, effortlessly hopping in, and drives toward his family’s home where Vale lives with Stone.

“Judd,” she leans forward, then falls back at the constriction of the seat belt. She wrestles to release the latch despite Judd’s protesting tone, and then slides herself forward so her head can slip between the front two seats.

“Judd, listen to me. Friendly, sisterly, womanly advice.” She’s tapping his shoulder like an annoying sister might do, wanting his full attention.

“Jesus, Vale. Sit back. Buckle your seat belt,” he chides, giving her a stern look.

“Judd,” she continues, ignoring him. “Make her pleasure your pleasure.” She points between Judd and me. “Make sure she’s pleased before you’re pleased. You get my meaning?”

Judd coughs, shifting in the driver’s seat and keeping his eyes forward. “Got it.”

I fight a smile at how uncomfortable Judd suddenly looks but also how seriously he answers his sister.

“And another thing,” Vale continues. “Make sure she finishes. It isn’t a race. Not a sprint. No circle, circle, fifty-yard dash. Complete the process. Finish line.” While Vale speaks, she motions two fingers in a circular motion, then shoves her arm forward, imitating a dash.

The laugh I want to contain breaks free and Judd tips his head to the side window, shaking it slowly.

“Someone should have cut her off,” Judd mutters.

“That’s the problem. I’ve been cut off too quickly. Men don’t know how to finish what they start. Finish, Judd. Make it worth your Genie’s while. Don’t just rub the lamp. Show her the love.”