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I couldn’t deny that I loved the look on her.

Colt chuckled, and his chest moved with quiet laughter. “I don’t need love advice,” he said, giving me an amused look.

I threw a pointed glance at him. “Looks like you’re getting it either way,” I mused.

Skye rolled her eyes. Her sweet tone was fueled with sarcasm when she said, “Yes, he does. Mr. Responsible needs to get laid, already.”

I laughed, and Colt shook his head, further amused. Skye really had a way with words. Somehow, she said what everyone else was thinking and got away with it every time.

Red continued shuffling the cards until one fell out. She placed it facing up on the table in front of her, then shuffled again until, finally, there were three cards laid before her. Each had a different symbol on it; I narrowed my eyes, trying to work out what they meant.

Acknowledging Colt, she pointed to each one. “This is your past, your present, and your future.”

She spoke confidently, as if she were merely placing her coffee order, bemusing me even further. Because I’d never seen this done before and wasn’t sure what to make of it. I’d heard of Tarot but knew nothing further than the name alone.

Red pointed to the first card, which apparently represented Colt’s past. “This is The Lovers in reverse.” Her index finger tapped it twice, and her head tilted to the side. “This could symbolize two things. Either a previous connection that was the right person, wrong timing, or a love that you learned a lesson from.”

I veered my gaze to Colt, who remained poker-faced.

Red continued. “The card symbolizing your present is The Star. This is a card of healing, a sign your heart is opening to be loved again.”

I took another drink from my beer, watching as Skye’s eyes lit up at this revelation. I willed her to keep her mouth shut this time. Because I knew Colt had been burned in the past, and it was a delicate subject that he liked to avoid.

Red continued. “Your last card is the Two of Cups. This is the strongest soulmate card in Tarot.” Red lifted her eyes to Colt, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Arching a brow, her irises danced with intrigue. “So, who’s this mystery woman, Colt?”

“There is none to speak of,” he stated simply.

At that moment, Skye piped up, a grin plastered on her face so wide a dimple appeared in her cheek. “We’ll see…”

I coughed, directing the table’s attention away from Colt. “How long have you been doing this?” I asked. Red left the cards on the coffee table before sinking onto the couch beside me. It was as much of an attempt at small talk as it was of genuine interest. Anything to avoid the obvious elephant in the room sitting really fucking cozily between us.

She adjusted her dress, making herself comfortable, and I immediately zoned in on the split in the material on either side. They had now extended to mid-thigh, exposing stretches of her smooth skin beneath.

Luckily, the groan lodged in my throat remained there.

Leaning forward, she picked up her glass of wine from the coffee table. “A while now.” She took a drink, leaving an outline of dark lipstick smudged on the glass.

“How does it work?” I asked.

Her glass slowed, pausing before she took a sip. “It’s more vibes than anything. The cards speak for themselves.” She flipped her hair off her shoulder, exposing her bare neck to me.

I tried to hold eye contact, pushing away the thoughts of my lips on her skin. “I don’t get it,” I said honestly.

Her head tilted to the side, and a smirk clawed at the corner of her mouth. “I wouldn’t expect you to.”

Ouch.

The bite in her tone stung. But she had good reason to be pissed at me. “Try me,” I challenged, holding her gaze; her brazen stare was like a dagger poised at my throat. It was one thing I liked about Red: she never backed down from a challenge. I’d always loved that about her.

Straightening, she leaned forward, placing her glass back on the coffee table. Picking up the deck of cards, she started to shuffle them again.

Darting a look in my direction, she raised a perfectly manicured brow. “Is there any part of your life you would like some guidance on?”

I held her pointed glare. “Yeah.”

Her painted nail tapped impatiently on the top of the deck. “Anything specific you would like to ask?” she pushed.

Yes.