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“Cocktails,” Oberon told her mysteriously. “Enjoy. Your ceviche will be out in a moment. That requires a biological staff member for preparation.”
Naomi smiled at Gage and lifted her elaborate glass of alcohol and fruit.
He lifted his to hers, helpless to resist, and the glasses made a satisfying clink.
The morning on the beach had left him thirsty, and he downed his beverage all at once. It was delicious, cold, and sweet.
Naomi looked up from hers and eyed his glass, looking impressed.
“Oh wow,” she said. “I guess I’d better catch up.”
He watched in awe as she gulped down her whole drink, then placed it on the table, wiping her mouth on her arm.
“You didn’t have to do that,” he said.
“We’re on vacation, right?” she laughed. “I haven’t gotten away from the office in years. I guess it’s time to enjoy myself.”
He didn’t like the idea of his vibrant mate locked in an office, a servant to the gods of money, for years without ceasing.
Even here on the beach, she built a castle. And she said what made it special was that it was finite.
He tried to crush down his doubtful side, but it was hard to have this sudden reminder of all the reasons why this might not work, whether she was kind to Athena or not.
Athena herself lay by his side, having finished the bowl of water that had awaited her there.
Meanwhile, Naomi was giggling a little, her cheeks pink.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
She pointed to their drinks, which were full again.
“We don’t have to drink those,” he reminded her. “And we definitely don’t have to drink them in a hurry.”
“I think I kind of want to,” she confessed, still giggling.
Before he could stop her, she had grabbed hers and was lifting it up.
“To new friends,” she said. “And an escape from the real world.”
He lifted his glass, smiling indulgently at her, and they clinked.
Then he watched as she downed her drink.
“Hey,” she said, brow furrowed. “That one wasn’t as strong.”
“All alcoholic beverages at the Center are mixed perfectly to allow you to enjoy yourselves without regret,” Oberon said. “It is one of the advantages of having access to your vitals at all times.”
“Seriously?” Naomi said, scowling.
Gage tried to hide his smile.
“Very seriously,” Oberon told her. “Your blood alcohol content is currently optimal for relaxation, yet low enough that you will not suffer adverse aftereffects.”
“Amazing, Oberon,” Gage said, shaking his head in admiration. “Truly amazing.”
“Hmph,” Naomi sighed. “Thank you for telling me.”
“It is my pleasure to explain anything about the Center that you do not understand,” Oberon told her.
