Page 32

“Three tequila shots, please,” Tiana called out, raised her hand to the bartender.

He nodded and turned away, grabbing glasses from beneath the counter.

Before he could return, a woman appeared behind Tiana, her voice low and confident. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Tiana glanced over her shoulder, her lips curving into a polite, sweet smile. “I just ordered one.”

The woman stepped closer, undeterred. “Maybe I can get your next one, then?”

Sam bit back a smirk, watching the interaction unfold. That was the usual with Tiana—she never failed to attract attention wherever they went.

Tiana chuckled lightly, her eyes flicking toward the crowd, already distancing herself from the conversation. “Not tonight. Thanks, though.”

The woman hesitated for a beat before nodding and walking off, her smile fading as she melted back into the sea of people.

“Not your type?” Jess asked from the other side of where Sam stood.

Tiana smirked, her teasing eyes instantly meeting Sam’s. “There’s only one woman I’m trying to take home tonight.”

Sam snorted, shaking her head as her gaze darted away, but it wasn’t quick enough to miss the flicker of surprise that crossed Jess’ face.

Tiana’s relentless teasing was something Sam had long grown used to. Most of the time, it was just that—teasing. A way to push her buttons and get a rise out of her, nothing more.

But Jess didn’t know that.

And even if she and Jess were just friends, it still didn’t feel right. Because if their positions were reversed, she wasn’t sure she’d want to hear someone say something like that about her.

Actually—she was positive she wouldn’t.

Maybe someday she’d get there. She hoped she would. But not yet. Not now.

“She’s joking,” Sam said to Jess with a laugh.

“Am I?” Tiana asked, the flirtatious smile still firmly planted on her lips as she cocked her head and leaned back against the bar.

“Here you go,” the bartender said, sliding three shot glasses with lime slices toward them.

“Thanks,” Sam replied before giving him the name of her open tab.

She slid one of the shots in front of Jess while Tiana grabbed the other.

Sam picked hers up carefully, grimacing when a few drops of liquid sloshed over the side and dripped down her fingers. She shook her hand lightly, swiping the liquid onto her jeans.

And as she turned, she noticed the woman from the dance floor strolling past. Her gaze lingered just long enough to flash Sam a coy smile before disappearing into the crowd.

A dry chuckle sounded from Jess beside her.

Sam turned, her brows furrowing. “What?”

She shook her head softly, looking away as she picked up the lime wedge. “Just brings back memories.”

Tiana leaned forward, resting one arm against the bar. “The tequila shots? Or the girls drooling over her?” she deadpanned.

Jess released a puff of air, throwing Tiana a knowing look before picking up the lime wedge with her free hand. “Both.”

Tiana hummed, matching Jess’ demeanor as she raised her glass in the air. “Well cheers to,” she paused, making a disgusted face, “notthat.”

Sam laughed to herself, shaking her head at the two of them as they clinked glasses and pour the shots back.