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“Yeah.”

“Not happening, darlin’.”

“I think you two would have a ton in common.”

“We do. Which is why it’s not happening. Anyway, your dad said he doesn’t have your Ace Frehley picture, which is disappointing. He does, however, have one of you dressed as Freddie Mercury.”

“Oh God, I forgot about that. I was like eight or nine. That was a fun Halloween.”

“I’m gonna go see if I can get him to show it to me.” Rhys headed towards the bar, lifting his chin at Z as they passed each other.

“Happy birthday, Doll Face.” Z dipped to hug me and kiss my cheek.

“Thanks. Having fun?”

“Yeah. Watching Rhys’ date has been entertaining as fuck. Well, until she came over and hit on me.”

I burst out laughing. “You’ve gotta be kidding! That’s hilarious.”

“Yeah, it was a barrel of laughs. I’ve gotta head out soon. Enjoy your birthday, Doll Face.”

“Thanks for coming.” I went up on my toes to kiss his cheek.

“Anythin’ for you.”

“Sorry, brother, gotta steal my woman,” Jake said from behind me as he grabbed my hand.

“What else is new?” Z joked.

Still holding hands, Jake and I walked over to Ray.

“Hey, hot stuff,” she said, smiling huge at me.

“Yo. Having a good night?”

“Yup, and the best is yet to come.”

“What?”

Instead of answering, Ray jerked her head towards Jake.

“I still have one more present for you.” Jake’s hands shook slightly as he began unbuttoning his shirt.

“Uh, baby, I’mtotallyliking where this is going. But not in front of Ray.”

“Oh no, he promised I could watch,” Ray said.

“Kinky.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her. “At least let me do some stretches first so I can bust out my best moves.”

Jake’s shirt gaped open to reveal a bandage on his chest, sobering me instantly.

“What happened?”

“Lift it off,” he whispered.

Moving in front of him, I carefully peeled it away.

“Oh my God, that’s totally badass.”