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“If Bishop is playing in the snow tonight then I really need to stay away from him. He’ll start groping me and then well, I’ll end up in bed with him,” Madison adds, talking about cocaine.
I exhale, looking out the window. “I hate that I give a shit.”
Madison’s hand comes to my leg. “I love that you do. He does too, you know…”
I choke on my wine. “You are kidding.”
She gives me a sad smile but looks away without continuing. We’re pulling down Brantley’s driveway when Ridge says, “Ah, Tip, I need to tell you something.”
My eyes go to his. He licks his lip. “I’m getting married.”
I freeze. “What?”
He smiles so wide that I almost feel guilty for snapping in shock. “To who!”
“Her name is Ashley. You don’t know her, she’s from Australia. We can talk about this later since…” he gestures over his shoulder and my eyes go to the large stone mansion. It resembles The Addam’s Family home. It’s all dark stone with Victorian style window panes. There are trails of vines growing up some of the cracks, and the four stone pillars at the entranceway have flowers wrapped around them too. The actual gardens and grounds are always kept tidy, so I know that the style of the home is just that. The style, not by neglect.
We all start climbing out and Madison leans forward to the driver. “We will try not to be long. Slong? Wait, I’m drunk.” While she’s doing that, I grab Ridge by the arm, my initial shock over.
“Does she make you happy?”
His eyes twinkle, and he nods. “Yeah, Tip. I wouldn’t be marrying her if she didn’t.”
I sigh. “Well alright then, I supposed I will be your best man. Does she know we used to…”
He chuckles, pulling me under his arm as we make our way up the stairs. My heart begins hammering in my chest when I hear the loud music shaking the house, spilling out the windows. People laughing and bottles crashing comes from the backyard and I momentarily have to talk myself into what it is I’m about to see. “Love that you knew I was going to ask you, and no, she doesn’t.”
I give him a small squeeze with my arm. “Secret is safe.”
Madison shoves the door open, glaring around the place like she’s the queen of fucking everything. There are crowds scattered around everywhere, but it’s funny to watch as every single girl (and guy) eyes us. They know who Madison is, and no one would dare approach her.
I laugh, letting go of Ridge. My brain is muffled somewhat from all the alcohol, but I find myself not being uncomfortable from the unfortunate situation we have found ourselves in. Well, more I have found myself in. Must have been that pep talk a few minutes earlier, and the confidence Madison exudes helps. “Adrenaline Rush” by Twista is playing as we enter the main living room. The walls are all deep reds, with varnished wood lining the middle. There’s a large door that leads out to the pool area where more people are. The music is playing from in this room so the deep base shakes me to my core with Twista’s fast rapping taking over.
“Are you ready!” Madison screams toward somewhere to the left of me. Somewhere I don’t look because I know Nate is there, probably under Tate.
I lick my lips and my eyes start wandering.
Do not look.
I look. My eyes go to Nate, who already has his on me. He’s wearing a cap flipped backward and has no shirt on, displaying his lean muscles and muscles and muscles…and. His black jeans have tears by the knees and his white Chucks are loosely tied on his feet.
Goddammit.
My eyes go back to his, bored. Then he licks his lip and the corner of his mouth kicks up in a sly grin. Fucker. Of course, they don’t disappoint because Tate is on his lap. My eyes fall to his hand that’s on her thigh and I watch as he clenches it tightly.
Madison breaks my attention when she leans into me. “She’s not ready yet so we will wait a few.”
I nod. “Sure thing.” Turning around, I set off to find a drink when I bump into Brantley who is walking down the stairs in the foyer.
“Whattup.” He nudges his head. “Damn, girl.”
I can’t help the small giggle that leaves my mouth. Brantley is quiet, reserved and before that little drama in the forest, never spoke a word to me. Rather, acted as though I was invisible, like he does with everyone.
“I need a drink, and like, something stronger than cocaine to get through this night.”
He doesn’t laugh, because his eyes are still going up and down my body. He hands me his drink and I take it. “You’ve always been hot, don’t get me wrong, but I straight up want to eat you right now.”