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Chapter nineteen

Nate

Mandy opens the door barefoot, wearing gray skinny jeans and a striped shirt with the sleeves pushed up. Her hair’s in a messy bun that looks like it’s held together by hope and caffeine. No makeup. No effort. And I swear to god, she’s never looked hotter.

How is she the sexiest person alive?

She cocks an eyebrow, hand on the doorframe. "Brace yourself, I’m terrible at poker. I might need some tutoring."

I bite back a grin. “That sounds dangerous. I take tutoring very seriously.”

“Oh, I bet you do.”

I open the car door for her when we get downstairs. She pauses, one foot halfway in.

“You feeling chivalrous tonight or just scared I’ll drive?”

“I’ve seen how you take corners in that clunker you call a car. I’m just trying to make it to poker night alive.”

She snorts, hops in, and fastens her seatbelt with a little click that sounds way too satisfying.

***

Parker and Grace’s place is already packed with laughter and noise by the time we show up.

There’s a sign next to the door that saysWelcome Puckheads.

Mandy points at it. “Cute.”

Parker opens the door with a beer in hand, grinning.

“Jones! And his better-looking half. Come on in.”

Grace’s head pops around the corner from the kitchen. “Drinks are labeled in the fridge! Beer, seltzer, soda, and mystery punch that James brought, so drink at your own risk.”

James is already at the poker table, sorting chips like he’s planning a heist.

“Everyone bring cash?” he calls. “Or are we playing for pride and leftover Halloween candy?”

Ethan drops onto the couch beside Connor and lifts a Tupperware. “I brought chips. Tortillaandpoker.”

Connor deadpans, “We’ll try not to eat your ante.”

Mandy grabs a seltzer and plops beside me on the couch. Her leg brushes mine, and I’m instantly aware of how hot she looks in those pants.

“Place looks amazing,” she says to Grace.

Grace waves her off. “Thank you. I told Parker to stay out of the way, and voilà. Magic.”

“Hey,” Parker grumbles.

Across the room, James eyes Alex like he’s spotted prey.

“Yo, Chadwick. Where’s your better half? She doesn’t mix business with pleasure?”

Alex doesn’t even flinch. “She’s got a psychology conference dinner thing. Something about keynote speakers and fancy food that doesn’t involve poker chips or you, so... her loss.”

James makes a face. “Sure. Or maybe she just didn’t want to see you cry when I take all your money.”