Page 6

I’ve only ever slept with Holden. A shocking reality, huh?

Looking at Tyler, I wonder what he’s like and if he’s a hair puller. He’s a man and all hard lines and bulging tattooed muscles and Ihopehe’s a hair puller. Ihopehe yanks the shit out of my hair.

Remember when I said when I’m drunk my mouth gets me in trouble? It’s about to happen. I can feel it coming.

“Okay, here’s some drunken truth.” His eyes on the television slowly drift to mine. “As you know from our previous conversation, I’ve had the biggest crush on you since I was old enough to crush and one thing always crossed my mind…. Are youroughin bed?” I ask with my straw in my mouth.

Tyler smiles widely and with a tip to his head, he runs his hand down his jaw. He glances at my chest and then back at my eyes. “Well, I’m not one to kiss and tell so I guess you’ll have to find out on your own.” A smile curves his lips as he gives me a narrowed look, scrutinizing my reactions. “If I were to take you home, how far would you let me go?”

Holy shit. Did he just ask me that? It means it’s crossed his mind then, right?

Against my better judgment, our eyes meet and his captivate me. “I’m… not sure.”

Yes, you are. You’re totally sure you’ll let him do whatever the fuck he wants. Admit it.

He raises his eyebrows in a playful manner but I can see the hunger in there.

I smirk, knowing how true that statement really is, but never giving him an answer. I hold the cards and I like my hand right now. Slouching slightly, but careful not to fall back off the stool, I look at him again. “You’re too sober for this conversation. You should drink more.”

“Too sober? Why’s that?”

“Because, Tyler, I’ve decided that my mission tonight is to get you to go home with me and the way I look at it, my best chance of making that happen is to get you drunk. How the hell am I supposed to get you drunk if you’re not drinking?” I take a sip from my drink. “Although, I wouldn’t actually be taking you home. For what I have in mind, we should definitely go to your place.” I sigh, lightheaded, my own intoxicated wave hovering over me. This should probably be my last one for the night or else I might throw up.

Tyler’s quiet, so naturally I become a little self-conscious. What the hell is he thinking?

Tyler motions me forward. I do as he asks and find myself hanging on the bar and giving him a clear view down my shirt. He smiles, giving a small nod. “I’m gonna let you in on a little secret, Raven. If you want me to take you home, all you have to do isask.”

My voice is lost in my throat.

When I find it, I ask, “Take me home?”

“See, now was that so hard?” He draws his voice out like a whisper. Damn him.

“Kinda.” I roll my eyes. “I’ve had a huge crush on you since I was like fourteen or sixteen.Whatever. So I mean, yeah… do you want to?”

“As long as you’re sure, I’d be an idiot if I said no.” His gaze falls to my lips. “Wouldn’t I? Something tells me you’re a good time.”

I bet you’re a good time.

I can’t have him thinking he’s in control of this. It’d be out of my nature. “Oh, I’m sure. As far as me being a good time, well I guess you’ll have to find out.” I push the last of my drink away and reach for my purse. “I think I’m done for the night.”

He gives methatlook again, the one where I should be concerned about what he really has planned. “Well that’s too bad because I think I’m just getting started.”

Fuck yes.

“I BET YOU’VE done this a lot, huh?” I ask when we’re outside in the parking lot.

He doesn’t answer, shrugging, gravel crunching beneath his feet. The air is cold, whipping around in a gentle spring breeze that’s refreshing on my burning face.

It occurs to me then that drunk Raven just needs to shut up but of course, that proves to be impossible because he’s Tyler Hemming and pretty much my dream guy.

“I don’t know whether to take that question as a compliment or an insult. What makes you think there’s been a lot of girls?”

I give him a look, intentionally letting my eyes drink in his strong physique. Olive skin, and sky blue eyes shadowed by jet black lashes search mine. “First of all, it was a compliment. Definitely a compliment. Second, look at you.” I wave my hand around in the air and unintentionally smack him in the chin. He chuckles. “There’s definitely beengirls. I saw you in high school before Berkley. Different girl every night. I remember a party you and Red had when my parents were out of town. There weredefinitelygirls.”

He gives me a look, so much hidden in those eyes. He knows exactly what party I’m referring to. The one where I caught him having sex in the backyard with Tina Gordon. I can’t forget her because her hair reminded me of cooked top ramen.

His eyes meet mine and I stop walking. His face twists and he blows out a quick breath. “Does it matter? I’m only with one girl right now.”