Page 50 of Filthy Little Pretties

“Cherry.”

The way he says that nickname, like it’s a wish. Like I’m his wish. It decimates any final resolve I had. My lips part, the words ready to float out, to give him every permission when heavy footsteps pad down the stairs and jerk me from the moment.

Holy hell.

I step back quickly, dropping my hands from Grey’s chest, his eyes locked to mine, and turn my face to watch Liam bounding down the stairs, wearing basketball shorts—only the shorts. Are you fucking kidding me?

“A party without me? That seems wrong.” Liam smirks as he gets to the bottom of the stairs.

I giggle, trying to hide my nerves, walking away from Grey’s scrutiny, knowing that he’s still staring, and make my way to the kitchen for some water.

“You couldn’t sleep either, huh?” I ask Liam over my shoulder as I pull the stainless refrigerator door open.

He answers, but I’m not paying attention. I’m staring off into nothing, pretending to peruse the contents of the fridge as I try and steady the storm of emotions I’m feeling. I just almost kissed Grey. Had the hottest dream of my life about the two guys who are half-dressed and standing all of ten feet away. I don’t even know how to process what the hell is going on in my head.

Hands grab at my hips, pulling me from the refrigerator and making me squeal as I’m spun around, picked up, and sat on the cold island counter.

“Hey.”

My smile grows big looking into Liam’s hazel eyes and crooked grin.

“Hey, yourself.”

Liam looks at Grey and lets out a quiet laugh before he stretches his arms wide and yawns, making the muscles on his back ripple in the reflection of the glass cabinet doors.

“I had the best dream, Van. How about you?”

Liam’s words are directed to the ceiling as I blink, staring at his Adam’s apple. Oh shit.

“She had a nightmare. So she says,” Grey interjects, making my eyes flick to him before I narrow them, making him laugh.

Liam steps in between my thighs, getting my attention, and looks right through my bullshit. “Nightmare, huh?”

He slides my body to the edge of the surface, bringing me flush to him and leaning in to speak quietly but still loud enough for Grey to hear. “It’s cool, Van. Your secret’s safe with me.”

This time I can’t help but giggle. These two are trouble. Clearly, I gave more away than I would have liked, but fuck it. Who could blame me? I can either let them torture me forever or own it and move on. I push Liam back and roll my eyes.

“Two days ago, I dreamed I was holding Caroline underwater…doesn’t mean I’ll ever actually kill her.”

Both guys laugh loudly, and Liam pats my leg as he shakes his head before leaving me to take my place in front of the fridge. My attention shifts to Grey, who’s leaned against the marble, arms crossed over his chest.I was just touching that chest.He’s staring back at me, but behind the smirk is something else. Something that looks a lot like knowledge. I can’t help but notice just how comfortable they are with this conversation. Almost in answer to the thoughts in my head, Grey gives a wink, before turning his attention to whatever Liam is pulling out of the fridge.

My hands grip the edge of the counter, so I don’t fall as I lean forward. “Hey, grab me a water.”

Liam spins around from where he’s standing and narrows his eyes at me. “You know, Van. We never had those shots.”

“It’s one o’clock in the morning.”

“Bars are still open,” Grey reasons, walking around from where he’s standing with a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Liam comes back to where I’m sitting, putting hands back to my waist to take me down, and my hands come to his shoulders as he lowers me to my feet.

“No,” I protest, but Liam bites at my hand, causing me to laugh again.

“Come on, Van. What happened to the girl from earlier?”

I stare at Liam. What did happen? Just because I had some stupid dream doesn’t mean anything. And nothing is going to happen unless I lose my mind. One shot is harmless. My smile must give away my compliance because Liam raises his arms in the air, saying, “Yes, there’s our girl.”

They grab shot glasses and line them up next to me, filling each to the brim. Grey hands me mine, as Liam turns to face us, holding his up to toast.