Page 38 of Paradise & Vodka

But fuck if I wasn’t going to stick it to him by enjoying the open bar.

I ordered a drink for myself and one for Ashleigh before finding our assigned table. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a text from Brad:In love yet?

I snickered as I texted back:You should know me better than that.

Brad:Don’t forget that I thought the same thing.

Me:Yeah, well, you're a sucker.

Brad:Say that to my face.

I grinned, knowing he was joking.

Me:Yeah, yeah. You kill a guy, and now you think you're some badass.

Brad:I've killed a lot more than one.

Me:I'm so scared.

I pictured Brad laughing as he texted me back:Stop deflecting. I know you're in love.

Me:Are you hard up for cash now that you're out of the game or what?

I was referring to the bet. When we bet that he was going to be the next to fall, we hadn't bet anything, but with me, they put money up. Did that mean they thought I was more likely to fall than he was? Granted, I had bet my fake money on Galen. Now everyone thought that because I was spending a week in paradise with a woman, I was going to get so attached that I would fall head over heels in love with her.

Brad:No, but you should start thinking about what you're going to do when you're out of the game.

I grunted and replied:I'm not in love, you idiot.

Brad:You still have time.

Me:We have one more day until we leave.

Brad:Yeah, but you've had several days already to start falling.

Me:Who are you? Is this Cassie, or does she have your balls now?

Brad:My balls are perfectly intact, thank you very much.

Me:Well, I'm not in love, and you can tell all the guys that too. I expect cash when I get home.

Brad:There's still time …

I rolled my eyes as I set my phone on the table. I wasn't going to reply to him anymore. He was wrong. Yes, I adored Ashleigh and wanted the best for her, but I was also planning on calling Blake when we returned home and set up a date for her. Would a guy in love do that? I didn't think so.

Ashleigh wasn't done with pictures by the time I finished my drink, so I drank hers too. The wait staff came by with trays of hors d'oeuvres, and I didn't hesitate to grab two handfuls from each tray. It didn't matter if it was Dougie or his father who was footing the bill. I was going to make sure I enjoyed it all.

I was about to get up to grab another drink when I saw Ashleigh finally making her way to me. I stood and pulled out a chair for her. "Everything go okay?" I asked as she sat.

"Yes. Now tell me what you know."

"Let me get you a drink first." When I came back with her vodka cranberry, I said, "Actually, we should probably not be around people when I tell you."

"Well, they are still taking pictures, so let's walk down to the water or something," she suggested.

"Yeah." I reached out my hand and helped her stand, and then handed her the drink. I didn't get myself one in case I needed to stop her from doing something crazy, and I needed to be somewhat sober.

She took several big sips of the tart drink until it was empty. "Ready."