Page 51 of Racing Heat

“Woo-hoo!” we all cheer when the servers show up with the eight shot glasses.

“What are these?” I ask August as he hands them out to everyone.

“Buttery nipples. I thought they would be fun.”

There are a few groans at what he chose but mostly cheers.

“Thank god it’s not tequila,” Jase says. “I think my head just stopped pounding from that night.”

August laughs and raises his glass above his head. “Everyone let’s all raise a toast to the awesome display of athleticism from these ladies. You were incredible and you brought home another Blaze win!” he shouts.

We all cheer and so do a few of the already drunk patrons. I’m not even sure they know why they’re cheering, but I’ll take it. The liquor goes down smoothly and reminds me of my college days. The whole night feels a bit nostalgic; this is something Mac and I did quite a bit in our college days. I look over at her and she’s grinning at me.

“I wonder what they’re up to right now,” I say to Mac.

Her eyes light up. She must be thinking the same thing that I am. “Probably getting ready for grad school.”

“Who?” Jase asks, looking between Mac and me.

“Our teammates who we always went out with in Portland.” I shrug sadly, staring at the table. I wonder if she’s thinking the same thing that I am right now.

“I miss them too.” She pulls me in for a side hug. “But I think we made a good home here.”

“Damn right you did,” Hendrix says, coming over to both of us. “Now before August tries to tell us some stories from hisglory days or talk to us about the latest girl he wants to nail, I think we should go dance.”

“Let’s go. Lead the way, fearless goalie,” Amelia calls out.

“Gentlemen, we’re going to dance. I hope we’ll see you out there. Please drink accordingly,” Mac tells the table as we head onto the dance floor.

I pick up my punch cup and drain it.

“Careful, that’s basically all alcohol,” Jase says, coming over to me.

“I know. I need a bit of liquid courage in order to go out there and dance how Mac commands.”

He chuckles. “She loves to dance, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s great and she’s really good. But sometimes, in order for me to shake it, I need liquor.” I shrug and turn to see that the girls are already out there.

“Come on, Cas, get your ass out here,” Amelia calls. “It’s time to shake it.”

I don’t move for a second. I look back at Jase.

“Well, I better…” I say, gesturing toward the floor.

“Yes, you better. I look forward to watching you shake it,” he tells me with a wink.

I love the way he looks under these disco lights. The darkness of his outfit against the shiny lights makes him look almost dark and dangerous. I want to mount him right here.

“Cassie, now!” someone shouts.

“Go!” Jase grabs my shoulders and spins me in the direction of the floor. Giving me the slightest push, he sends me out with my girls. I look back and, of course, he winks. Those winks just might be the death of me. I make a mental note to ask him about that later. Is that like his signature move or something?

Once out on the floor, I’m dancing and having the best time. I’m not sure how long we’re out here, but it’s for at least six songs. I’m not sure how Mac and Amelia are handlingthemselves in heels, but they’re keeping up with Hendrix and me, who had the good sense to wear flats.

“Think the guys will join us?” Mac asks, looking longingly at Danny.

“I’m sure if you crooked your finger, Danny would come running,” Hendrix shouts over the music. “And August being August, he’d need to come out and join him, bringing the rest of them.”