Page 195 of The Illicit Play

I groan, covering my eyes and getting a sharp kick under the table.

“Ow!” I wince and drop my hand to glare at Wily. “I didn’t jump her in the bathroom, man.”

“That’s true,” she backs me up. “He was a perfect gentleman.”

“Yeah, right,” Wily mutters darkly, and Blake starts giggling all over again.

“Love you, shithead,” she sings.

“Shut up,” he grumbles, his lips twitching as he gives his sister a side-eye, then mutters, “Love you, too, butt face.”

Tyrell sits there shaking his head, still laughing while I rise in my chair and glide my arm around Blake’s waist. Perching my chin on her shoulder, I kiss her cheek when she leans into me, then watch Tyrell jolt in his seat, knocking his beer glass over.

It’s basically empty, so only a dribble spills out, but he doesn’t even notice.

We all stare at him, but he’s too busy looking over his shoulder.

“You good?” Zander asks him, but Tyrell doesn’t seem to hear.

He’s already rising from his chair and walking across to the bar.

“Where’s he going?” Sienna asks, righting his beer glass before looking up to see where he is.

“No idea.”

Nylah’s eyebrows arch when she leans to the side to get a better view. “Looks like he’s heading for that cutie behind the bar.”

“Do you think he knows her?” Blake pops a fry into her mouth.

We all crane our necks as he calls something and the woman with the stunning smile turns, her face lighting with surprise.

Her springy curls bounce as she rushes down the bar, laughing and slapping the counter in front of him.

“They seem to know each other,” Satch murmurs.

Wily runs his fingers down her arm. “Wonder what the connection is.”

“He’ll tell us when he’s ready.” Carson leans back in his chair. “Stop gawking at them, you guys.”

We reluctantly turn away, and I shift my focus to the prettiest girl in the room.

She grins at me, her blue eyes dancing as I brush my finger down her cheek, then tuck one of her curls behind her ear. “Wanna dance or somethin’? Or we could play pool.”

“I’m up for pool.” Nylah slaps the table and rises from her chair. “Come on, Caveman. Let me kick your ass.”

“Kick my ass? At pool? Kitten, you’re dreaming.”

She laughs. “Prove me wrong, then, hotshot.”

“Oh, I have got to see this.” Sienna jumps up from herchair, following Nylah as she pulls Carson out of his seat and drags him to the tables.

I watch them go before turning back to Blake for an answer.

She tips her head, pursing her lips, and then that cute nose of hers wrinkles. “I’d rather go stargazing. You up for it?”

My smile grows in an instant. “Now we’re talkin’.” Turning to Wily, I’m about to ask if I can borrow his truck, but he’s already holding out his keys for me. “Thanks, man. You want us to come back and collect you in an hour or so?”

“Nah, we can catch a ride with someone else.”