Forever was a given.
Even if I didn’t feel this way, I’d still show up for her this same way she’s shown up for me. Fool’s Gambit wouldn’t exist without her. She might have thought I was doing her a favor, but in a way, I was finally repaying a debt.
“Fine. Until you get sick of me. I’d say until you find someone better, but we both know that’s impossible.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“I try. So is that a yes?
“Just give me one second. I’ll be right back,” she said quickly, then stood up and marched across the room. I reclined on the couch, watching.
At the bar, she chatted up the bartender. I saw the poor guy fall for her the moment she tossed her hair over her shoulder. I couldn’t blame him; I was no better.
He slid her a clear shot. Vodka. She turned, leaning an elbow on the bar, her eyes locking with mine.
My mouth went dry at the sight of her. Legs for miles. The ends of her hair like wild flames licking against her cheeks and shoulders, dark makeup smudged around her gold-streaked hazel eyes. The thin strap of her silky dress drooped off one shoulder. The stick-and-poke sun tattoo in the crook of her arm flashed as she saluted me with the glass before swallowing it in one go, exposing the column of her throat as she drank.
I was already on my feet by the time she returned to the couch, drawn upward by her gravity and my own eagerness.
“Okay.” She grabbed my hand. “Ready?”
“You know I am.”
It was a decent party, but hell, we had better things to do.
A nervous giggle burst from Avery as we pushed through the glass doors toward the elevators. “I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she said.
“I can.” Best. Day. Ever.
“Where are you two headed?”
Garrett leaned against the wall opposite the elevators. His cool gaze raked over us, calculating if we were worth his time.
“Getting married,” I said at the same time Avery blurted, “Strip club.”
“I’ll never get you two.” Garrett shook his head.
“If you’re interested, you could come.” My invitation earned me a glare from Avery.
“I’d rather do anything else.” The elevator dinged, doors opening. He looked between us and the small chrome compartment. “I’ll take the next one. And Wes?”
Avery gripped my hand and tugged me into the elevator, causing me to look back over my shoulder as I answered, “Yes?”
“Whatever you’re actually doing, please don’t end up in jail and mess up our travel schedule.” Pragmatic ass.
I winked at Garrett as the doors closed. “No promises.”
“You antagonize him too much,” Avery said.
“I think it’s the perfect amount.”
“I wish you didn’t tell him.”
“It’s not like he believed us.” I shrugged, pretending I wasn't disappointed. The guys had been giving me shit about Avery for years. I’d never admitted to them how I felt, but I guess it was obvious to everyone that I was a goner. Everyone but her at least.
“Just don’t, okay.” Her teeth carved grooves in the remaining red lipstick on her full bottom lip. “I don’t want anything to change between us or with the guys. We’re about to go on the road together, there’s no reason to make it weird. And I feel guilty for making you do this.”
“You’re not making me do a damn thing. I begged.”
