Mallory grumbles about the disgusting number of people on the sidewalks, bouncing around to avoid them while I fall behind.
I’m a slow walker. If Cade isn’t calling me a grandpa, he’s calling me a zombie. All I can see is dark curls and green pants that look too damn good on her getting further and further away, until she finally disappears.
It’s clear Mallory has no patience for me tonight.
With a deep exhale, I pull out my phone to text her. Partners have to stay together, or our points won’t count. We can’t afford a loss tonight.
“Gray.”
I jump, and my eyes fly to meet the prettiest shade of brown I’ve ever seen. “When did you—”
“We don’t have time for lollygagging tonight. I—We need to win, dammit.”
My green flannel’s sleeve is yanked, her hand wrapped around my wrist to pull me off the curb and into the crosswalk. I can’t even fight because I’m too busy focusing on the slight contact between her fingers and my wrist.
“Where are we going?” I sputter.
“Green beer. Since you have nationals next weekend, I’ve got this one.”
Relief washes over me as we step into Roddy’s Bar, and when she releases my wrist, I feel a loss of warmth.
Roddy, the owner of the best bar in Clear Lake, almost jumps over the counter when he spots us. “If it isn’t my favorite rivals. Cade told me to expect you together. I thought he was pulling my leg, but here you both are.”
Mallory rolls her eyes. I’m sure she will punish Cade for this until the end of time.
Roddy curls his finger and beckons her closer. “Mal, I made something special for you. Give me a second.”
Jogging to the back, he returns with a green beer that’s just a little lighter than usual. Mallory lets out an adorable gasp, and I grin at Roddy for making her so happy.
“You made me a lite green beer, Rod?”
“Sure did, my dear! Gotta make sure my favorite girl has a good night too. On the house.”
“You’re the best,” she says to Roddy. Picking up the pint, she faces me. “Start taking pictures, Gray. This won’t take long.”
And she’s right. Less than four seconds later, the cup is drained, leaving behind a soft green foam on her upper lip. Adoration bubbles in my chest at the photo of Mallory, eyes closed and the glass in the air.
After texting Cade the photo, we step out of the bar, and Mallory leans against the wall and scans the list. “That was way too easy,” she laughs. “Next we should look for the—”
“Leprechaun! Number four!” I blurt, pointing at a man in a green suit by the crosswalk.
Mallory follows my finger and takes off, screaming for him to wait.
By the time I catch up, they’re deep in a conversation about why St. Patrick’s Day is the best holiday for college kids, followed by Halloween.
I’m a bit disappointed to find out he’s not leprechaun-sized, only a couple of inches taller than Mallory. What bothers me the most is that he’s staring at her likeshe’sthe prize at the end of the rainbow.
I mean, she is. But I don’t like it.
“Jake agreed to a picture!” she beams, and I thaw slightly at her excitement.
Hands in a double peace sign, she poses besideJake.I lift my phone, and a sliver of white cloth catches my eye, hovering a little too close to Mallory’s ass for my liking.
“Watch it, Lucky,” I say. “That’s your first and only warning.”
Catching my drift, Mallory steps away from the guilty-looking man. The camera flash floods their bodies just as she flips him off, creating the perfect photo. I reach out, thankful she takes my hand, and tug her to me.
Not behind me, because Mallory can and will protect herself, but just close enough.
