“Oh my God,” Arna laughed, “I love drunk Winter.”
“What’s up with Jay?” Seb asked, having missed half the conversation.
“Not my place to share,” Jack shrugged. “But he’s okay. Just some family stuff.”
“He messaged me earlier,” Andy chimed in, “said he wanted to tell us all something.” He shrugged thoughtfully.
“I hope he’s okay,” Marls said, voicing what I was thinking as Coop nuzzled into my neck, his familiar spicy cleanliness filling my lungs.
“You guys are so unbelievably cute. You look more in love every time I see you.” Arna commented, looking at Marlee for confirmation but she was again distracted with my brother’s tongue.
“Gross,” I shuddered, before a chuckle from behind distracted me as Coop spun the stool until I was facing him.
“If I go to poker tomorrow night, will you be waiting for me in one of your sexy outfits?”
“Shush,” Just like Winter, I pressed my hands against his mouth, only I was far more accurate. Reaching for my wrist, he held my hand in place, kissing my palm before turning my hand and kissing the green ring which now sat on my right hand. We were not ready for that step, especially as we’d just found each other, but I loved it too much to take it off and Cooper was already frustrated I’d switched hands. For someone who loved questions, there was no chance I was wearing an engagement ring without even being asked the most important question of my life - but he also knew we both had things to do before that.
“Hottest plumber I ever did see,” he said, chuckling when I whacked his chest in reprimand.
“If my brother hits you, I’m not saving you.” I said, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him into me.
“Will you find a spicy nurse outfit and look after me?” He teased and I shook my head with an eyeroll.
“Only if you wear your lumberjack get up again next time itrains.” Thoughts of that day all those months ago, still caused my cheeks to flush.
“Can I fuck you in the rain again?” He asked with heated desperation, and I nodded, breathless as his hands trailed up my sides before he took my mouth with his own.
“I loved when you did that day.” I admitted.
“Seriously, you guys all need to stop,” Flick complained, and I winced, noticing how everyone was currently far too invested in their partners and until a little while ago, I felt that same pinch of loneliness.
“Can’t believe you guys were only pretending to date,” she added with a grin.
“As if they were pretending.” Marlee grinned.
“We picked it from the start. Coop had never looked at anyone like that,” Arna said and everyone laughed.
“See, baby, I look at you lovingly,” he said into my ear before kissing my cheek again.
“Took you long enough to admit it though.” I pressed a chaste kiss to Cooper’s mouth. “I’m going to dance,” I announced to the group and Felicity smiled.
“Finally,” she said with a smile.
“Can you play something a little less Miles Davis and a little more Miley Cyrus,” Marls called to Seb who shook his head.
“It’s a bloody jazz and whiskey bar,” he argued as he proceeded to do just as he was told.
WhenParty in The USAstarted, we all cheered, moving into a circle and singing the lyrics like there weren’t other patrons trying to enjoy a peaceful night tucked away in the dimmed ambience of the bar. And that was where we stayed, while the boys spent the night at the bar, talking about whatever it was they spoke about, and we sang, pausing only for another drink or a bathroom break. Seb knew Marlee would be happy if there was music she could sing to and his infamous passionfruit cocktails and we were all afforded the same treatment.
Hours later, slowly but surely everyone eventually said theirgoodbyes. Mine a little elongated, with a voice showcasing a night of screamed singing and Coop grinning as I clung to him.
“Look after her,” Seb said to Coop as he shook his hand in farewell.
“Always, bro.”
“Have some water before bed,” he advised sternly, embracing me quickly and I grinned.
“Good luck with Grumpy,” I said to Marls, my voice slurred at the edges.
