Sebastian sighs while shaking his head.
“Dude, I’m going to Vegas for your bachelor party. The least you can do is indulge in something fun for once. We’ll be gone for two hours—three, tops. It’s my treat,” I plead with my brother.
He sighs in defeat. “Fine, I’ll do it. But when you say your treat, do you mean you’ll put in a full workweek for once?” Sebastian quips—cocky fucker that he is.
“I wouldn’t want to take away your reason for griping at me.” Besides, he knows I get shit done.
“Oh, trust me, I’ve got plenty. Another is this addiction of yours to life-threatening activities.”
“Just staying young, brother. You should try it sometime. If youkeep up this old-man act, you’ll become one sooner than later. Lily’ll have to trade you in for a younger model.” I wink at Lily.
Cici’s eyes are bugging out, probably afraid for my life, but this is normal banter for us. Giving each other a hard time is one of our favorite hobbies. My hand reaches Cici’s leg, squeezing it in reassurance but maintaining a PG rating this time.
Sebastian doesn’t miss a beat, raising one brow while responding, “Says the guy who can’t seem to wrangle in a woman.”
All right, too far, asshole.
“Boys. We should be celebrating, not fighting. Come on, let’s toast to our upcoming trip.” Cici jumps in at the perfect time, holding her glass out as the rest of us follow.
Thankfully, the rest of dinner flies by as we enjoy our meals, talking about this and that without bringing up the elephant in the room. I catch glances between Lily and Cici in my peripheral vision, but when I turn, they abruptly stop. Overall, the group did well, feigning ignorance other than that comment from Sebastian, and I’ll let it slide since heisthe reason I made my move.
I finally took my brother’s advice after the millionth time to stop pussyfooting around. If she’s what I want, then I’m going after her. He was right when he pointed out that I’ve never backed down from a challenge, so I’m not sure why I was okay accepting failure this time. I’m just glad I ultimately came to my senses because tonight was hot as fuck.
Talk of wrapping up the night begins, and I’m more than happy to help it along. “With everything settled, we can have Lucy start making arrangements tomorrow,” I say, trying to close up shop. I’m hoping Cici took an Uber like she usually does so I can take advantage of offering a ride. Since I took the motorcycle tonight, I was careful to consume only one glass of champagne. Plus, when Cici gives in, I want my wits about me.
“Tell me if you need help with something. I don’t think I’ve doneenough to earn the title of maid of honor,” Cici says to Lily while I pour the last of the champagne into her glass—nothing like a little liquid courage to loosen her inhibitions.
“You’re fine. You have so much on your plate as it is. You helped us with the planning and came up with the idea in the first place. That’s plenty,” Lily placates.
Cici notices the empty bottle before I set it down. “Ooh, that’s the end of it. I should probably order an Uber.” She reaches for her purse, but when I place my hand over hers to make my suggestion first, her eyes nearly pop out of her head at my outward display of physical touch. She’s in denial if she still thinks we’re undiscovered.
“Actually, I only had one drink early on, so why don’t I give you a ride and save you twenty bucks.”
She pulls her hand back like it’s on fire, panic written all over her face. “That’s silly. We’re already downtown. Why drive all the way to Balboa when you don’t have to?”
I’m about to reply when Braden beats me to it. “It’s on my way. You can hop in my Uber since it’s almost here.”
The death glare I send his way could melt glaciers.
“Perfect,” Cici says quickly before I form a response.
Sebastian and Lily are staying quiet but are obviously confused by Braden’s offer based on the glances they’re throwing. If Braden thinks he’s getting away with this bullshit, he’s in for a reality check. He’s lucky I’ve already staked my claim, or he and I would need to have a little talk.
“It just so happens I was planning a night drive anyway, so I insist. No arguing, Cici, you’ll come with me.” I use the same words from earlier, and they do the trick. She may like her independence, but I know exactly what she wants in the bedroom—and she knows I provide it.
“Fine. Only so you’re not butt hurt,” she says, trying to play it off.
The table laughs, and Braden snickers my way, knowing he forced my hand. The fucker has it coming.
Outside, Lily and Sebastian climb into their car while Braden gets into his Uber, and the two of us are finally alone. I can tell Cici’s uncomfortable and decide to spare her for now as I take her hand, leading her down the street to stop in front of my bike.
“Where’s your car?” Cici asks, looking up and down the street.
“Oh, did I not mention I rode my bike tonight?” I ask casually, expecting her reaction.
“Eli. I’m not riding on the back of that. I’m in a dress. Not to mention the last time I was in a car with you, you tried to kill me. This is so much worse,” she groans, causing me to laugh.
“Have I told you you’re adorable when you argue?” I proceed to place the helmet on her head despite her protest and buckle it below her chin, making sure it’s snug, before leaning down to kiss the tip of her nose.
