Lily definitely found an alternate for me since I moved away, which I’m not sad about in the least. I’m happy she has someone to keep her real. That girl, she’s too sweet for her own good. With Sebastian and now Lucy, I like knowing she’s taken care of.
“Okay, first of all, there won’t bea thingbetween me and Eli. And second, what do you mean you had the hots for him? When?” This is news to me. Lily did not tell me this juicy bit of gossip.
“When I was Sebastian’s assistant, Eli’s desk was down the hall, and every time he walked by, I swear, I’d cream my panties. Sorry, TMI. But that man seriously got my juices flowing. He was sooo off-limits, though. I basically made a fool of myself whenever he was around. But, like I said, that was eons ago. Back to you, when did you two hook up?”
“Which time?” Lily asks sarcastically while laughing. “They go way back. As far back as when Sebastian and I first met.”
“Seriously? You and Eli have been seeing each other for that long?” Lucy asks incredulously.
“No. We hooked up back then, and that’s it. We are not, nor were we ever, seeing each other.” I give Lily a pointed look. “Nothing is happening between us.”
“Right. So you haven’t done anything since you’ve been back? And you said it’s been four months? How is that possible when your best friend is engaged to his brother?” Lucy isn’t letting up.
“I’m not saying it’s been easy. I mean, he’s sex on a stick. But other than a couple of encounters, we—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Spill, sister. Whatencounters, and why have you not tapped that since you’ve been back? Especially when you’ve already tasted the Kool-Aid?” All right, so Lucy has no idea what happened recently.Love you, Lily.
“We’ve kissed, and he’s given me an orgasm. That’s it. I was this”—my thumb and forefinger go up an inch apart—“close to lettinghim come to my place and finish the job, but before I made a bad decision, I called it a night.” Lucy opens her mouth to speak, but I put a hand up to stop her. “Listen, we have a history, and I’m allergic to commitment. Eli’s a relationship kind of guy. It’s just not feasible. Not only am I leaving, but he’s Sebastian’s brother. That would be awkward at future family functions.” Okay, that’s the lamest excuse I could come up with, but it’s worth a shot.
Lucy laughs. “You mean their family of two? And I’m not sure what planet you’ve been living on, but Eli is not a long-term type of guy. He’s a playboy. You might as well have some fun while you’re here, especially if he’s game,” Lucy says.
“Holy shit, you sound like the man himself.” I laugh and down my drink, tipping my head back to catch the last drop.
“I agree with Lucy. It hasn’t been awkward so far. I don’t see why it would be if you both go into it knowingly. What’s the problem?” Lily asks.
“The problem is, you guys are familiar with that player side of him, but I’ve experienced the more serious side, and he’ll end up wanting a commitment. I’m not interested.”Or possibly incapable—one of the two.
“That sounds like a you problem. Eli’s a big boy. If he knows you’re not the settling type and still wants a little action, then that’s his decision, and you should go along for the ride.” Man, Lucy’s a ballbuster. And since I have no sound argument for that annoyingly rational observation, it’s time to change the subject.
“Well, you know what I think? I think we should probably go sleep these drinks off before we doll ourselves up for the big night ahead of us. Who’ll be the hottest chicks on the dance floor tonight?” I hold my fist out.
“Us,” Lucy says while Lily simultaneously responds, “We will.” They bring their fists up to bump with mine.
“Let’s do it,” I finish off, more than ready to go face-plant intomy pillow. Lily and I tend to overindulge in day drinking whenever we do it, which, thank God, isn’t very often.
Several hours later, after a nap and one of the best dinners I’ve ever had, we’re in the VIP section at one of the hottest clubs in Vegas thanks to the Dubree brothers’ connections. It just so happens to be in our hotel, which is super convenient.
We girls are on the dance floor while Justin is off to the side, keeping a close eye on us. I think he’s the unofficial bodyguard for the evening. The rest of the guys are within eyesight, and Sebastian has had his head in Lily’s direction most of the night. I’ve also noticed that Eli’s been keeping his eye on me, scowling whenever I’m approached. Not that I’ve been paying too close attention or anything.
The ladies have been sticking together and only dancing with one another, turning away the men who’ve tried to make their way in. It’s Lily’s night, and no one’s here for a hookup. Well, I’d certainly be up for it, but not with Eli here. I’m destined for celibacy until I go back home to Bozeman. However, after my talk with Lily and Lucy earlier, I’m reconsidering the Eli situation.
Speaking of, out of the corner of my eye, I see Eli and Jackson walking toward the exit of the club. After telling the girls I’m taking off, I rush to catch up.
“Hey, where are you guys going?” They pause and turn to face me.
“Jackson had a bit much, so I’m helping him to his room,” Eli answers with his hand on my brother’s arm to steady him.
“S’all good. I can make it,” Jackson adds in, clearly drunk as he staggers on his feet.
“Geez, Jackson, drink much?” I go to Jackson’s free side and take his other arm. “I can take him up so you can stay with the guys,” I say to Eli.
“I’m not leaving you alone to wrangle a 180-pound man of steel to his room. What if he passes out on the way?” Eli asks.
“Then I’ll have the staff help. It’s fine, I’ve got him.”
“Hey, guyz, I’m right heeere,” Jackson splutters.
We both ignore him.
