“If you don’t tell me, I’ll just guess.” I tap my chin thoughtfully, trying to think of the most ridiculous name. “Alfred.”
“Do I look like an Alfred to you?” Ghost asks dryly.
“Peter,” Gage throws in. “Nah. I bet it’s even more embarrassing than that.”
“It has nothing to do with it being fucking embarrassing.” Ghost gestures toward himself. “The whole Ghost name is because I can do what I want, and you can never find me.” That makes sense, but it still makes me curious as hell.
Gage and I throw out more ridiculous names, one right after the other, until Ghost finally rolls his eyes, lips still sealed shut.
“Such a letdown.” Gage shakes his head sadly. “I was hoping for something I can give him shit for.”
“Just give him a stupid fucking name like you gave me,” Zane throws at Gage.
“You know you like being called big daddy,” Gage says, making kissy noises at Zane.
Their friendship has to be one of the best things I’ve ever seen develop. Even though Gage gives Zane hell, I know they both love it. Plus, Zane can dish it out as well as he can take it. But I hate the big daddy name.
The rest of the conversation flows easily, mostlywith guys throwing insults at each other, but I couldn’t be happier. I keep an eye on Micah and Evander, who are sitting on different sides of the table, but I catch little glances here and there. I’ve caught Gage’s eye several times when he sees the same thing I do.
When the sun starts to set, Gage brings out several bottles of liquor, declaring we need to celebrate. Seven shots in, and I’m already beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol. Micah sticks around for two shots before he disappears into the house. Evander leaves about ten minutes later to go home and unpack. The rest of us decide to get drunk as hell with Ghost, Caden, and Mateo. We need a night when we don’t have to worry about anything. The house is still heavily guarded, so we can do what we want. All the other shit can wait until tomorrow.
“Pretty girl,” Gage calls from the pool after he jumps in with nothing but boxer briefs on. “Come join me.”
Shrugging, I stand up from my chair, catching myself on Zane’s shoulder when I sway. He’s the only one not drinking, and I know it’s because of the mess Gage found him in. And probably to babysit us too.
I get to the pool and look down into Gage’s eyes, where he’s wading against the side. He grins. “What do you have on under that?” I giggle, pulling my shirt over my head.
“Les,” Ryder barks when I drop my shorts.
I give him a flirty wave before diving into the pool over Gage’s head. It’s a bright red set that covers more than any bikini I own will.
“Chill out,” I hear Dex laugh when I resurface. Ryder is standing beside the pool, glaring down at me.
“The water’s warm,” I offer, wading back through the water.
“We’re not the only ones here,” Ryder hisses, making Gage start cackling.
“It’s bra and panties. Chill the fuck out and live a little,” Gage quips, splashing Ryder.
Ryder jerks his shirt over his head and then kicks off his boots.
“Take it off!” Mateo calls with a wolf whistle.
Ryder pulls his jeans and socks off before diving in straight at Gage. Gage screams like a girl, backpedaling through the water.
Everyone strips and jumps in, with Dex and Ghost pulling up chairs to sit on the side. We all wrestle around, just enjoying being able to live for a minute, something that hasn’t happened for a long time. Music starts filtering through the speakers outside, and the LED lights around the inside of the pool come on.
I’m swimming towards the stairs when Holden surfaces in front of me with a grin, pushing his curly hair out of his eyes. He walks me up until I can stand on the bottom of the pool, then cages me against the side.
“Hey, Bright eyes,” he greets, kissing the side of my neck.
“Hey to you too,” I say with a laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. I’m not the only one feeling the effects of the alcohol.
“You look so beautiful,” he says, still kissing my neck.
I feel his hand slide up the inside of my thigh under the water. “What are you doing?” I ask breathlessly. In answer, he runs his fingers over my pussy through my panties, making me jerk back in surprise. “Someone will see us, Holden.”
He glances over his shoulder to look. Most of the guys have either gotten out or are still fighting in the deep end, not paying attention to us at all. He looks back at me. “Let me make you feel good,” he says, his hand rubbing back and forth.
