“Son of a—”
“Smarter, not harder.”
“I think I got played,” Chris grumbled.
Jase threw his head back and laughed.
The girls came back with six more beers than either of the other teams.
“I still say Chris gave them an advantage.” Patrick set a foil pan full of burgers and dogs on the large picnic table.
Chris dropped another pan full of foil-wrapped potatoes next to the meat. “Dude. I lost ten bucks.”
Denise laughed. “If it makes you feel better, sure. We had an advantage.”
Patrick pointed the tongs at Denise, then Bree. “I knew it. What was it? Jase plot the route? Put more beer at the points?”
Bree smirked and shook her head. “We used our superior intellect.”
A chorus of groans rang out.
Matt picked up a plate and dug into the bag of hamburger buns. “I’ve got to go with Patrick on this one. The Army didn’t issue you smarts, so you don’t get to use ‘em.”
“Good thing Bree was Air Force, then.” Denise took a sip of her beer. “Ahhh. Refreshing.”
“Don’t be mean.” Bree picked up her beer. “Their fragile egos are already bruised from getting their asses handed to them by women.”
“You’re right. I’ll be nice and share my honestly-gotten gains.”
Jase pulled on Bree’s ponytail, forcing her head back. He leaned over her so he was looking at her upside down. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
She grinned. “Yup.”
He shook his head at her and gave her a quick kiss. Letting go of her ponytail, he sat next to her at the table and pulled her closer. His heat enveloped her side where they pressed close to each other. She relaxed into his embrace.
Laughter flowed as freely as the beer while the sun set. The guys continued to accuse them of cheating. She smirked at Denise every time one of them tried to find a reason for their victory.
“Do either of you two-step?” Cole asked.
“She does.” Denise pointed at Bree.
She glared at Denise, then looked at Cole. “So does she. She just doesn’t like to admit it.”
“Alright then. Matt!” He smacked his hand on the table. “Turn on some music.” Cole unfolded his legs from under the table and rounded it. “Jase. Out of the way. You can paw her later.”
Jase’s look was questioning. She kissed him. “You can paw me later.” She threw a leg over the bench and Cole reached for her hand to help her up.
“No slow songs,” Jase said.
Cole smirked at Jase. “I make no promises.” He led Bree to the other side of the fire and took both her hands in his.
A high-tempo country song played on the radio Matt had turned on. Cole pulled her close, then pushed her away. He crossed his arm over her head so her back was to him before pushing her out and spinning her away — right into Denise and Matt. She threw her head back and laughed. It had been a while since she’d danced with anyone. She fell back into the rhythm of the steps. Cole was a good lead and easy to follow. They danced for two songs before Patrick cut in.
I need a break.
A slow song came on and Jase stepped in. “My turn.” He pulled her close, tucking her right arm in, close to his chest. She wrapped her other arm around his back. Firelight glinted in his eyes, giving him an otherworldly look.
“Having fun?” he asked.
