“That’s because we’re usually stoned and drunk when we screw.”
He slaps a hand over his chest. “The lady doth wound me.”
I grin. “If we were dating, you’d have to be exclusive.”
“Ah, yes, the damn exclusivity clause.” He tweaks my nose, and I swat his hand away. “That would be a problem.” He flashes me a wicked grin.
I roll my eyes. “Yes, your propensity for group sex would be an issue, which is why we’re better off maintaining the current status of our relationship.”
He sets his drink down on a tray next to a collection of half-empty glasses. “Except in front of your parents,” he adds in a low tone, slipping his arm around my waist. “Follow my lead.”
“Mrs. Parker. Mr. Parker.” Zach extends his hand as my parents approach us. Dad gives Zach a not-so-subtle once-over, while Mom beams at him, as they take turns shaking his hand. I’ve got to admit Zach cleans up well in his designer suit, shiny shoes, and perfectly groomed hair. He’s even shaved, and there’s no way an unpracticed eye would guess he’s doped up.
“You’re Sylvia’s boy, aren’t you?” Mom says.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Are your parents here?” she inquires, glancing around the room.
“They are. They’re seated at a table at the back of the room.”
“I must stop by to say hello before the night is over.”
“I’m sure they’d like that,” Zach coolly replies.
“How do you know my daughter?” Dad asks, pinning him with keen eyes.
“Zach’s a friend from college,” I rush to answer, looping my arm through his. “And he’s my date for tonight.”
“How wonderful,” Mom says, actually looking like she means it. “Let me have a word with Georgia and ask her to set another place setting at our table.” She shoots me a brief, sharp look when Zach isn’t looking. “Emily neglected to mention you were joining us or I would’ve already ensured there was a seat for you.”
“It was a last-minute arrangement,” Zach says, loyally coming to my defense. “And it’s not a problem. We have room at our table if Emily wants to sit with us.”
I could happily plant one on him right now.
Mom waves her hands about. “Nonsense. I’ll get it fixed.” She wanders off with urgency in her step.
Ten minutes later, we’re all seated around the table as the waiters serve the first course. Zach is on my left and, as might be expected, that asshole Wes had to maneuver it so he’s sitting on my right. Blondie is on his other side, sucking up to Mr. and Mrs. Blakely as she engages them in mindless chatter, which suits the jerk to a T.
Wes clamps a hand on my thigh, under the table, digging his nails into my flesh as he leans into my ear, talking in a low voice. “In five minutes, I’m going to excuse myself to go to the bathroom, and you’re going to wait a couple minutes and then follow me. I’ll be in the men’s restroom on the lower level. Don’t keep me waiting.”
“You’re clearly delusional if you think I’m going to blow you at this event with my parents close by,” I whisper back, keeping a pleasant smile on my face even though my stomach has just lurched to my toes, and I’m on the verge of throwing up what little food I’ve eaten.
He digs his nails in harder, and I wince a little. Zach jerks his head around, trying to continue his conversation with my father while checking out what’s going down with me.
“I’m not asking you to blow me,” Wes says, his eyes shimmering with barely disguised lust. “I’m going to fuck that pretty cunt of yours, and then blow my load all over your ass.”
A shudder works its way through me as bile coats my mouth. “Not happening!” I hiss, gulping back panic as a cold, hard mask washes over his face.
He leans across me to my father, raising his voice so he’s heard over the conversation at the table. “I’m surprised you approve of your daughter’s choice of date this evening, Coach Parker,” he says, as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.
Dad’s brow furrows as he looks between Zach and Wes. “You boys know one another?”
“McCartney used to attend my high school,” Wes confirms, pausing for a split second, as Zach stiffens beside me. “Before he was expelled,” he adds, popping a piece of smoked salmon in his mouth.
I know nothing of Zach’s background. Hell, I know very little about his life now except he’s from a wealthy family, is a junior studying business in CU, he knows how to party hard, and he’s an excellent fuck.
I don’t need to be a genius to work out his expulsion has something to do with his predilection for Class A drugs.
