My heart rate spikes. I guess now we find out how our friends feel about this.
All heads at the table turn my way as I push through the door. My stomach twists. My palms dampen. Flip is already out of his chair, closing the distance between us.
Anticipation turns my heart into hummingbird wings.
“How you doing?” Flip slips his fingers under my hair, hand curving against my jaw. It’s innocent, but comforting and stimulating at the same time.
“Okay. Nervous.”
“It’s me they want to grill, not you.” He wraps his other arm around me and pulls me against him.
He’s claiming me. In front of our friends. In front of all these people. He squeezes gently then pulls back, eyes roving over my face. “You’re audaciously beautiful.”
I laugh and duck my head.
Flip tips my chin up. “You being all shy with me, kitten?”
“Everyone’s watching,” I whisper.
“Good.” His thumb sweeps along the edge of my jaw. “Now they know who I belong to.”
My heart stutters and desire, thick and heady, zings through me. He’s not just claiming me, he’s asking to be claimed. I wet my bottom lip, mouth dry. How is this real life?
Flip’s nostrils flare, and he traces the contour with his thumb. He leans down, lips brushing my cheek as he lowers to my ear. “I’m looking forward to tasting those pretty, tempting lips when I drive you home later.”
I grip his bicep, knees turning watery at his gravelly tone. “You could kiss me now.”
“Not in front of these people, kitten. Only I get to see you melt for me.”
I whimper.
His fingers flex on my hip. “I love that sound.” He straightens and laces our fingers. “Make it again for me later.”
I shake off the haze. “Oh, that was evil.”
“I’ll make it worth the wait, don’t worry.” He winks and guides me to the table, where he’s already ordered me a cola and a margarita.
Flip helps me out of my jacket, and into my seat.
Quinn breaks the tension. “Anyone need a shot?”
“Never again.” I have no verbal filter when I’m drunk.
“Probably again, though,” Hammer chirps.
Everyone chuckles.
Connor stretches his arm across the back of Dred’s chair. “What does Flip have planned for your date this weekend?”
“Um.” I look to Flip.
“It’s a surprise,” he informs me.
“You better not take Tally to East Side’s,” Rix warns.
“Like that’s where I’d take Talls for our first date.”
“I’ll have Sam and Isaac on standby just in case,” Hemi warns.
