“You have to tell the truth or we all get a question,” Becca said, a bundle of cheer and made-up rules.
“I’ll go next,” Kellie said. “Why aren’t you ever in relationships if you don’t have anybeefwith them?”
“I already answered my question.” He poured himself another glass. Looked like he’d need it. “No more questions.”
“We all get a question,” Marlee announced. “Marlee’s trip, Marlee’s rules.”
“I don’t like this game.” Eli leveled a glare at his sister, hoping maybe blood would run thicker than champagne and she would take his side on this.
“Don’t look at me, bud.” Sadie pinched her lips into a thin smile. She was enjoying this way too much.
Marlee rolled her eyes and made a sour face. “There has to be some benefit to all the crap that happened today.”
They wanted to know why he didn’t do the commitment thing? He didn’t do relationships because he didn’t do long term. He didn’t do long term because he didn’t want anyone to rely on him. He’d done that dance and had the permanent bruises stomped onto his feet to prove it. He didn’t have any desire for a repeat. Things worked out better when it was just number one and number one alone. He did what he wanted. Came and went when he wanted. And no one was there to tell him he should do things differently.
With four pairs of eyes trained on him, he decided to go with the easiest dodge he could find. “I’ve just never met anyone worth the effort.”
Partially true. Not a lie. But also not the entire truth.
“Okay, my question next,” Marlee announced. “If you had to shag one of us, which one would it be and why? Sadie is excluded from the scenario, for obvious reasons.”
Eli met Marlee’s gaze, a fire sparking in her eyes. It may have only been a question, but it sure as hell felt like a dare. “All of you. Can’t pick just one, it wouldn’t be fair.”
Sadie snorted.
“Eli is the worst at this game,” Becca huffed. “New rule, let’s move on.”
Let’s move on was a rule? How was that a rule?
“I’ll go next. Since he picked me to shag.” Kellie rubbed her hands together like she was about to have a lot of fun with this one.
“I picked all of you.” Eli leaned back against the leather seat as they pulled up to the Bellagio, the champagne bubbling through his bloodstream.
“But we know you meant me.” Kellie leaned forward to pat his leg. “I’m going to dare Marlee.”
Kellie didn’t get further than that before the limo reached the bell station.
A bellman opened the door to let them escape the confines of the dare-ridden limousine. And not a moment too soon.
“Ms. Medford?” he asked.
“That’s me.” Marlee lifted a sleepy Lothario, tucking him in her handbag. His head stuck out over the top as she slid from the vehicle. “I’m the perpetual Ms. Medford.”
“Welcome to the Bellagio.” The bellman held his hand out to help her steady herself on those insane platform heels. “The penthouse is ready for you and your guests.”
Marlee had reserved the penthouse for them?
Of course, she had. She was Marlee.
“Kellie?” Marlee asked once they were all out of the limo and headed inside the marble lobby. “Let’s get this party started.” She turned to her friend. “Present your dare.”
Those were usually famous last words, but he was there to ensure, this time, they wouldn’t be.
Kellie held up her cell phone. “It’s almost amateur hour at the strip joint near Fremont Street.”
“I’m not hearing a dare in that.” Marlee blinked with an innocence he knew was utter bullshit.
Kellie cleared her throat. “I dare you take a turn on the pole.”
