She shrugged. “Why not? There isn’t anything else to do.”
Ryker sat back in his chair. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you gotta do the dishes. Ez can do it.” He offered a laugh as he said it.
Ezra stood. “Yes, I will do them… later.” He crossed the kitchen and withdrew a large bottle of vodka from one of the cabinets. “Now,” he started, “Who wants to get a little fucked up?” He placed the bottle on the table, waiting for their responses.
The corner of Ryker’s mouth lifted. His friend definitely liked to party. “I’m game. What about you, pretty girl?”
Willow eyed the bottle and gnawed her bottom lip. “All right. Let’s do it.”
Chapter 19
Willow
What the fuck is wrong with me? What in the actual fuck, is wrong with me?
These were the thoughts that rushed through her mind as she watched Ezra pour the first glass. The only mixer they had was off-brand lemon-lime soda, but at least it was better than straight vodka.
Ezra pounded a shot and set his glass down with a heavy clunk.
“Do you usually drink it straight?” she asked, taking a measured sip. At least he hadn’t made it ridiculously strong, but she still didn’t quite trust his motive. She didn’t think he was trying to get her drunk to fuck her. He could have her stone sober. This was more of the game. If her inhibitions were lowered, then he could get more answers.
I’m not telling them about Billy.Nothing good would come of it.
“Yeah. Just get the job done without any of that.” He waved a hand at the bottle of soda. “What do you like to drink, Willow?”
They watched her closely as she took another taste. “I like wine… or cider.”
Ryker leaned in after downing his own drink. “What about sake?” A wide grin spread across his face. His eyes traveled down to her mouth, like he was ready to pounce.
“Yes!” she said, excitement filling her. “There’s this new restaurant on Cedar that has something like six different kinds.”
“I’ve heard of it,” he said, his voice lowering to an almost suggestive note.
He wants to take me there…
Ezra’s stare was almost painful as he watched the exchange. Ryker didn’t seem to notice, or chose not to. Instead, she felt the brush of his foot along her shin under the table.
Heat erupted under her skin. She wanted to go there with him, maybe both if Ezra was interested. She drank the rest of her glass in a couple gulps. This anxiety over their affection was getting to her. She wasn’t supposed to feel like this. But how could she not?
Ryker cocked an eyebrow. “Another?”
“Yes,” she muttered. “Please.” Maybe she could numb herself enough not to care.
He obliged as Ezra poured another for himself. Instead of chugging it, though, he said, “Let’s make this interesting. Let’s play Truth or Drink. We take turns asking a question, and everyone has to answer… or you drink instead.”
Willow rested back in the chair and closed her eyes. Of course, he would suggest a game like that.
“Let’s do it,” Ryker said quickly.
“What do you say, sweetheart?” Ezra’s eyes practically twinkled with mischief. His friend leaned in, eager for her answer.
“Fine,” she said with a sigh.
He grinned. “Okay, we’ll start easy. Do you like your job?”
“Sure.” She shrugged. “The only crappy part is the guys who assume I don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Need us to pay them a visit?” Ryker said, almost giddy at the prospect. His hair had fallen into his eyes, and he pushed it back. He may have been the sweeter one, but he could be just as much trouble as the brunet sitting across from her.
