She turns and looks at him, then back at me. Her hair whips over her shoulder. “Oh, celebrating something special?”
“It’s his birthday. What about you?”
“A friend of mine is getting married.” She points at the group of women wooing.
As I look in the direction she’s pointing, I notice Beau has successfully put the headband on his head. He bows toward the ladies.
“Did that guy just get Rachel’s headband?”
I scrunch my nose and turn back to Casey. “Yeah, I owe him ten bucks.”
She raises her eyebrows and huffs out a laugh. “You should give him twenty. Rachel never lets any guy persuade her to do anything. He must be a smooth talker.”
I shrug. “He’s okay.”
She smiles and giggles while I finish the rest of my beer.
“Can I buy you a drink?” she asks.
Inside my head, I debate whether to take the bait and let her buy me a drink. I’m not sure why I care so much. It’s not like I’m with or attached to anyone—at least, that’s what I tell myself.
“Sure.”
One free drink won’t hurt.
When I follow her to the bar, I lock eyes with Riley from the other side of the pool. My stomach flips when her gaze follows Casey, who’s walking in front of me. She cocks an eyebrow at me.
I shake my empty bottle of beer.
She grimaces, obviously jealous, and I can’t help but boast inside. Her face is scrunched up like she’s disgusted. It’s so damn cute.
“What can I get you?” Casey asks.
“I’ll stick to this,” I tell the bartender, passing him my empty bottle.
While we wait, I lean on my side against the bar, crossing one foot over the other.
“So how long are you here for?” she asks.
“It’s our last night, so heading back home tomorrow.”
“That’s too bad.” She tilts her head and gives me a small smile.
I feel someone push past me. The bar isn’t crowded, and there’s plenty of space for people to walk around.
“Can I get another daiquiri please,” Riley says, then drums her fingers on the counter as she waits.
I turn to her, but I make sure I’m not facing away fromCasey. I don’t want to come off rude; that’s not who I am, even if my eyes sparkle when they land on the blonde who practically pushed her elbow into my rib.
“Augustus.” Her eyes flick between Casey and me. While her voice is sweet, the undertone is dangerous. “Are you going to introduce me to your new friend?”
“Casey, this is my friend Riley. She’s here with our group.”
“Hi.” Casey gives Riley a friendly wave.
“Riley, this is Casey. She’s here with the bachelorette party over there.” I nod my chin toward the group of women who are laughing at whatever Beau is saying.
“Oh. Cute.” Riley looks at us again. “And what possessed you to talk to him?”
