Blinking, I force myself to turn so JJ is out of sight. “What are you guys talking about?”
Vivi bites on her bottom lip, eyes dancing. “How long it would take you and JJ to finally bang.”
Lunging forward, I cover her mouth. “Shut up.” I dart a look around, confirming no one was close enough to hear her. Shit. Fortunately, we’re at the end of the bar and most of the guys have ordered their drinks and moved over to the pool tables. Because apparently they haven’t experienced enough competition yet tonight.
Josie groans. “I am just…” She shakes her head. “I have no words. No words, Adeline Marie Langfield.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not my middle name.”
She pushes her strawberry blond hair behind her shoulder, her chin lifted. “Whatever. You get the point.”
In one quick move, I down my drink. Then I hold up a hand, ordering another. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Okay, then how was the date last night?” she asks, her words snippy. “Did you kiss? Do you plan to see each other again? At approximately what time did you fuck JJ Hanson?” The questions roll off her tongue like she thinks I’ll answer them rapid-fire.
“I didn’t,” I lie.
She examines him where he’s still standing by the pool tables.
Shit. I’m beginning to wonder if there’s any chance of getting Josie out of here before she corners him and blows up my career.
“Please.” I settle my hand on hers and squeeze, hoping she can understand the severity of the situation. “I wouldn’t jeopardize my career.” Again. I definitely won’t do it again.
No matter how good he looks. Or how good he is at doling out orgasms. And sex. And all the things that involve orgasms and sex.
My best friend studies me, then shakes her head. “It’s a bad idea, Adeline.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Vivi argues.
I sigh.“It’s a bad idea.”
Josie takes a deep breath and dips her chin, like she’s satisfied with my response. Like she believes I won’t totally fuck up my life.
She may have more confidence than I do, but relief rushes over me when she finally drops it.
And the timing couldn’t be better, because not even five seconds later, Bobby Dean pops up out of nowhere, yelling about a celebratory shot. In less than a minute, the entire team is congregated at the bar. One shot turns into three, and they don’t let me skip out. When I set that third shot glass down, I’m feeling mighty buzzed and beyond tired. Between the emotional Olympics I was subject to last night, the excitement of today, and the late hour, I’m done.
“I’m going to head out,” I tell Josie. “You ready?”
She’s deep in conversation with Sidney and Vivi has disappeared.
She shakes her head. “I’m going to hang for a bit longer. I’ll make sure Vivi gets home.”
“You sure?”
She grins. “Yup. Congrats, babe. As always, you’re a total inspiration and a knockout while doing it.” She scoops me into a hug. When her chin hits my shoulder, she adds, “Don’t fuck it all up. He’s pretty, but you’re a badass, and badasses deserve to be loved out loud, not in secret.”
I squeeze her tighter. She’s right, even if it’s hard to hear.
I’m headed toward the door when JJ steps into my path. “Leaving?”
I nod.
“Any chance you have one more in you?”
“One more drink?” I frown, my knees wobbling.
JJ smirks. “Nah, I was thinking a different kind of celebration.”
