Page 117 of Freefall

“Just finished my first glass,” I tell her while Luke and Nate do one of those elaborate bro hugs.

“Jack and Sally,” Luke says with an approving nod. “Nice.”

I’m not sure how much Emory told Luke about our situation, but he doesn’t make it weird. Actually, talking to them feels easy—like I’m already a friend instead of the secret woman from Nate’s past.

“We need to get you another drink,” Emory declares, although I notice she isn’t holding one herself.

I’m about to follow her when Allie joins us. She’s wearing a crisp white chef’s coat with one of those tall hats perched on top of her dark brown hair. Standing next to her is a man with sandy brown hair tucked under a pair of gray mouse ears. Thin black whiskers are painted across his nose and cheeks, following the pattern of his freckles.

“Harper,” Allie says coolly. “Good to see you again.”

“You too.” I glance between them. “Cool costumes. I see you stuck close to home.”

My joke doesn’t land. Allie narrows her eyes.

“You know, since you’re a chef?”

She ignores my explanation and turns to Nate instead.

“Nate.”

“Allie.”

“Are you kidding me?” the man next to her groans. “Luke is literally a sex symbol, Declan looks like he walked out of some secret society, and you make me dress up like a cartoon rat?”

“But you’re an adorable cartoon rat.” She taps his nose. “Besides…” Her eyes flash with lust. “You lost the bet.”

“What bet?” Emory asks.

Allie waves a dismissive hand. “I’ll tell you later. Your brother specifically requested that I refrain from saying anything untoward in front of him.”

Mouse Ear Guy lets out a long sigh and extends his hand. “I’m Ashton, by the way. Allie’s husband. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Harper.” I smile as I shake his hand. “Nice to meet you too.”

I don’t mention that I know about his stamina in bed or that he’s good with his tongue.

The six of us chat for a bit before Allie hooks her arm through Ashton’s and drags him toward the kitchen in search of drinks.

Emory turns to me. “Come on, let’s go get another drink so you can answer all my questions. If I hear my brother say ‘it’s complicated’ one more time, I’m going to lose it.”

I snort out a laugh and am about to say yes when I feel Nate’s warm breath against my ear. “Don’t get drunk.” His voice is low enough that only I can hear it. “I have plans for you tonight.”

My pulse stutters.

“And I want you to feel every single thing.”

Heat crawls up my spine, but before I can even think of a response, Emory threads her arm through mine and whisks me into the next room.

30

NATE

Harper Daniels drives me crazy on a good day. But wearing black fishnets underneath that short patchwork dress that looks like it was painted on her? I’m about to lose my goddamn mind. I’ve never been much into costumes or role-play, but Harper has me seriously reevaluating that stance.

She pushes a bright red lock of hair from her face, laughing at something Emory says as she lifts a glass to her lips. I meant what I said earlier. If she slurs even once or stumbles while walking, I won’t touch her tonight. I decided a while ago not to drink. It’s a personal choice, and I don’t judge anyone who does, but I also don’t make a habit of sleeping with women who aren't able to fully consent, especially when I’m completely sober.

Not after everything that went down in high school with that fucking prick, Taylor. I can’t change what happened back then, but I can make damn sure I never come close to taking advantage of someone I sleep with.