“I can walk.” I yawn.
“I enjoy carrying you.”
“You’re such a stud, I love it.” When theelevator opens to the villa, I hear voices.
“Oh Christ, is she okay?” Kit asks.
“Just tired, and drunk.”
“Hey,” I say groggily.
Cole sits us down in a chair and I situp.
“Hi guys, did you miss me?”
“A little drunk?” Cooper laughs.
“Um yeah, thanks to you and Kit and well,a little of my own devious ways.”
“How much did you drink, Kate?” Colekisses my cheek.
Oh boy. I didn’t think I was going tohave to account for it all. I tuck my head into the crook of his neck, decidingI’m not answering.
“I got you a glass of wine at thebeginning of the night,” Coop recounts.
“Then Kate and I had two cherry cordialshots at the bar, and she and I had another glass of wine after we danced.” Kitcounts on his fingers.
“You little devil,” Coop chides meplayfully. “We had two shots while Cole and everyone talked to Palo And theyweren’t girly shots either, they were loaded with whiskey and vodka.”
“Guys, guys,” I sit up, putting my handout, trying to pacify them. “I’m fine.”
“Then you had two glasses of champagne.”Luke chimes in.
“You should be passed out.” Race stands,“but I think I need another drink.”
“What’s a little alcohol with friends?” Itry to smile, but everyone is tense and I don’t blame them. I lower my chin.“I’m sorry I got in the limo. The valet told me the limo was here. I made eyecontact with Luke, but didn’t really wait to see what he said.”
“It was a trick.” Luke sits down,loosening his tie. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“Why don’t you tell them how we endedthings.” Cole rubs a hand down my back.
“I—Cole.” I give him a sheepish look.
“Oh no way, baby, this is your party.”
“Well, it turns out, I know theheadofthe family. He bought some antiques from the place I interned at in Seattle.”
“Oh shit, you know Vincenzo Mezzo?” Coopstands, “I think I need another drink.”
“Hey Coop—ooh,” Cole pinches my bum and Iturn to him. “I was just going to ask for a glass of water.”
“Well, I like when women say ooh, and myname in the same sentence. I just never thought I’d hear them from you.”
“Ha, ha, ha,” I mock. “You’re so funny.”
“Will you get her a glass and a bottle ofwater out of the fridge, Coop.” Cole gives him an evil look.
“Just joking, cuz.” Coop opens up therefrigerator.
