Page 36 of Whiskey

“Don’t forget alpha.” Savannah grinned at Cole, who grabbed her head and kissed her hard.

I missed kissing, the feel of a woman’s soft lips, her taste, the little sounds they made when they were lost in the moment.

“Yes!” Mia hit the table, clearly enjoying her buzz. “Toe-curling alpha males who make you scream in the night for all the right reasons.”

“That’s the best kind.” Ivy smiled into her glass then held it up to the ladies. “To savage love, anywhere, anytime.”

“Ahhhh, yes!” Sloane clicked her glass to Ivy’s, and the other girls did the same.

“Oh,” Mia shot up, “and Ty is only one syllable. That makes life easier.”

“Seriously?” Mark snatched her drink and finished it off.

“How would you feel about an open relationship?” Savannah grinned at Cole, who raised an eyebrow at her. “Because I think Ivy could be really magical.”

“And she’s had too much.” Cole laughed and pulled the glass out of her hand. “Remember, I don’t share.”

“To not sharing.” Mike held his beer up, and all the guys joined in.

“To not sharing.” I repeated the three words while I held Ivy’s gaze. I relished the sight of her blush; it climbed up her neck and told me she liked what I said.

“So, let’s see,” Mia looked around the room, “who meets these qualifications that you could go on a blind date with?” She looked around, and Ivy’s eyes widened.

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Mia.”

“A girl has needs. Ivy, when was the last time you had a good slap and tickle?”

“Good or in general?” I huffed, which drew her attention back to me. “What about you, Beckett?”

“Don’t turn this around on me, Ivy. This is all about you.” I held up my hands, which made the women hit the table in excitement. “I’ve spent the last eight years with men. There weren’t many opportunities for my kind of slap and tickle.”

“Ah,” she leaned forward, which tugged on her shirt, “but you would have been on leave a few times. You’re telling me that you didn’t find some savage love somewhere?” I grinned at her then tipped my ball hat down to shade my eyes.

“Don’t hide those gorgeous eyes behind that hat of yours.” She pointed her finger and leaned her head to the side.

“Drinks, anyone?” I stood, and Mark looked at Cole.

“I believe he’s asking for a scotch, neat.” Mark chuckled as he spoke.

“I think so, too, brother.” Cole laughed. “Run, Beckett, and get me another while you’re out there.”

I didn’t wait for any more orders. I’d just get everyone another round. I stopped at the bar and waved the bartender over.

“You must be Beckett.” The guy offered a hand. “I’m Jake. A friend of your group over there.”

“Nice to meet you, Jake. Could I buy the table another round?”

“Sure thing.” He took my card. “Leave it open?” I noticed he didn’t swipe it.

“Sure.” My phone rang, and I saw it was Demi again. I pointed at the hallway, and Jake nodded that he understood I was leaving.

“I heard you were back,” she purred when our call connected.

“I am.”

“I wondered if you’d found someone else to replace me,” she gave a little laugh, “but when I saw your folks the other day, they said you jumped into another job in North Dakota.”

We are told to tell people we work in North Dakota; Montana was strictly for training.

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