Page 6 of Defining Moments

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath.

“Ouch, 15 points for Sash for a total of 165,” Ella said.

Ethan gave me a wicked smile, as he pulled his four darts out of his pocket, and Ryan unloaded the ones already on the board.

“Get ready to see my phone number every day on that perfect body of yours,” Ethan whispered in my ear, his lips too close to my face.

I stepped back as he stepped to the line.

The first three darts effortlessly nailed the bullseye, causing a cheer from the entire pub, now engrossed in our heated game of darts.

Ethan held the last dart in his hand, turning to shoot me a big grin. “Have I told you how sexy the skin is on your neck? I think my phone number would fit there perfectly.”

I rolled my eyes, but inside was silently hoping a strong wind would come in and knock the pub down before Ethan could finish our dangerous game of darts.

He turned back to the board, swishing the dart effortlessly into the bullseye again.

“Perfect score!” Ella shouted as the pub cheered, and strangers engulfed Ethan, patting him on the back and buying another round for our group.

As the crowd dispersed, leaving our group of six back at the tables, Ethan leaned over to whisper to me.

“I forgot to mention, I did a brief tour in the Army. Field artillery branch. Turns out, my aim is spot-on.”

Chapter 6: Ethan

I pulled out my phone as we exited the pub, gesturing down the road toward the closest tattoo parlor according to Google Maps.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Sasha muttered, her hand on her forehead.

“Checking if you’ve got a fever?” I teased.

“I must be, because I can’t believe I agreed to this.”

“A bet’s a bet,” Ryan chimed in with a smirk, nudging her playfully.

Sasha shot him an eye roll and continued walking straight ahead, as if marching to her own execution.

I followed, observing the girl who had occupied my thoughts for the last 24 hours. Her deep, dark brown eyes and auburn curls had played against the bar lights all night like a disco ball. But her lips were the first thing I’d noticed when I’d dropped her off at her hostel this morning. Painted in a bold, vibrant red, they were plump and inviting, like two soft pillows waiting to be kissed. I wondered how it'd feel to have them wrapped tightly around my cock.

Tonight, she sported fitted skinny jeans that showcased her curves and a simple green tank top. Nothing extravagant, but the way she carried it exuded the confidence in herself that I liked. Sasha even walked sexy, each step causing the slightest sway to her curvy hips.

All of it—her style, her vibe—created this alluring mix of sensuality and mystery that I wanted to better understand. For me, it was a combo that kept me staring all night. I wondered if she realized just how many men were also watching her in the pub.

“Excuse me, is anyone available to give me a tattoo?” Sasha asked the man at the front desk of the shop we’d just entered.

“Depends on what you want. It’s a bit late, and judging by this group, I don’t want you all crowding up the place,” he replied, eyes scanning our rowdy crew.

Sasha sighed. “It’s just 10 numbers. Very small.” She emphasized the word ‘very,’ and shot a glance my way as she motioned with her pointer finger and thumb.

The artist sized up our group again and then sighed. “Come this way,” he said, ushering Sasha forward while the group behind me erupted in cheers.

Sasha settled into the chair nervously.

“What are the numbers, and where do you want it?” the artist asked.

I slid him a piece of paper with my phone number on it and turned to Sasha. “I think I should get to pick the location, too.” I grinned widely.

“Absolutely not,” she shot back.