“That’s it.” Gemma points through the trees toward some twinkling lights. “Wow, this place is really nice.”
We pull up to a massive cabin with white string lights hung along the ceiling of the front porch that wraps around the side. There aren’t any other cars here yet.
“Should we wait until more people arrive?” I ask, glancing over at her. “I could think of a couple of things we could do to entertain ourselves.”
She snorts out a laugh. “You’re an insatiable horndog now, Tristan Sheridan. I created a monster.”
I roll my eyes at her using my full name. “Says the monster fucker who’s always ready to hop in the sack with me.”
“Touché.” She shakes her head. “Come on. We’ll leave early if it’s lame and find some dirt road to get freaky on.”
Before I get the luxury of imagining what that would entail, she’s already climbing out of the vehicle. I quickly stride over to her and thread our fingers together. It’s nice being able to parade my girlfriend around in public without worrying about who will find out.
“Don’t forget to lock it,” she instructs. “I’m leaving my purse so I don’t have to keep up with it.”
When we reach the porch of the cabin, I skim my gaze over the chalkboard sign welcoming the guests of the workshop. Gemma knocks on the front door, sneaking a cute smile my way.
The door opens and we’re greeted by the scent of savory foods. Dr. Skeller beams at us and sweeps his hand inside.
“Come in, Mr. Sheridan, Miss Park. The other guests aren’t here yet, but please help yourselves to the delicious spread we had catered in for the event.” Dr. Skeller closes the door behind us and shows us to a long buffet table covered in everything from cubed cheeses, olives, and pickles to trays of chicken breasts in some sort of cream sauce. “Can I offer you both something to drink?”
“Wine?” I say jokingly.
Dr. Skeller smirks. “Nice try. This is a PMU sanctioned event. How about some sweet iced tea instead?”
We both nod and he strides off to fetch our drinks.
“This isn’t awkward or anything,” I mutter under my breath. “The back seat of my car would have been a lot more fun.”
Gemma playfully smacks my arm. “Be nice. This will be fun.” She walks over to the chairs lined up in front of a makeshift podium with a microphone. “I wonder who the speakers will be.”
I don’t recall from the invite seeing any. Maybe it’s just for Dr. Skeller to be all official and greet everyone or something.
Dr. Skeller returns with our iced teas. We thank him and accept our drinks.
“Feel free to make a plate while you’re waiting for the other guests to arrive,” Dr. Skeller instructs. “There should be twenty-two guests in total.”
As we part from Dr. Skeller to check out the food table, Gemma nudges me with an elbow. “Don’t eat like an animal.”
“I never eat like an animal.”
Her neatly plucked eyebrow hikes high up her forehead as she gapes at me in disbelief. “You’re joking, right?”
I stare at her, unblinking.
“Oh my God. You are serious. Two, babe, you’re messier than a toddler. Hate to break it to you.”
Shrugging, I pile up my plate with just about everything. Gemma is more selective. By the time we eat the food and help ourselves to more iced tea, it’s time for the event to begin.
Yawning, I flick my gaze down to my watch. “This is going to be boring, isn’t it?”
“Hush,” she admonishes, but her eyes are slightly hooded.
We’re both about to fall our asses asleep.
“Where is everyone?” I ask Dr. Skeller when he strides back into the room, a wide smile on his face.
“Should be here any minute,” he assures me. Then, to Gemma, he gives her a tender look. “Has your stalker bothered you anymore?”