Page 47 of The Red-Hot Stakes

She helped me find a vase, and we tucked them into it. They were fall-themed—sunflowers, daisies, some orange roses tucked in amongst various other beautiful blooms. They were so perfect. I took the vase to my room, not wanting my little bouquet to be overshadowed by Avery’s massive spread of roses.

I came back to see everyone smiling. Liam’s gaze immediately found me, locking with mine so intensely I had to stop walking for a second.

“Ready?” Derek asked.

“Ready,” Avery and I chorused.

Liam just frowned. “These girls put too much effort in to go to some frat party. I’m thinking we need to show them off. They deserve to be seen.” His attention never left me. “I’m thinking Club 42. I know you wanted to do something outside, but it’s right on the lake and they have that balcony…”

Club 42 was a pipe dream for a mere mortal like me. It was the most exclusive place around, one I’d only heard of. I hadn’t even dreamt of getting in there—it was that elite. I squeaked out, “Yeah, that’d be fine.”

Derek smirked at Avery, who clasped her hands together, pleading. “I think you may be right.” Then he glanced down at his and Liam’s outfits. “Sadly, this isn’t going to cut it. Ladies, give us five minutes to be worthy of escorting such visions as yourselves?”

Avery gave him a little shove. “No need to schmooze us, Captain. Just go get changed ’cause I’m ready to move it, move it.” She wiggled her hips as the guys disappeared.

Chapter Twelve

I could barely contain my excitement as I turned to my best friend. “Ave! Club 42?”

“I know, right?” A mischievous smile danced on her lips. “And it was Liam’s suggestion. I think you might whip him into shape yet.”

I told her about his sweet compliment, and she squealed. He really did seem to be trying harder than ever. I couldn’t stop grinning. Derek came out in a dark gray fitted dress shirt and black pants, his curly black hair beautifully styled. Avery nearly swooned when he winked at her.

“Hey, Captain.”

“Cupcake.” His nickname for her was almost a growl as he pulled her to him.

I cleared my throat. “Still here, guys.”

They both jumped, and Derek ducked his head. “Let’s go grab Liam.” We rode the elevator down, then Derek pounded on Liam’s door. “Yo, you ready?”

Liam stepped out, and I was thankful to be leaning against the wall. His outfit was the reverse of Derek’s, a fitted black dress shirt that molded perfectly to his broad shoulders.

The top few buttons were undone, showing me a glimpse of his marvelous chest that I still hadn’t seen enough of. His pants were dark gray, accentuating his trim hips. He moved to lock the door, and I got to check out his amazing ass as well. He turned around, and a furrow appeared in his brow as I continued to openly stare at him, letting my desire show.

A smug grin spread over his face. “You approve?”

I nodded, linking my arm through his. We trailed behind Derek and Avery as they summoned the elevator and I asked, “Club 42, huh?”

“Yeah, ever been?”

“Oh, all the time.” I sniffed, raised my nose high in the air. “They know my name. As soon as I walk in the door, everyone stops what they’re doing to say hi to me.”

“Har har.”

We piled into the roomy elevator. Avery leaned against Derek, and a wave of envy washed over me at how casually comfortable they were with one another. Liam’s hand gripped the bar behind me, heat radiating from his arm, so hot it wafted along my bare back. I wanted him, wanted this, but wasn’t bold enough to claim him.

Yet.

Derek’s driver waited for us outside, next to the limo.

“How come you don’t have a driver?” I asked Liam curiously as we waited our turn to get in.

“I like driving myself. Derek always used the time to study or work or something, but I’ve never seen the point.”

We climbed in, and I was grateful Avery left us the front facing seat. Riding backward always threw me off. Liam slid in beside me, too close as usual, but I was prepared, having already planted myself closer to the middle than I normally would. Once he’d smooshed completely against me, I simply shifted, creating enough space for myself, and he chuckled.

“Touché, Red.”

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