Page 49 of The Red-Hot Stakes

Derek just chuckled, used to my snark by now. “It’s still early. But yes, they definitely play music.”

Our drinks came, and the mai tais were perfect. I let Liam order our food, as long as he promised to get the spinach artichoke dip. The four of us chatted, laughing and telling stories in that easy, comfortable way friends did when they’d been together a long time.

“You guys realize it’s been almost a year since the first time we all met?” I met the others’ blank stares, watching their minds race backward, comprehension washing over them. “I can’t believe it.”

Avery leaned her head on Derek’s shoulder, her strawberry blonde hair cascading over his arm like a waterfall. “So much has happened. Like you two.”

I glanced at Liam. “It’s taken a while.”

He winked, squeezing my thigh under the table.

Derek sighed. “And don’t forget Rhonda and Greg.”

“My dad is finally in a good place, with people who take care of him.” Avery beamed. “Do you know he actually remembers me now? I have to wear my hair in a ponytail, but the staff figured out what decade he relates to most and put stuff from that era around his room. He feels comfortable enough to be social, even plays cards with some of the other residents.”

Her eyes held a hint of tears, so I reached over to squeeze her hand. Avery’s dad had Alzheimer’s, and it had been a long battle with her mother to win the rights to his care. I was so grateful she was finally seeing the payout after all that strife.

“I’d read about stuff like this, knew that if I could just find the right place, the right doctors, he’d have a much better life.” She swiped at her cheeks as Derek put his arm around her, kissing the top of her head. “I’m just glad Mother finally let him go.”

“That’s so great, Ave,” I said, meaning every word. “I’m beyond happy for you, and him.”

Our waitress appeared with our food, another man behind her with a second tray. I gave Liam a pointed look, but he just shrugged as she slid plate after plate in front of us.

“It all sounded good.”

Derek’s fish smelled amazing, and Avery’s prime rib made my mouth water. But I was happy having my own mini buffet to share with Liam. He’d ordered spin dip, oven-fried Brussel sprouts, chicken wings, quesadillas, potato wedges wrapped in bacon with a cheese dipping sauce, and fried pickle rounds.

His lips brushed my ear as he whispered, “I guess you’ll have to come over to help me eat it all.”

Oh darn.

Our food was so delicious that conversation halted as we ate. At seven p.m. sharp, the mood changed. The lights flicked from the romantic yellow to an electric blue, and music started. A heavy beat pulsed below, then voices—lots of voices—poured in.

A DJ yelled, “Let’s get this party started!”

The crowd of people streaming in cheered. Our upper balcony overlooked the pulsing mass below, and it unsettled me how abruptly the atmosphere changed from sedate, romantic dinner to chaos. The bar was already five people deep in all directions. All the tables I could see were already full.

Liam bumped me with his elbow. “It’s something, huh?”

“Yeah…something.”

The music left little hope for conversation, so I just people-watched while my friends finished eating. I kept my thigh pressed to Liam’s, reminding myself who I was here with whenever the feeling I didn’t belong crept over me. My mai tai went down way too easy, and I made sure to drink my water while waiting for my next one. I knew once I got on the dance floor I’d be fine.

I loved dancing, especially to club music, the pulsing beat already thrumming through my chest, and I was anxious to see what Liam could do. I’d seen him dance at Derek’s birthday, but that had mostly been country. The thought of him grinding against me with those big hands gripping my hips nearly had me moaning. I turned toward him, only to find him focused on me.

He tipped his head close to mine, his voice on the husky side. “What are you thinking about?”

I kept the fantasy in my mind, letting the desire spill into my voice as my lips parted. “Dancing with you. I hope you can keep up.”

Emerald changed to forest green before Avery’s cheery voice cut in. “Good luck, Liam. She’s a firestorm on the dance floor, all hips and ass.”

I waited for Liam to respond, but he just smirked. I cocked my head, disappointed he didn’t challenge me. “No comment?”

“I know better than to get roped into some sucker bet with you. You’ll just have to wait to see what my moves are.”

His deep voice held a promise that had goosebumps rising all over me. As Derek and Avery finished their food, the waitress came back with another round of drinks.

“I’m stuffed,” Liam declared, leaning back against the booth with a groan. We still had way too much food leftover, but he gave me a delicious grin. “The best thing about appetizers is we can pick at them all night.”

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