Page 69 of The Red-Hot Stakes

The waiter brought our round of drinks, and Avery raised her glass. “Let the celebrating begin! Cheers to Gina for finishing midterms and becoming a manager! Cheers to Liam for becoming owner of The High Five! Cheers to Derek for his latest shipping app, just as brilliant as the first!”

Derek’s newest app could triangulate the location of a ship accurately to within a ten feet of its current location, another huge breakthrough in the shipping world. Previously, tracking had been within half a mile, and with currents or storms blowing up, that difference could save lives.

Derek took over the toast, being sure to include Avery. “And cheers to Avery, who earned her bachelor’s degree!”

We all clinked our glasses together, shouting out, “Cheers!”

It was a fun, easy dinner. Between the alcohol, the delicious food and the steady, laughter-filled conversation, I started to relax. These are my people. This is where I belong. If going home with Liam is what it takes to be with him, so be it.

After our food was gone, I finally got to meet Bin. I liked his easy smile and sharp wit immediately.

He came over, clasping forearms with Derek. “Any line dancing tonight?”

“No, that is so far off the table, it’s in a whole other building.” Avery laughed.

Bin chuckled then shook hands with Liam. “Good to see you.”

“You too.” Liam quickly introduced me, and Avery got all indignant.

“See, Derek, Liam didn’t make her stand up and twirl for him.”

Derek just shrugged. I waited for an explanation, but none came, so I made sure to tell Bin how delicious everything was. He disappeared into the kitchen not long after.

Then reappeared with a tray of desserts. “You can’t celebrate without dessert.” He grinned as we all hemmed and hawed over our choices.

Avery snatched a piece of cheesecake then glared at Derek. “Hands off, bub. This is all mine.”

“What’s your second choice?” At her confused frown, he wrapped an arm over her shoulders. “So you can have the last bite, and I can make up for stealing yours last time.”

She practically melted against him and chose a piece of tiramisu. I selected a wedge of flourless chocolate torte that looked amazing, while Liam also got tiramisu. We shared both desserts, moaning over every bite. We thanked Bin once more when he poked his head out of the kitchen to say goodbye.

We walked out together. Derek and Avery waited for their limo as we headed for Liam’s Porsche. His arm circled my waist, and I was happy for his warmth in the chilly evening air.

His grip tightened on my hip, warning me something was off. I glanced over to see his jaw clenched as he stared at his car. I gasped when I realized the driver’s side window was completely smashed, glass everywhere. Both brake lights were broken. Dents and dings littered the body of the once sleek car as if someone had taken a baseball bat to it.

“Liam!” I gasped, appalled at the damage.

“Come on, let’s catch Derek and Avery before they leave. You can go home with them while I talk to the police.”

Unease trickled through me at the thought of leaving him to deal with this himself, but I knew he was capable. And Bin was still here.

Sensing my hesitation, he reached up to rub my bare arm. “You’re already cold, Gina. Please?”

I nodded, doing as he asked. After Derek ran in to inform Bin, Liam called the police. I left with Derek and Avery, watching Liam pace as the furrow in his brow deepened. And I wasn’t there to smooth it.

We got into the elevator, and Avery asked, “Do you want to come up? Hang out with us?”

“Nah.” I shook my head, wanting to be alone with my jumbled thoughts and tangled stomach. “Thanks, but I’m okay.” I gave them both hugs before going to our apartment to wait for Liam there.

I changed into comfier clothes and spent my time waiting cleaning the apartment. Not that there was much to clean. When I ran out of things to do, I sat down on the couch to play on my phone.

It was a good hour before he came in, appearing drained. I jumped up to wrap my arms around him. He sighed, returning my embrace and holding me tight for several moments.

I held my questions as long as I could, but I finally burst. “What’d they say? Was anything missing?”

He shook his head. “The restaurant footage didn’t extend that far, unfortunately. I guess that’s what we get for parking on the street.” A weary sigh escaped his lips. “We got the car down to the shop. Hopefully they can give me an estimate tomorrow, and we’ll go from there. The police will keep an ear out for more info, ask around if anyone saw anything, but it’s doubtful anything will come of it.”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.” He needed a distraction, so I said, “Do you happen to have a football around here? I could put on my dress, and we could play catch.”

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