Page 89 of The Red-Hot Stakes

I nodded, staring at the table. My phone pinged, saving me, and I picked it up to see a text on the group chat from Avery asking where we were. I responded, and she said they’d be down shortly. Rhonda and Greg came not long after. We stayed and drank coffee, chatting while they ate, though I was more careful to keep my distance from Liam.

Just in case.

Today was a chill day, which we planned to spend by the pool. Derek had definitely scored on the concierge front, or heavily tipped the guy. We had a poolside cabana with enough lounge chairs for all of us.

The pool was chest-deep with a thigh-high ledge all around it, if we wanted to sit in the water. A swim-up bar with stools and places to stand in the shade bustled with activity, even this early. Employees made the rounds, bringing drinks. The drink I’d had on arrival was called Purple Rain, and I ordered one.

We all lounged in the water, a colorful array of swimsuit-clad bodies. I wore a red bikini, on the athletic side, with a sports bra top and boy cut shorts. I hated having my ass hanging out.

Avery’s green one-piece was adorable with cute cutout sides, and she pulled off a big floppy hat. Her skin was so fair I’d be surprised if she didn’t burn before this vacation was over. Rhonda wore a sexy dark purple one-piece that dipped low in front, then cut out in the middle. The back was nearly nonexistent. Greg couldn’t keep his hands off her.

The guys wore similar long swim shorts in various colors. Our group drew the attention of all the females around, checking out our gorgeous men. When I caught several women staring at Liam, a snarl rose in me that I fought to keep from erupting.

And I reminded myself again why I was here, and why we weren’t together. It was for the best.

I focused on enjoying the lazy day of sunning, leaning and drinking. Music blared near the bar, starting around noon. Nearby were a few a la carte places to walk up to for lunch with nachos, burgers, salads and the like.

At three p.m., four energetic, handsome, male staff members started rounding up people for Zumba in the pool. Us three girls sat on the ledge in the water, having no interest in exercising. But watching, especially when the staff members took off their shirts to reveal toned torsos, I was up for.

Of course, Liam chose that moment to come back from the bar and stand right in front of us, blocking our view.

I kicked my leg out, splashing him. “Move it, Mister. Unless you’re dancing for us.”

He frowned, the little furrow appearing in his forehead as he turned to glance behind him. He shook his head as the instructors twerked and thrusted, doing some ridiculous moves. “Um, no thanks.” But he moved to one side.

My gaze lingered on Liam for a few seconds, imagining him doing the absurd movements. He could pull it off, make it look good even. He caught me staring, one side of his mouth twitching into a knowing smirk. I glared, quickly returning my focus to the Zumba class.

I was more than ready for dinner when they abruptly shut down the bar at six. Evidently they wanted people to eat, not drink, their dinner.

Our reservations were for Fresh Catch, an ocean-side outdoor seafood and grill restaurant. I let Liam shower first, figuring I could hog the bathroom as long as I wanted afterward to do my hair and makeup. He got ready quickly, meeting the other guys on the patio with beers from our mini fridge.

I took my time applying my makeup. My spaghetti-strap midi dress had buttons along the bodice and a loose, flowy skirt with a handkerchief-style hem. The pretty pattern of blues and purples faded in and out of one another. I pulled on some strappy sandals, grabbed a sweater from my bag then strolled out to the patio.

The other girls came out shortly after, and we followed the winding sidewalk to Fresh Catch. The open adobe half-walls overlooked the ocean, and short poles with yellow lights lit our way. A stiff breeze blew in, making me thankful for my longer dress, but I didn’t quite need the sweater.

We all ordered fresh seafood. My scallops melted in my mouth, my asparagus was just the right amount of crunchy, and I had white wine, which I didn’t hate. I heard no complaints from anyone else.

Avery talked us into dancing afterward again. Between the wine from dinner and the day of drinking, I was definitely tipsy. The food helped some, but seafood never stuck with me long. Everyone was in the same boat, all overly loud and dancing wildly. My mai tais went down easily. Soon, I couldn’t keep the room from spinning, even when I wasn’t dancing.

But I was happy.

I didn’t want to go when Liam said we were done. “Do we have to?”

Liam nodded. “Time for bed.”

The other couples were starting off without us, but they were headed the opposite direction of our building.

“You’re going the wrong way!” I yelled, trying to hurry after them. I stumbled, Liam catching me.

“That’s why we have to go, to make sure they get home.”

I nodded sagely. “Can you help me walk?”

One burly arm slid around my waist, one warm hand clamping on my hip. Fuck, he feels amazing. I led us all back to our rooms, never getting turned around once.

Liam shook his head, whispering in my ear as we stumbled into our room. “Damn, you’re good, Red.”

Lightning crackled between us, and I ran my hands up his chest. “Wanna find out how good?”

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