Page 77 of Reckless

“You don’t seem worried,” I observe. Wayne doesn’t look as if much bothers him.

“Not worried, mildly concerned. It’s gone on long enough, the hiding.”

My eyes narrow as he swallows more whiskey. Reading between the lines, is Wayne insinuating I’m using Krista to hide from my problems, the way his brother is hiding from his? I pretend not to get that.

“I’m sure he’ll open back up when the time is right,” I say.

“Yeah. I’m sure he will. So, Jude, do you play poker?”

“Oh no, not tonight,” Drew walks in behind me, shaking her finger at her husband. “No poker.”

“Why not?” he asks, all mock defensive.

“Because you have an unhealthy problem with wanting to take everyone’s money.”

“It’s how I roll, babe,” he grins. Drew sits down on his lap and his hand automatically goes around her waist. His smile is genuine and full of love as he looks up at his wife.

I turn in the seat, looking for Krista. She’s carrying two bags of chips and a bottle of beer. She sits down beside me and hands me the bottle. Eyeing her up and down, I can’t keep the dismayed look off my face.

“What?” she asks.

“You changed. I was looking forward to peeling you out of that dress,” I whisper close to her ear.

Her lips pinch together in a coy little grin. “Maybe this is better,” she whispers back.

“How so?”

She leans in close. “I’m not wearing any underwear.”

I have to clear my throat and shift on the couch. I’m almost tempted to pick her up and run out of here. She got what she wanted with that comment.

“Do you play poker, Jude?”

Drew huffs at Wayne but looks over at me.

“Sorry to tell you, I’m one of those lame guys who doesn’t play cards. Gambling isn’t something I’m in to.”

“No money needs to cross hands,” Wayne says.

“Wouldn’t matter either way. I don’t know how to play poker.”

“Well, you’re with the right person then,” Drew grins. “Krista’s idea of bluffing is so bad even a blind man could see it.”

“Hey,” Krista cries. “That isn’t true.”

“She cheats too,” Wayne drawls.

Krista turns to me, her eyes wide like she is about to tell me they’re lying, then she grins. “I wouldn’t if we were playing for money.”

“You cheat?” I let my mouth drop open.

“It’s called bluffing.”

“No, it’s called cheating,” Wayne laughs.

They tell me stories about Krista. It’s fun and I learn a hell of a lot about her. And I enjoy how she blushes a lot, especially when I give her knowing smiles or say she can’t be capable of some of the things they’re describing.

All the while, I’m imagining getting her back to the room. Given her declaration of wearing no underwear.

---