Page 115 of Protecting Christina

“I’ll see you later,” he said and kissed me one more time.

I watched him leave the bar, his blazer stretched across his broad back and I bit my bottom lip. I couldn’t wait to see him again. Everything inside of me told me what I was feeling was right and good.

“Are you going to stand at the back of the room all day or are you gonna come drink with us?” Cheyanne hollered, holding her glass of champagne.

I shook my head, but laughed as I walked back to the bar. “Looks like you’ve already started without me.”

“Looked like you were already celebrating without us,” said Donna with a smile.

I grinned, unable to hold back my happiness. “Yeah. I guess I was.”

“Damn. Does he have a brother?” asked Lynette.

“He has three.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Hook a girl up.”

We all laughed and clinked glasses.

“To justice and new beginnings,” I said, holding up my champagne glass.

“To rich boyfriends and their brothers,” replied Cheyanne, and we downed our drinks while trying not to laugh.

I caught Tina’s gaze as she watched us from the opposite end of the bar. I smiled at her and she smiled back. “Join us,” I said.

“I can’t. I’m working.”

“Well, then just sit and listen to their crazy stories. They’re always entertaining.”

Tina looked around and saw there was no one else that needed serving and walked on over. I pulled up a chair, and she sat down beside us.

“Now, have I ever told you about the time Jimmy the Greek sat at a bus stop naked after I told him the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes?”

They all started laughing, including Tina, and I sat back and sipped my champagne.

By the time Will returned two hours later, Lynette was holding a napkin to her lips, pretending it was a microphone, and singing “Sweet Home Alabama” while Donna, Lynette, and I waved our arms in the air.

Will rubbed his lips to hide his grin, but I laughed. “You don’t have to hold back on our account. I know how ridiculous we look. I just don’t care.”

He removed his jacket, and I licked my lips. “You are so damn sexy. You know that?”

He pulled me into his arms. “What are you going to do about it?”

“Ladies,” I said, turning back to my friends. “It’s time to go. Will has got to drive you all home so he can take me to bed.”

“What?” cried Cheyanne, still only halfway through her song.

“Yup. Everyone in the car.”

“I’ll call them a cab if they don’t want to leave yet,” said Tina. “They look like they’re having a great time.”

“Thanks, Tina,” said Will, and he passed her several bills. “This should cover the cab fare.”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the exit. “First, we’re going to stop by a coffee place and pick up one of those disgustingly sweet lattes you love, so you can sober up. I need you alert and ready for what I have planned for us.”

I strutted down the sidewalk, exaggerating my hips. He chuckled and rubbed his forehead. “This may take more than coffee, I think.”

True to his word, Will stopped to get me a coffee before taking me to his place.

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