Page 27 of No One But You

Chapter 10

Kai

Bryson and I made a good cornhole team. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed and enjoyed myself so much. No matter how much I tried to fight it, though, I felt compelled to keep glancing at Kora. She’d intrigued me from that first day we met when she was yelling at that cow. The fire I noticed in her glare then was something that I now realized was her intense take-no-bullshit gaze and overall attitude that I really wanted to get to know more.

The brief dance we shared ignited feelings that hadn’t been lit inside me for a long while, and from the reaction of my crotch when we were close, proved I needed to know her better. “Does Kora have a boyfriend?” I asked Bryson.

Bryson gave me a quick glance, then lined up his throw. It hit the board and landed near the hole. “Nope. Hasn’t for a while.” His points were countered by the opposing team. No change in score.

Good to know. I lined up my shot and let the bag fly. It landed in the hole with just enough force to push my other bag in with it.

“Damn, dude. You’re good,” the guy next to me replied.

I shrugged. “It’s all about the aim.” I glanced over at the girls and caught Kora rolling her eyes and mouthing off at Darlene and Summer. She did that a lot, roll her eyes. It was adorable.

“Hey, Romeo, we’re almost finished. Keep your focus on the game,” Bryson said from the other side of the court.

“What’s the score?” I asked.

“We have eighteen,” Bryson answered.

I nodded. I was over this game. I lined up my bag and aimed. Swoosh. Right in the hole. Three points. Game over. “That’s game.”

Bryson gave me a high five, and we shook the opposing team’s hands, then I turned and walked away. I needed some water and to feel Kora beside me.

“Hey, we won. We can keep playing,” Bryson yelled.

I put up my hand. “Sorry. I’m done. Need a drink.” I got to the table and filled a glass from the pitcher of water and stood close to Kora. She made my testosterone rage. I always told myself that all women were good for was helping to release pent-up stress and extra energy. I’d never wanted anyone as much as I wanted Kora. It was a new sensation and one I wasn’t sure I was okay with.

“Looks like you two ruled the game,” Kora acknowledged.

I shrugged and downed the water. That tasted good. A beer would be great, but water was just fine.

Bryson’s arm draped over my shoulder. “This guy’s going to bring us the championship tomorrow night. He has amazing skills.”

“I bet he does,” Summer replied, glancing hard at Kai. “I’d like to see those skills sometime.”

I laughed and lifted my brow. Summer was a blast. You never knew what would come from her mouth. “I don’t know if I could handle you, Summer. You frighten me a little.”

“Not the first time I heard that.” Summer lifted her margarita and emptied the glass.

“Okay.” Kora placed her empty drink on the table. “This was exactly what I needed tonight, but if I want to come back and watch you two become cornhole champions, I’m gonna have to call it a night. If I stay, I’ll drink more, and if I drink more, I won’t be back out tomorrow.” She stood from the bench and wobbled a little. She reached out and grabbed hold of my arm and squeezed.

I put my arm around her waist to keep her from falling over. “You good? I don’t think you should drive.”

She nodded and patted me on the chest. She rubbed her hand up and down and sent a shock through my shirt, and the heat from her touch spread throughout my body. I glanced down at her, and our eyes met.

She bit her bottom lip.

My eyes fixed onto that lip.

“Well, I can’t drive, anyway. I came here with Darlene.”

“Well then, I can drive you home,” I offered before I thought too much about it.

“I won’t complain about that,” Kora answered, and our gazes held.

“Take care of her, Kai. Make sure she gets home safely.” Darlene wrapped me in a hug. “She’s had quite a bit to drink.”

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