Page 14 of Always Been You

Technically, she was right. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to make it his business.

"Hey, guys!" Ali returned to the table. Instead of sitting back down, she reached for her purse. "We're going to take off, but Kade is taking care of the bill, so get dessert, more drinks, stay. Have fun."

"Everything okay?" Jess asked, and he noted a hint of suspicion in her voice.

"Yeah, the boys just called, and they're staying at Ryder's tonight." Ali's cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. "Brynn's letting them camp out in the back."

"You're ditching me for an empty house with your fiancé?" Jess asked, incredulous.

"Yes, she is." Kade stepped up and wrapped his arms around Ali.

"Fair enough." Jess lifted her glass in cheers. "I'd do the same thing."

"Thanks again, you guys." Ali began to gush, "We're so excited that you-"

"Yeah, thanks!" Kade interrupted and picked Ali up off her feet and started towards the stairs that led directly down to the parking lot.

Ali giggled as she waved.

"Have fun boning!" Jess called out, in what he was sure was an attempt to embarrass her friend.

Ali's eyes widened, and her mouth fell open, but Kade whispered something in her ear causing her to giggle more as they disappeared down the steps.

"Boning?" Ethan repeated.

Jess turned back to him and crossed her arms. "Yes, Ethan. It's when two people have sex."

He stared at her, liking where this conversation was going almost as much as he'd liked that they were now alone.

When he didn't respond, she continued, "You know...doing the deed? Having intercourse? Hiding the salami? Dipping the wick? Bumping uglies? Getting busy?"

"Wow," he smiled. "Impressive."

"Oh, I can keep going," she said confidently.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Is that right?"

"Yep."

"Well, then. Let's make it interesting."

Her left brow rose. "You want to bet me that I can't come up with more euphemisms for sex?"

Ethan leaned closer to her, and when he moved his arm, his knuckles brushed against the back of her hand. "I want to bet you that I can come up with more."

He could see the interest light in her ocean blue stare. "What do I win?"

"If you win, I won't follow you home. And if I win, you let me give you a ride."

"What are the rules?"

"You watch Ellen, right?" He knew she did. It was well known throughout town that she put it on every day at three o'clock at the salon.

"Of course I do."

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