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Concentrate. Don’t let him distract you. Don’t think about how warm the room is or how loud the stupid music is pulsing in your ears. Focus on the cup.

I close one eye, aim, and toss the ball. It arcs through the air and lands right into one of their cups.

A shocked laugh bursts from my lips. I can’t believe I made it on my first try.

“That’s my girl.” Ju draws me into a sideways hug. “You guys are going down.”

Okay, this isn’t so bad.

Brandon’s eyebrows shoot up. “Beginner’s luck.” He chugs down the beer. “We’re just getting started.”

The game continues, and Ju chugs beer after beer without flinching while I have to pinch my nose. It really was justbeginner’s luck because we’re losing pretty badly, which doesn’t stop her from trash-talking up a storm.

Brandon lines up his next shot, and a girl with jet-black hair appears behind him.

“Hey,” she says right as he releases the ball. It goes wide, missing our cups.

I let out a relieved sigh. Finally, a break.

“Dammit.” Brandon whirls around to face her. “Come on, this is not how to be a lucky charm, cupcake.”

“Luck isn’t my style. I prefer skill.” She glances around the room. “Have you seen B anywhere?”

“And here I thought you wanted to kiss me good luck,” Brandon says.

“Tempting. But I’ll pass,” she says.

“That’s Naomi,” Ju whispers to me. “Brandon’s been trying to get into her pants since forever.”

The way he leans in, his grin a little too wide, flashing his dimples. The way she rolls her eyes but doesn’t step back. Is that what flirting looks like?

“They’re like an unofficial couple,” Ju continues. “Everyone can see they’re into each other. Well, everyone except them, apparently.”

I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been good at reading those signs.

Brandon says something, and Naomi laughs, shaking her head. She’s beautiful and confident in a way I could never be.

“I think you just can’t handle me,” Brandon says.

“Please.” She pokes her pointing finger at his chest. “I’d drink you under the table in a heartbeat.”

Meanwhile, Ju throws the ball and misses. “Dammit.”

“Is that a challenge I hear?” Brandon braces his hands on the table.

Naomi doesn’t back down, matching his posture as she gets right in his face. “Maybe it is. Unless you’re too scared to take me on?”

“Oh, it’s so on, cupcake. But if I win…” He whispers something to her.

She laughs. “You wish. When I win, you have to cook me dinner. And I expect a five-star meal.”

“Deal.”

It’s like watching an old married couple fight over the last cookie.

“Blake is probably off chasing Bash somewhere.” Connor places the ball into Brandon’s hand.

“Ugh. Thanks, Connor. At least someone’s helpful around here.” Naomi’s eyes pore over Brandon. “Prepare to have your ego bruised along with your liver tonight.”

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