Page 51 of Something that Could Last

I sink down beside him on the couch and grab the extra controller, joining in on the game. “So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” he asks.

“We’re booked for a day of white-water rafting. Think you can handle that?” I taunt.

“I can handle it better than you handled ziplining.”Ouch.

“I don’t know. I’m guessing you’ll blow chunks before the day’s over,” I challenge. Last time we were on a boat, he turned an unnatural shade of green and had to pop a couple Dramamine tabs to keep from losing his lunch. And that was on a luxury yacht sailing through the Chesapeake Bay.

“You wanna bet money on that?” Luke never passes up an opportunity to make a bet.

I ponder a moment, an idea forming, one that will rescue me from my mother’s little matchmaking scheme. “No, I think we can make things a little more interesting.”

Luke glances over at me and raises one eyebrow inquisitively. “What did you have in mind?”

“If you toss your cookies tomorrow, you have to entertain Maggie Greyson at my parents’ Memorial Day party.”

“Done,” he smirks again. “Maggie Greyson is smokin' hot. Besides, I was already planning on going.”

“And you have to get in the pool in a Speedo.” His face falls at the addition, but he recovers quickly, his smug façade back in place.

“Whatever. I’m not gonna lose anyway. Now I have to think of something for you.” A devious smile pulls up one side of his mouth. “Hmm, let’s see,” he says, rubbing his chin in contemplation with his thumb and forefinger. “I got it!” he announces, snapping his fingers. “When I win, you have to go skydiving with me.”

Fuck. I wasn’t expecting that. If I don’t agree to this, he’ll never let me live it down. But if he wins, I’ll have to jump out of a fucking airplane. A perfectly good plane. There’s no justification for that.

“Fine,” I agree begrudgingly.He better not win. I’ll have to make sure he drinks plenty tonight. Not that the notion will be much of a challenge. I’ve got to ensure the odds are in my favor come tomorrow morning.

I LOOK FORWARDto seeing Abby’s sweet face as soon as I walk into Rosie’s. I know I spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon with her, but I can’t get enough. She’s like a drug and I need another hit.

The restaurant is packed, and we end up having to wait a while to be seated. When the hostess leads us to our table, I figure out why it’s so busy. There’s a major baseball game tonight, and it’s playing on every TV screen in the place.

“Here are your menus,” the hostess announces, blonde curls bobbing in her ponytail. “Don’t forget, it’s half price draft and wing night. Your server will be with you shortly.”

Tiff sidles up to our table and pulls out her pen and pad. “Hey, guys, what are y’all drinkin’ tonight?”

“Couple Bud Lites, sweet cheeks,” Luke answers, undressing her with his eyes.

“Bring us a couple shots of Cuervo too, Tiff.”

“Ah, I like where this night is going,” Luke declares, rubbing his hands together with anticipation and excitement.

“Be right back.” Tiff leaves to get our drinks and I catch sight of Abby. She sees us and waves from a few tables away. She smiles, ducking her head and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Still so shy with me at times… and it’s so damn sexy.

Tiff brings our drinks and Luke downs two shots of tequila, one right after the other. When we order our food, Luke orders another shot, smacking Tiff on the ass playfully when she leaves our table. If he’s not careful, he’ll end up getting us kicked out of here and probably banned.

“Hey, how you guys doing tonight?” Abby asks when she approaches our table. Her usual sweet smile lights up her face, but I can tell she’s worn out.

“Hey Abby,” Luke greets her.

“We’re good,” I answer. “How about you? You must be tired.” I’m still exhausted, and I had a two-hour nap. I can’t help but be concerned, but she just shrugs. “What time do you get off tonight?”

“Ten-thirty. Tiff and I have to close.” When she frowns and scrunches up her nose, I just want to kiss it all away. She's adorable even when she's making that face.

“That's a shame,” I reply, taking a sip of my beer, attempting to pique her interest.

“Why's that?” she asks, taking the bait.

“Because after all the hard work we did earlier, a nice, long soak in the hot tub would've been the perfect end to the day.”

She blushes and I can tell she's remembering the last time we were in that hot tub together. Or more likely what happened before. Her in that little string bikini was like every man's fantasy come true.

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