Page 4 of Unforgettable

“It’s my crazy idea,” I tell him. “And the night’s still young, isn’t it?”

Matteo comes through with the goods, placing a tray down on the table with eight shots of something that looks a lot like orange juice, and another two pints of cider.

“What’s in these?” I ask.

“I can’t tell you all my secrets, Oz, but I do promise they’re easy to go down and they won’t hit you too hard later.”

“Smartass,” I mumble.

“Thank you,” Reeve says and hands Matteo a folded-up bill. “That’s for you.”

Matteo plucks the cash out of his hand and pretends to tip his hat at us. “Have a good evening, gentlemen.” He places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “Hope to see you soon, Oz.”

“Is everyone here that nice?” Reeve asks. “I’ve yet to have a horrible encounter here.”

“Well, let’s not jinx it,” I joke. “I guess that depends on how long you’re staying for. I’m sure someone is bound to act like a dickhead at some point.”

Shocking me, he grabs a shot glass and downs the alcohol, his face scrunching together at the taste.

“Bad?” I query.

“No.” He shakes his head. “Just the right amount of kick to have me playing this game of yours.”

“Does that mean I get to ask the first question?”

He nods, and I tap my index finger on my lips in mock concentration. Wanting to go easy on him, and wanting to take a drink for the team, I say, “Never have I ever had a one-night stand.”

Reeve’s lips turn up in a shy smile as I pick up a shooter and throw it down quickly. Whatever the concoction is offers a slight burn, but the aftertaste is much sweeter.

“Are you going to let me live that one down?”

“It’s cute,” I tease. “Any specific reason?”

He sighs loudly, and I almost expect him to shut me down, so I’m surprised when he says, “I’m a relationship type of guy. At least I was… in a relationship.”

“Oh, so this is why you moved?”

“Yeah, I just needed some me time. A fresh start. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Well, obviously you’re not new to this.”

A self-deprecating laugh leaves my mouth. “I am nowhere near equipped for a relationship.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to think that way about myself too,” he says despondently.

“From my experience, there’s a lot of fun to be had of the one-night stand variety.”

Leaning back into the chair, he gives me a hungry once over. “You definitely seem like a lot of fun.”

I drag my teeth across my bottom lip, wanting nothing more than to kiss him. Deeper. Hungrier. Just more. “How much longer are we going to stay here?”

He slides the tray toward me. “Let’s at least finish these.”

I reach out for a shot, but he places a hand over mine, stopping me. “What?”

“We’re playing the game, Oz.”

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