Page 97 of I Blame the Alcohol

She points at my expression, “Your face says it all.”

Smoothing out my features, I give her a smile, “Better?”

“Much.” Stella turns and rejoins the conversation around us while I observe the food fight going on in the corner. It’s not so much a food fight as a try-and-catch-this-piece-in-your-mouth contest. I recognize the guy snatching fruit out of the air as Lou’s boyfriend, Wes. The other one, the tall Latino throwing the food, is vaguely familiar but I don’t immediately place him.

I sigh, turning away from the public display of immaturity and find Cody watching me closely.

“Yes?”

“You’re looking good.”

A smirk tugs my lips, “Ellsworth, you know I always look good.”

Cody grins, “I meant you’re looking lighter.”

“Are you calling me fat?”

He rolls his eyes, “Between you and your sister, I don’t know who likes to argue more. You seem less tense than the last time I saw you. Are you looking forward to the new position?”

“Temporary position.” I correct him, “And yes, I am looking forward to taking a break from the boardroom.”

Cody nods and looks away in thought. I catch his hand absently tracing Stella’s scarred side and feel myself smile. There are some things in life that money can’t buy, and the affection my friend showers over my sister is one of them.

“There’s our new assistant coach!” Someone claps me on the back, and I turn to see the food thrower grinning at me.

“You ready to whip our team into shape?”

“Depends on whether the team is ready to be whipped into shape.” I respond dryly, my eyes raking over the black silk shirt tucked neatly into pressed dressed pants. He’s so close that I can smell the spice of his cologne, a fragrance that isn’t unpleasant but needs to evacuate my personal space.

Immediately.

“Well, between the three of us, we should be able to get something done.” He winks at me and all I can do is stare back.

“Why would we do anything together?” My tone is ice cold, my gaze equally hard as I silently tell this flamboyant rookie toback the fuck off.

“Did Cap not tell you?” He grins, as if sharing secrets is his favourite pastime, “Wes and I are going to be co-captains this fall. That means we'll be spending a lot of time together.”

“And you are?” I reply coolly, refusing to let surprise show on my face. This will be the first year Taber has two captains instead of one, and based on the state of this half, it will also be the first year the Tigers don’t bring home a banner.

“Nico Montez, at your service.” Giving me an obvious once-over, Nico smirks, “And let me be the first to say, it would be my pleasure to service you.”

I grit my teeth, staying silent. There is no use in engaging with a drunken flirt because it only encourages them. And Nico seems like the type who enjoys a reaction.

“Take it from a 10 to a 2, man.” Wes materializes with Lou by his side. He shoots me an apologetic smile, “Nico gets a little carried away sometimes. Especially when he’s had a lot to drink.”

Nico shrugs, “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

Ignoring him, I turn and give Wes’ girlfriend a warm smile, “Looking lovely as ever, Lou. My sister is looking forward to living with you again next year.”

Lou blushes from the base of her neck to the tips of her ears.

“I am looking forward to living with her too.”

Wes takes her hand and squeezes it, the support flowing from his extraverted frame to her introverted one. At first glance, Wes and Lou seem like an odd match but the more I see them together, the more it makes sense.

Nico hoots behind me and goes running for someone across the room. My eyes follow his fumbling movements, the tight fit of his dress pants outlining the curve of his ass.

“Ten bucks says Lacey just arrived.” Wes grins and gives Lou a peck on the cheek before holding out a hand for me to shake.

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