Page 9 of Rookie Mistake

“Fuck, that burns,” I sputter. “Youlikethat shit? I think I’d rather have a lobotomy.”

She nods, and her tongue darts out, dragging along her lower lip, capturing the leftover liquid. “Don’t be a baby. It’s notthatbad.”

My gaze narrows. “Yeah? Let’s do another, then.”

I’m calling her bluff and wondering if she’ll bite.

“Let’s,” she smarts back.

And that is exactly how, twenty minutes later, we’re four shots and two drinks deep, well past tipsy and on our way to drunk. Two shots ago, we decided that we’d play a game… trying to guess each other’s favorite things, and the loser has to drink.

Needless to say, I think she’s cheating, and I just can’t figure out how.

“Okay, okay,” she breathes, leaning closer and placing her palms along my knees. “What’s my favorite animal?”

“Fuuuuuck. Let me think. I feel like this should be easy, but fuck. The possibilities.” I drag my hand through my hair, pushing it off my face as I start reciting a list of animals in my head. I’m absofuckinglutely losing this shit, but I’m getting to know her, so I’ll take it. “Fuck it. Panda?”

A giggle bubbles out of her as she shakes her head, rolling her lips together. “Nope. Drink up.”

I lift my half-empty glass of beer to my lips and take a gulp.

“It’s a naked mole rat.”

My eyes widen, and I groan. “What the fuck, Zara? I would have never gotten that shit! A mole rat? Jesus Christ.”

“I know.” She laughs. “But it’s true. They’re so cute and hairless! I want one. I swear, it’s true.”

I reach for the seat of her barstool and haul her toward me until she’s nestled between my spread legs. “I think you’re just trying to get me drunk, Trouble. You wouldn’t do that, would you?”

Her lip slides between her teeth, and she shakes her head, leaning forward and sliding her hands up my thighs, dangerously close to my cock. “Of course not. You’re just actually terrible at this game.”

“Or… maybe you’re just cheating.”

“I would never. Scout’s honor.” She smirks while reaching for my tie, fingering the fabric and holding my gaze as she leans closer. But when the song suddenly changes and they do an open call for karaoke, she halts, her eyes going wide as she leans back. “Oh, hell yesssss, finally. Let’s go.”

In a second, she’s sliding off the barstool, a laugh rumbling from me as she drags me to the stage, then pushes me down into a rickety chair right in the front row.

Front and fucking center.

I sit back, crossing my arms over my chest as I watch her walk onto the stage and whisper something in the MC’s ear, who nods and smiles at her before passing her the microphone. The music cuts as she takes her spot, and while the crowd that’s gathering is less than enthusiastic about the music stopping, they perk up when they see Zara in the center of the stage with a sexy grin playing on her pretty red lips.

Lips that I’m desperate to taste. To feel wrapped around my cock.

I’ve spent the entire night staring at those lips and imagining what they’ll feel like when I can finally kiss her.

Which I plan on doing the second she gets off that stage.

“This song is for the guys who love a little bit oftrouble. Specifically, the one sitting right there.” She points directly at me, and I laugh, shaking my head as the people around me cheer. Someone claps me on the shoulder, and her grin only widens as the music begins to play again.

“Trouble” by Camyilo plays through the speakers, and Zara starts singing, shaking her hips to the beat as she belts out the raspy, low notes.

I cover my mouth, laughing as she spins around the stage singing, but if anything, it just makes me find her that much more attractive.

The fact that she truly doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks. She’s not trying to impress me, or anyone, for that matter.

She’s fucking wild. She’s fun. She’s confident and sexy and fuck. I like it.

I’m completely under her spell, and honestly, I can’t remember a time I had so much fun.

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