Page 127 of Hooking Up
Dean nods to a massive present sitting on the counter behind us.
Ryan nodsthanks.
Dean shakes his headyou aren't getting away that easy. He pulls his brother into a hug.
Distaste spreads over Ryan's face. He steps back with a sigh. "We have drinks?"
"Please." Dean motions to said counter. There's a row of top shelf stuff next to the present.
Ryan moves toward sweet, sweet intoxication, but Brendon cuts him off.
He's merciful. He doesn't hug Ryan. He simply shakes his head and hands over a present.
The girl with the purple-grey hair takes her turn. She does hug Ryan, but he actually seems okay with it.
Then a girl with dark hair that fades into crimson ends bounces forward. She throws her arms around Ryan. "Happy birthday." She pulls back with a smile.
"That's Emma." Walker motions to Brendon. "His sister." Then he motions to the cute blond. "Kaylee's best friend."
I try to shove the names into theimportant thingssection of my brain. I know he's told me some of this before. But Walker has this way of making me forget everything.
Like being at a party with a fresh bottle of Belvedere.
My tongue slides over my lips.
My nerves pick up. The same as my coffee fix, but duller. Need. Drink. Now. Need. Thoughts. Gone.
Walker brings his lips to my ear. "You want a drink?"
Yes. A double. Triple. Hell, bring the bottle. A few shots and I'll be dancing on the counter. I'll be happy. Free. Void of any concerns exceptfun.
"No, thank you." The words feel like a lie. But they aren't. A part of me still wants that drink, but most of me is thinking about waking up in Ross's bed with memories of the last night a blur. Combining drinking with opiates… bad idea. Good way to OD. I knew better.
I know better.
My first few weeks out of rehab were tough, but since I found my footing, I haven'treallybeen tempted. I'll have a passing urge here and there. But I never want a buzz or a high enough to actually consider using. The bad memories outweigh the bliss.
He releases his grip on my waist. "You don't drink?"
"I don't like the person I am when I drink."
He nods. "I'll skip it."
"You don't have to."
"I don't mind." He slides his hand over my ass. "You're more intoxicating."
"That's cheesy."
"What if I drag you to the back room and fuck you against the wall."
Yes. Great idea. My breath catches in my throat. "You should."
"You think I won't?" His eyes fill with determination. "Say the word, sweetness."
I shake my head. He will do it. And part of me wants him to. But the rest of me is too shy to even consider it.
"Too bad. Would have been fun." He takes my hand and leads me around the room, re-introducing me to everyone.
