Page 56 of Moonlight & Matrimony
My eyes bug out of my head as the comment rolls off his tongue. “HEY! What the fuck, Miles. I thought we were friends.”
“It’s a good thing,” he says with a wink.
“I’m taking back my high five,” Luca grumbles.
“Ooook. My turn,” Paige says, cutting through the tension on our side of the table. I’m stuck being the filler in a Luca and Miles sandwich, and it’sa lot.“Never have I ever owned a dinosaur onesie.”
Cade takes the shot, then smirks before saying, “Never have I ever fucked a guy with a dinosaur onesie.”
“And Miles thinks I’m the freak?” I joke, unable to contain my amusement. The entire table bursts into fits of giggles.
“He wasn’t wearing the onesie at the time,” Paige defends before downing the shot in one gulp. “Dean, you’re up.” She’s changing the subject and I let it slide, making a mental note to get the onesie story out of her later.
“Never have I ever been knocked up,” he says.
“Not fair,” I chastise. “You don’t have the parts!”
“There’s nothing in the rules against being a misogynist, unfortunately,” Paige says.
“Cheers, bestie,” I hold up my glass, clinking it against hers before we throw them back in tandem. I’m feeling pretty good now, having lost track of my shot count. Luca’s fingers are toying with the ends of my braid, goosebumps erupting along my skin.
“Never have I ever knocked anybody up,” Cara says, a smug look on her face as she exacts our revenge for us. I give her a nod of solidarity. She’s definitely a girl’s girl.
Just then, Liam strides over to our table, throwing back one of the remaining shots along with Cade. Liam’s presence has always been somewhat intimidating. He’s at least four inches taller than everyone else and if I didn’t know him, I’d think he was an asshole, but he’s one of the nicest guys I know, and he’s an amazing dad, too. It helps that his son is one of Rylin’s best friends, despite their three-year age difference. Aidan is like the big brother Rylin never had.
“Did the judge hand Austin his ass?” Liam asks.
Luca narrows his eyes at where Liam has placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, his face set in a stern expression reminding me of the grumpy neighbor I met all those weeks ago. Has it been three months already? It seems like just yesterday Iwas knocking down his door, ready to rain hell down on him for waking me.
“It wasn’t as dramatic as that. It was just a slap on the wrist, at best.” I roll my eyes, leaning my head on Luca’s shoulder.
“Well fuck. I hope he gets what's coming to him,” Liam says.
“Yeah. Me too,” Paige agrees, a look I’ve never seen before crossing her features. Something protective, almost feral, and I snort when I realize the alcohol is probably clouding her judgment, allowing her inner introvert to retreat.
Cade chuckles, kissing Paige on the forehead. “I think it’s time to get my girl home before she gets murderous,” he says.
“Don’t be a party pooper, Daddy Cade,” Miles scoffs.
“What did I tell you about calling me that?”
“Sorry, did I not moan loudly enough while I said it? Maybe Paige can give me a demo.”
“Fuck, Miles. Are you trying to get your ass kicked?” Luca asks. “C’mon, man. We’ll grab an Uber and you can sleep at my place.”
“Fine,” Miles grumbles, downing the last shot before stomping toward the exit.
Luca
Cade looked like he was about two seconds from diving across the table to plow his fist into Miles’ face. I don’t know what’s gotten into him. Miles has always been quick with a joke, but it’s usually harmless; this is something completely different. I haven’t known him as long as the rest of the crew has, but we’ve grown close over the past year. He interviewed me for the position before I even made the final decision to move here, and he helped me get my work visa. This feels completely out of character from the carefree guy I’m used to.
As soon as the Uber pulls up outside of our house, I motion for Ivy to stay put. She had a few more shots than I did and I suspect she’s a little past tipsy at this point. My feisty girl lets out an exasperated huff and reaches for the door, but before she can get there, I clasp her chin in my hand.
“Don’t be a brat or I’ll have to take you over my knee.” She moans, and a single look from her has me hardening. I release her from my grip, taking in the heated look in her eyes, then step out of the car, nodding my thanks to our driver before adjusting myself in my jeans and crossing over to the passenger side.
“Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
“Uh, dude. I think you’re forgetting something.” I follow the driver’s gaze towards the front seat where Miles is out cold. Fuck my life.
