Page 6 of Chips & Checks
He hesitates for a fraction of a second. “Friends call me Murph. And since we’re friends now, I guess that applies to you ladies, too.” He sets the drinks down. “And you are?”
“Vi.” I toss my hair off my shoulder and pray that I don’t look as thirsty as I feel.
“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Vi.” Murph cocks his head toward Ash. “And you are?”
“Astrid. But myfriendscall me Ash.” Her smile is uneven as she takes a sip of the drink Murph brought her. I know this look: she’s prepared toyes, andme into an adventure. Left to my own devices, I’d flirt shamelessly with Murph all night, then go home and take out my pent-up sexual frustration on some toy or other. Once she decides a shenanigan is worth her time, Ashis a born enabler. Sometimes I wish I knew myself as well as she does.
“Do the two of you live in Vegas?” Murph asks. When we nod, he asks, “I got here yesterday, and I haven’t had a chance to explore yet.”
Ash and I take turns listing and debating the best tourist attractions, our favorite restaurants, and the best places to catch shows. Murph listens politely, and he’s attentive when Ash talks… but it’s obvious that most of his attention is reserved for me. The warmth in my face has nothing to do with the liquor I’ve imbibed and everything to do with the way Murph’s eyes keep dropping to my lips whenever I speak—like he’s imagining what they’d look like wrapped around a moan. Or a promise. Or him.
He’s not ogling. He’s… tracking. Studying. Devouring me like he’s already tasted me and wants another bite.
And God help me, I want to be devoured.
I wonder what his mouth would feel like on mine—if he kisses like he looks. Like he’d grip the back of my neck and burn my sanity down to ash. I wonder what his hands would do to my skin, if he’d be rough or reverent. If he’d whisper filthy things or make me beg.
I bet he could make me beg.
Half an hour into our conversation, Murph excuses himself so that he can find the restroom. He’s barely out of earshot before Ash reaches across the table to grab my hand.
“You should totally hook up with him,” she says.
I laugh and swat her hand away. “And how many one-night stands have you ever known me to have?”
She lifts one shoulder and lets it drop. “None. Your point is?”
I polish off the dregs of my drink, which is thinned and watery from the melted ice. “I don’t even know how to do a one-night stand.”
Ash clicks her tongue, like she’s decided I’m hopeless. “Simple. You have sex. You leave. He’s simply a tool, like the physio ball slash toy I gifted you, only instead of sticking it in the closet when you’re done, you go home.”
I press my thighs together. I want him, obviously, but I’m not a hookup kind of girl. Ash does have one valid point, though, which is that I’m deep into a multi-year dry spell. I have no romantic prospects on the horizon, either. “I mean… when you put it like that.” I point to the empty chair. “But doesn’thego home?”
Ash’s headshake is emphatic. “No. Youneverinvite a one-night stand to your place. They should never know where you live!”
“Let’s say I’m considering it,” I hedge. “What if he expects a…” I mouth the wordblowjob.“You know I’ve never done that before.”
“There are no bjs in one-night stands,” Ash says, with the authority of one whoknows.“And if you need one more incentive… remember the bucket list.”
I remember all too well. Ialsohappen to remember that we crafted that bucket list in high school, before we watchedSex Sent Me to the ERand unlocked the aforementioned fear of cock in mouth.
I think Camden’s the only guy who knows about it. Unless Knova told Viktor. And if that’s the case,everybodyin our friend group knows.
“What about the list?” I rub my jaw, remembering the scene that has haunted me ever since.
“A one-night stand is on your bucket list.” Ash slaps her palm on the table triumphantly. “And this guy is perfect for ticking that particular item off. He’s from out of town. Totally your type. You never have to see him again. It’s like the universe has served him up on a platter.”
Murph returns and sits back down. “What did I miss?”
“Nothing,” Ash says. “My turn!” She hops up from the table.
“Oh, are we making a bathroom run?” I ask her.
“Nope.” She winks and heads off her own. She even takes her purse with her.
Traitor. Everyoneknowsthat Girl Code requires all bathroom trips to be made in groups of two or more. She leaves me alone with Murph, the man who we just established I’m attracted to more than any other man over the course of my life. I’m going to give Ash hell for this later.
“So.” Murph leans forward and traces the lip of his glass with one finger. “Have you decided yet?”
