Page 90 of Her Paramedic
“I’m cute when I brag,” she answered with a mischievous smile.
“I can’t argue with that.”
The server returned with their drinks and informed their food would be out soon.
“What do you want to do when we get back to the cabin?” Talia asked after taking a sip of her drink.
“Finish the rest of the strawberries.” He smirked. “Since I didn’t get to use them all last night.”
His girlfriend laughed. “You’re insatiable.”
Slate shrugged. “It’s not my fault you taste so good. It was easy to get addicted.”
“Trust me, I’m not complaining about your addiction.”
Their food came out a little while later, and they enjoyed it. He could see why the restaurant had so many rave reviews when they’d looked.
After he paid the check, they left and went to the arcade a few doors down. They spent the next hour there. Playing games he hadn’t played since he was a kid, and each time Talia won, he found himself smiling at the little happy dance she did. As much as he liked to tease her when he beat her at something, he enjoyed watching her win.
“Do you want to stop anywhere before we head back?” he asked once they were in the car.
“No, I’m good, baby,” Talia responded as she reached over and gently ran her nails along the nape of his neck.
Slate rested his hand on her thigh as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed back towards the cabin. It was almost ten o’clock, and he planned on spending the rest of the night finishing the strawberries from the night before.
27
Slate was talking to Matteo about a position he was thinking of applying for when something cold flew and hit him on the side of the neck. It only took a second for him to realize it was ice. He cut his eyes at Journee, who’d been trying to break it up in the cooler.
“I’m sorry,” she stated.
He hummed in acknowledgment as he picked up a plastic cup and scooped ice out of the cooler. Journee realized his intentions, and she backed away as he advanced on her.
“Slate, stop. It was an accident,” she tried.
He knew it was, but he wouldn’t miss the opportunity for a little retaliation and to tease her. After all, she had said at the hospital, she didn’t know that having big brothers would be annoying. It was only right for him to live up to that statement now and then. Journee turned to run, but Slate was quicker, grabbing her and dumping the cup of ice down her back, drawing a squeal from her while the surrounding few laughed.
“Ugh! You’re so annoying,” she told him, pouting as she grabbed the back of her shirt and pulled it a few times to allow the ice to fall out. “I hope Talia doesn’t give you any tonight.”
“Hey, whoa. Why would you wish that on me? I thought I was your favorite big brother,” Slate countered.
“I changed my mind,” she replied as she walked over to his cousin. “It’s Axel.”
Slate chuckled as arms wrapped around his waist. “Mm, she might have a point. I should punish you by not giving you any,” Talia said.
“You can try,” he responded. “But we both know you won’t succeed, and then I might have to be mean to you tonight.” Slate turned around, and she placed her chin on his chest, looking up at him.
“We both know I like that,” she responded. He smirked, leaning down to kiss her. “When are you all starting your tournament?”
“We’ll start soon.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Do I get a prize if I win?”
Talia raised a brow at him. “Why would I give you a prize? I’m not the one who put the contest together.” She smirked at him.
Slate chuckled. “And you call me mean.”
“Talia,” Alivia said, walking up. “You want to play the bean bag toss with me?”
“Sure,” his girlfriend responded, and Slate released her. The two headed towards where they’d set the game up, and he returned to Matteo, picking up their conversation.
