Page 132 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
My gaze slides to Jade, but she doesn’t meet my eyes with a spark of triumph, satisfaction, and victory at knowing the thought of him holding it drives me mad. It’s as if my presence doesn’t even register.
I shift in my seat and drink my beer, wishing I had something stronger.
“Let’s figure out what to do tonight.” Josie tries to snatch the book from Bronx, but he holds tight.
“Alright, there, kid. Settle down.” Could his tone be any more condescending?
She should slap him. I’d watch that.
Josie stops dead in her tracks. The glare she sends him is deadly. I’d bet money mine is a close second. At least someone is on my side.
“Kid?” Her hands land on her hips. “Did you just call me a kid?”
“Don’t throw a temper tantrum.” The corners of his mouth flick up into a patronizing smile.
“I’m actually gonna stab you in your sleep.” She grabs for the book again, gripping it harder this time.
His grip stays firm, and one quick tug sends her off balance, falling right into his chest.
Is this his game? Taunt and tease them and then bang them? I’d say yes, but I’ve seen him flirt his way into a woman’s pants, and he’s all about compliments and sweet talk. This is different.
“Easy.” His voice is low, syrupy with mock kindness.
“You’re a piece of work.” She shoves off him, but he ruffles her hair with a grin.
“Only the finest craftsmanship.” His fingers linger for a second too long, but the playful gesture looks more like a brotherly annoyance than anything else.
“Looks like they ran out of the best parts.” She bats his hand away, brushing her hair back in annoyance, then grabs the book from him.
I’m surprised at how invested everyone is in our bucket list: her sisters, my brothers—Bronx.
Would they be as interested if they realized it was half mine?
Josie flips to a random page and holds it up. “Today’s clue is a cow. And, I guess that’s a person? Riding it?”
Wrong.
“Easy.” A slow grin tugs Bronx’s lips as a toothpick shifts between his teeth. “Mechanical bull.”
Wrong.
“I see it.” Harper brushes crumbs off the table.
Dean’s arms circle her waist, pulling her back against his chest as he rests his head on her shoulder.
“It has the whole ‘hold on or die’ vibe,” he says.
Farthest thing from it.
Josie taps her finger on the sketch. “That doesn’t make sense. Mechanical bulls aren’t new to Jade.”
Her sister gets points for knowing her.
I watch Jade’s fingers trace the edge of the glass as her eyes move across the group, taking in the banter. Her gaze even sweeps over mine, but it doesn’t linger, and it’s not charged with anger.
What is this?
“She’s wearing a dress,” Daisy flips a beer cap in the air, catching it and repeating the action.
