Page 10 of Spar
He desperately wished he was two beers deep for this game.
“Okay, boys, step forward. First boy to find the coin wins. Although in this game, I don’t think there are any losers.”
Chris stepped forward slowly, reaching a hand out to find Tori. Her outstretched hand met his. At the first touch of her soft hands, he was reminded of the intense chemistry that there had always been between them. He felt it in the slightest touch, fingertip to fingertip. He was momentarily confused as he realized Tori was handing him the coin. Apparently, she wasn’t too eager to have his hands roam around her body. Pity, he wouldn’t have minded that too much.
He could hear the other couples still fumbling around for the coins so he took the opportunity to pull her against him. Leaning down until he felt her hair tickle his nose, he breathed in the smell of wine and soap andher. Tori tried to pull away, but he held her tight while he whispered, “The Golden Girls,me, people who are late, morning, and I’m guessing your panties are red to match the dress.”
Tori stilled asshe realized he had correctly guessed all her answers from the previous game. She pulled back enough to see his full lips turned up in a wicked smile, exposing the adorable dimple on one side. She took a moment to appreciate his form while he was unable to see her check him out.
Dark jeans stretched over his muscular thighs, and the top two buttons of his long-sleeve, Henley t-shirt had been left undone, previewing just a teasing glimpse of the defined chest she knew was underneath.
“Found it!” Jake called, bringing Tori back to the moment.
Chris eased his grip on her, and Tori turned, heading back to the table to grab her drink.
How was it possible that Chris was the only person, among those who knew her best, to guess a single answer? Not only had he gotten one right, he had guessed them all correctly. Even down to the color of her red panties. It was like he could see into the deepest parts of her soul. She didn’t know what game he was playing, but she had to remember all the reasons she hated him. They were good reasons.
“Wow, look at you. You’re all grown up,” Charlie said as he followed her to the kitchen where she was grabbing another bottle of wine from the pantry.
Tori smiled at him. “It’s good to see you.” She gave him a hug and offered him a goblet.
“Nah, I think I’ll grab a beer.” He reached into the fridge and grabbed a Bud Light. “You look incredible. I hear you’re taken, or I’d be working my charm on you.”
Tori laughed, feeling more at ease hidden in the kitchen with Charlie and away from his brother. Two years older than Chris and an impossible flirt, Charlie had always occupied a special place in her heart, but nothing but a teasing friendship had ever existed between them.
“Well, it’s your lucky night. It just so happens that I am no longer taken.” She eased the cork from the bottle.
“You and Luke broke up?” Ryan’s voice boomed from the doorway, and Tori jumped.
Shit. Ryan wasn’t going to be happy that she hadn’t told him. Meeting her brother’s questioning gaze, her stomach dropped when she found Chris standing next to him, his hands clenched and eyes narrowed.
Charlie chuckled and moved in closer, putting his arm around her waist. “It looks like I’ve picked the perfect time to move back then.”
“You’re really moving back?” Tori asked with a smile.
“Charlie, can I see you for a minute?” Chris snarled from across the room.
Charlie leaned in. “Uh-oh.Hulksmash!” he whispered in a terribleHulkvoice impression.
Tori couldn’t resist giggling, which only seemed to make Chris angrier as he stormed out of the room.
Charlie gave her a wink and went after him.
Ryan waited until they were gone to question her. “When did you break up?”
Tori let out a breath and leaned forward onto the counter. She kept her eyes downcast and focused on the wine bottle in her hand for strength. So far, cabernet had been what was keeping her going tonight. “Sunday morning.” She peeked up at his stunned expression. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. You’ve just been so happy with Elle and the new house. I didn’t want to rain on your parade.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “Oh please. You’re not going to rain on my parade — whatever the hell that means.”
“Sorry,” she repeated and bit the side of her lip. Ryan was an important part of her life, and they shared things. Maybe not everything, but the big things.
“Wanna talk about it?”
She shook her head and closed her eyes briefly. “Not tonight.”
Ryan took the bottle from her hands and started to fill her glass. He slowed when the wine reached the halfway point of the glass, but she placed two fingers against the bottle’s bottom and tipped it up until the red liquid neared the rim.
“Whoa, slow down. The night is young.” Ryan shot her a grin and then led her back out to the dining room.
