Page 39 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

“They’re getting married in two days,” I say. “She’s about as close to a wife as she’s going to get.”

“I don’t see a wedding ring on her finger yet,” Caroline says, pointing to her ring.

“What? That diamond on her finger that’s the size of a small planet isn’t enough?” Manny says.

“No, it’s not. That’s just like a dinner reservation,” Caroline says, linking her arm with Casey’s and pulling her away from us. “They arrived at the restaurant, but we’ll see if they actually eat the dinner.”

“Damn,” I say, blowing out a breath as I watch them walk away. “They really don’t like Sophie.”

“What gave it away, Einstein?” Jack says. “Those two have been coming at Sophie since day one. I keep telling Casey to get to know her, but she lets Caroline whip her up into a fury.”

“Can we please quit talking about our wives? Anything has to be more interesting than their mean girl pity party,” Manny says, turning toward me. “Who was that little thing I saw you walk in with? Her ass is something else.”

“The redhead?”

“Do you have more than one beautiful ass following you around?” He holds up his hand. “No, don’t answer that. It’ll make me too depressed.”

“That’s the Allie woman Sophie set me up with. I told you about her. We had a couple of dates and she started stalking me after I didn’t call again. She’s the one who showed up to my autograph-signing event and tried to sit at the table with me—like she was my wife or something.”

“Yeah, right,” he says. “I remember now, but you didn’t say she looked like that. That’s worth a few more dates, right?”

“Not at all. She’s a fame whore. She doesn’t know the first thing about me. She wants to date me for the attention and the money.” I nod toward Caroline and Casey. “You two know what I’m talking about—you married women just like her.”

“Fuck you,” Jack says, laughing as he walks away. “We’re playing poker later tonight in Will’s room if you want to stop by. Despite your bad attitude, I’ll still take your money.”

“Shit,” I say, “like either one of you has ever beat me. You know I have the best poker face around.”

“I’m happy to try again,” Manny says, following Jack, “but I’m hoping you’ll be occupied with something more interesting than us.”

“Everything’s more interesting than you,” I yell after him. He flips me off without looking back.

I do another scan of the party to try to find Raine. I’ve been looking for her for at least an hour. I still don’t see her.

“You looking for someone, Alex?” I turn around to see Roman and Michael closing in on me.

“If you’re looking for me,” Michael says, hugging me, “I’m right here, honey.”

“You know I’m always looking for you, Michael,” I say, squeezing him. “Didn’t we agree that we’re party partners for life?”

“Yes,” he says, slipping his arm through mine. “You desperately need me to bring you out of your shell. You’d hide in a corner all night if it weren’t for me.”

“Maybe he wants to hang out in a corner,” Roman says. “Not everyone can be as socially extroverted as you.”

“No one’s as socially extroverted as Michael.” I motion to the bartender for another beer. “That’s why I need his help.”

“I’m glad you made it down,” Roman says. “Sophie said you were on the fence.”

“Is there anyone who can say no to Sophie?” I say, taking a long drink.

“If there is, I haven’t met him,” Roman says as he motions toward the hotel. “What do you think of the place? It’s not quite perfect yet, but we’re close.”

“It’s beautiful,” I say. “My room’s like a palace. The tub’s the size of a small swimming pool.”

“Room enough for two,” Michael says, pulling me closer. “Do you have your eyes on any of the ladies?”

“Stop being nosy,” Roman says, pulling him away from me.

“It’s fine,” I say. “Actually, there is one I have my eyes on—”

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