Page 37 of Queen Rose

Nate

As it turns out, not one of Aria’s friends says a word to her about anything they may have seen. I know they got an eyeful, though, because they’d all waved back at me before I turned out the lights.

Aria and I slide into the huge hot tub, taking two side-by-side seats and relaxing into the jets. I don’t want to say anything, but this is actually my first time in a hot tub. Well, one that isn’t for sports injuries in the training room at school, anyway. This thing is a monster, easily fitting a crowd with room to spare. We let out simultaneous groans of pleasure as we sink into the water.

“Good, right?” Aria smiles at my side, reaching for my hand.

“Yep.”

“Wait, where are Xander and Scarlett?” Aria frowns, looking around.

Griffin laughs. “Um. They were getting a little handsy and went down that way.” He points toward the edge of the property, where there are a bunch of trees.

Micah shrugs, directing his comment at me. “Typical. One time, they got it on at a party against the side of the pool house.”

Aria’s mouth drops open. “Oh, shit. I always miss the good stuff when I leave early.”

Beau laughs. “Yeah, you missed a good one that time. My poor pool house. That was back when they were hate-fucking each other. I don’t think either of them realized we could hear every moan and whimper.” His gaze lands on the two of us as he boosts himself onto the edge of the tub. “You kids need something to drink? I was just heading in to get another round for Lyla and Daphne.”

I nod. “Sure. Beer’s fine for me.” So far, so good. Gotta admit, I’m amused by the stories Aria’s friends tell. They seem like fun people. Their ease with each other is definitely a semi-harsh reminder that I don’t have anyone I’m close to like this—it’s never been an option to have them, simply because my life has always been so chaotic.

Aria bites down on her lip, eyeing Beau. “Please. Whatever the other girls are having is fine.”

“Hurry, Beau. I’m having flashbacks to the last time I was in a hot tub.” Lyla shoots him a wild-eyed, goofy smile.

There’s some minor laughter from the group, but mostly head shaking.

“Wait. Fill me in.” I squeeze Aria’s hand.

She points across the tub at Lyla. “Our girl over there took on her arch-nemesis in a game of Never Have I Ever that went all kinds of wrong—for the other girl. Not for Lyla. She made her look like the biggest idiot ever, which was good, considering it was Mandy who’d been attacking her for weeks. It was priceless. We have it recorded. I’ll show you sometime.”

“Oh man. Okay, so we don’t play Never Have I Ever around here. Got it.” I give everyone a thumbs up.

Max holds up a hand. “How about Truth or Dare instead. That’s mostly safe.”

Lyla sputters, “Riiight.”

“Don’t tell me you’re scared, Tiger.” Griffin leans over to pinch Lyla’s cheek, and she swats at his hand. I stifle a laugh. It would seem she has a fun relationship with her boyfriend’s brother.

“I’m not scared of shit, Griff, and you know it. I’m down for it if you are. Lord knows what they’ll ask you, though.”

Daphne’s eyes get really big, but then surprisingly she nods and gives a little shrug of one shoulder. “But we’re among friends. We should be okay. Right?”

Beau comes back with drinks. “What did I miss?”

Aria’s hand is clenching mine pretty tightly. “You missed everyone agreeing to play Truth or Dare.”

He hoots with laughter as he passes out the drinks. “Sounds like a fun time.” He looks up and waves as he shouts, “Let’s go, lovebirds! You’re just in time for things to get interesting.”

I glance in the direction he’s waving to see Xander hurrying across the lawn carrying Scarlett on his back. When they get to the hot tub, he sets her down. “Oh yeah? What are we doing?”

“Truth or Dare,” Micah groans with a smirk.

Scarlett’s blue eyes get big. “Oh, shit, really?” She clambers into the hot tub, then motions with a wide grin for Xander to get her a drink.

Daphne points at Max. “I’ll go first. Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

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