Page 18 of Press Your Luck

“I’m not complaining. I love my daughter and I couldn’t ask for a happier life,” she said.

“Tell her how you beat Bo in hockey,” Analyn said.

I arched a brow. I wasn’t certain I could beat him. If she had, the women’s pro hockey league had missed out on an incredible player.

Ruby laughed. “We were twelve. I grew up with Bo.”

“He’s also the one who knocked her up... not just this time but last time too.”

“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what to say about that.

We continued to chat, and while I tried to relax, Pierce's presence still loomed large in my mind. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about that dumb old oaf?

Ruby was telling a story about Bo when she went silent for a moment. “Hi, Pierce.”

I stiffened.

“Ruby. Analyn.” He stepped up to the bar on my right. “Coach Withers.” He waved to the bartender. “Vodka tonic.” He turned his body toward me. “I see you’re enjoying yourself.”

"More than when I was surrounded by vultures," I replied, not bothering to hide my irritation.

His lips quirked upward, and I hated how sexy it looked. “Does Todd know you’re cavorting with the enemy?”

“You only just arrived. Unless he’s watching me, no.”

Pierce glanced at the women.

“They’re not the enemy. They’re fierce, powerful women.”

“That they are.” His smile was genuine, and my pulse quickened for reasons I couldn’t understand. What was it about this irritating man that made my insides go haywire?

“I notice you’re drinking the same drink as Naomi,” Analyn said.

"I’ve been drinking this longer than she’s been alive," he said, his tone teasing but with an underlying edge that dared me to challenge him.

"Is that so?" I raised my glass and downed the contents in a single gulp, feeling the fiery liquid burn its way down my throat.

Pierce's eyes widened momentarily before his lips curled into a wicked grin. Cripes, he was sexy.

He followed suit, tipping back his own drink and downing it. The act drew worried glances between Analyn and Ruby.

"Care for a friendly wager?" I suggested, ignoring the warning bells clanging in my head. But we were in Vegas, right? The city of bets and recklessness. Besides, Reed Hampton was big on betting. Pierce was his business partner and friend, so surely he liked bets, as well.

His eyes stared at me with something I couldn’t name. “Why not?”

“I can think of a few reasons,” Analyn murmured.

I held up my hand to the bartender, letting him know I wanted another drink. "Then you shouldn't have any trouble keeping up with me." With that, I downed the entire glass in one gulp.

He held a smirk as he took his drink, downed it, and set the glass on the bar.

"Let's make this interesting," I said. "Let’s see who can handle their liquor better?"

Pierce's blue eyes locked onto mine, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. He didn't hesitate, holding up his hand to order another drink.

"Alright, sweetheart, let's see who can handle their liquor better."

Sweetheart? Asshole was trying to dismiss me as some little lightweight girl. But worse than his using the term was the way my heart fluttered as if it was happy about it.

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