Page 19 of Press Your Luck

"Naomi, are you sure about this?" Analyn asked, her voice laced with concern. "It seems like a risky bet."

"Or a dangerous one,” Ruby added.

I ignored the knot of anxiety that tightened in my stomach and focused on the challenge at hand. “Are you sure you can handle it, old man?”

Pierce smirked. “I think I can handle... it.” The way he said “it” made me think he meant me and not the booze. “Besides, I never back down from a challenge, especially not one as enticing as this."

I’d noted the weird attraction that sometimes popped up around him, but at this moment, it was sizzling. The snap, crackle of sexual tension was palpable. It had to be the booze, right?

"Alright then," I said, taking a deep breath.

"May the best drinker win," Pierce agreed, raising his glass in a mock toast before downing it in one go.

As the bartender lined up more drinks for us, I knew I was probably making a mistake, and yet, I continued, strangely excited by what was happening.

I raised my glass, my gaze locked onto Pierce's striking blue eyes. "Ready?"

Pierce's lips curved into a half-smirk, showcasing his confidence. His broad shoulders flexed beneath his suit jacket as he leaned closer, the scent of his cologne filling my senses. Was he doing that on purpose to distract me?

"Always," he replied, his voice deep and smooth.

A shiver ran down my spine as our glasses clinked together. It was ridiculous how much this man affected me, even in the heat of competition.

"Cheers." I threw back the drink in one swift motion. The liquid burned its way down my throat, but my gaze never wavered from Pierce's face as he did the same.

“Maybe that’s enough.” Analyn looked concerned.

"Round one, Jackson," I taunted playfully. This wager, while seemingly innocent, had taken on an entirely different meaning for me. It wasn't just about proving myself anymore. It was about getting under Pierce's skin, pushing his buttons, and seeing how far I could take things before they reached a boiling point.

"Bring it on, Withers.” His tone was playful yet laced with an underlying intensity.

Our eyes remained locked, each daring the other to back down first. A battle of wills had begun. The room faded into the background, leaving only Pierce and me in our own little world.

As the bartender lined up more drinks for us, my pulse raced with anticipation, unsure of what would happen next. This night was proving to be anything but predictable, and as the alcohol blurred the lines between rivalry and attraction, one thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't going to back down from this challenge.

11

Pierce

The booze burned down my throat, warmth spreading through my chest as I slammed the glass onto the table. Naomi stared me down, eyes gleaming with determination and challenge as she knocked back her own drink. Two could play this game, and there was no way in hell I was letting her win. The world around me faded to just me and her as we clinked glasses for the next round.

Let the real games begin.

My eyes stayed locked on Naomi's, refusing to blink or flinch as I tossed back another drink. The clear liquid scorched my throat, but I barely noticed. All that mattered was the intensity burning in her hazel eyes and the magnetic pull drawing me closer to her.

Was she trying to prove something to me? To herself? The thought made me hesitate as the bartender set another round of drinks on the bar. Was I being a dick to go through with this? Was I letting my pride get the best of me and in the end, I’d feel like shit for goading her?

"Slow down there, you two," Analyn warned. I’d nearly forgotten she was there.

Next to her, Ruby nodded. Both women eyed us with concern, clearly sensing the tension rising between us.

"This isn't a good idea," Analyn said. “Reed and Todd won't be happy if they find out about this."

"Maybe they're right," Naomi admitted reluctantly, breaking eye contact for the first time since we started. "We shouldn't make trouble for ourselves."

"Trouble?" I scoffed, unable to resist the urge to push her. "You don't strike me as the type to shy away from a challenge, Withers." I downed my drink and then waited expectantly for her to follow suit, even as my conscience told me I was being a dick.

"Fine." Her jaw tightened, and those captivating eyes blazed with renewed defiance. "You want a challenge, Jackson? You've got one." She gulped down her drink.

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