Page 34 of Shot Taker

“Where we going, Vegas?” Jay demands.

When I shift inside, Brooke is already there.

Plus Nova.

She’s wearing jeans and a cropped white T-shirt that makes me think of all the ways I’d get her dirty.

My heart lifts for the first time all day. A surge of anticipation and adrenaline pumps through me.

She knew I’d be here. So, why is she? Especially after her ”back off, I’m on a date” call last night.

“Hey.” I shift into the seat beside her, my legs extending across the floor.

“Hi.” Nova's tongue darts out to lick her lips. “Thank you for the picture.”

“Sure.”

She chews on her lip, and I want to tug it from between her teeth.

“You had it this entire time,” she says quietly enough only I can hear. “The person who bought it at the auction before anyone could… that was you.”

So, that’s what this is about.

Miles drops onto her other side before I can respond. “I was on fire tonight.”

“You were okay,” Nova teases.

Miles nods toward the door next to Brooke, and she passes him a bottle of water without either of them exchanging a word.

The entire ride over, the car is filled with joking and laughter.

There’s no space for me and Nova to talk, so we don’t.

But she looks edgy, her fingers playing with her hair.

When the car pulls up, we spill out in a line and into the pub.

Some locals are in there, and cheers go up when we arrive. The guys and I make the rounds, slapping high fives and fist bumps with the regulars.

“Looking good, Miles.”

“How’s the knee, Wade?”

“Hell of a steal, Jay.”

I look up too late to see my teammates are already settling into our round booth, Nova first and Miles piling in after her. Brooke’s on her other side. By the time I make it there through the crowd congratulating me, only the outside seat is left.

The waitress is on us immediately, getting our order. I get a Coke, and most of the guys opt for soda too, except Miles, who gets shots.

A couple of women come over and ask if they can join us. One takes the side next to Jay and the other next to me.

After a few drinks, the girl next to Jay rises. “Dance with me?”

He agrees, letting her drag him to the floor.

Another woman comes up, already eyeing me.

She cups her hands around my ear and leans in. “I’ll dance however you want me to. You don’t have to move. You can be a sexy pole.”

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