Page 60 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

“Go on, Sam. Shoot already,” I whine, clasping my hands in front of me to push my boobs together.

He shakes his head, like he’s just woken up, licks his lips, and shoots. The ping-pong ball bounces off the rim of the cup and falls to the floor.

With a triumphant cheer, Jackie and I hug.

“No fair. That was blatant interference,” Ace says.

Clearly, he was not fazed by my half-naked body, but Sam was, and that’s all that matters. I zip my costume back up. “I don’t see your partner complaining. Right?”

I shoot Sam a pointed look, but as spirited cheers go up around the room, embarrassment floods me. Apparently, no one is complaining. Whatever. We won. With a shrug, I pick up my ping-pong ball. “Game on.”

Jackie and I mop the floor with the boys after that. We clear their cups while they only manage to get one of ours off the table. Watching Sam and Ace cringe their way through the rest of the warm beer is the most satisfying thing ever.

Ace gulps down his last bit and slams the cup on the table. “Round two?”

“I’m up for a rematch,” Jackie says.

I shake my head. “I’ve had enough cheap beer. I need something with flavor.” I pat Jackie on the shoulder and turn toward the door.

“Better leave while you’re on top,” Sam says. “Since it’s your favorite position.”

With an offended gasp, I spin around, ready to glare my pretty little head off. When I meet Sam’s gaze, though, he winks. Snippets of our night in Grand Junction flash behind my eyelids with every rapid blink, and I feel heat rising in my cheeks. I swallow down my anger and step into the house.

I need something to drink, and fast.

Chapter 19

After refilling my cocktail, I wander around, searching for signs of my two missing friends, Hannah and Lisa. Between the thumping music and the flowing drinks, I’ve practically forgotten Sam’s quip about me being on top. He is right, after all.

With my confidence back, I opt to ride this high of beating Sam at beer pong for as long as possible. I even dance my way across the living room. I don’t think anything will bring me down. When I get through the crowd, I find Lisa on the couch with Brent’s tongue down her throat.

Ew.

At least I found her. Dancing my way back through the room, I pull my phone out and text Hannah. I haven’t seen her at all since I came back in. Knowing that she left the garage with some guy I’ve never seen before has my hackles up.

When my phone dings a minute later, I relax as I see a string of emojis. It’s our secret message way of communicating. As long as she sends specific emojis in a specific order, I know she’s okay.

With my friends all accounted for, I finish off my drink and head back to the kitchen. I’m on a roll tonight, so why not celebrate? As I’m nursing my fourth…or maybe fifth, rum and Coke. I lean my head back against the wall and shut my eyes.

“Oh, I didn’t realize there was a cheaters-only section of the kitchen.”

My eyes pop open, finding Sam perched in front of me with his head cocked to the side. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, nothing. Just referencing your little show out there.” He juts his chin toward the garage.

I snort before sipping my drink. “You’re just mad I beat you at something.” Leaning my head back, I shut my eyes again.

“You had help.”

When I snap my head up to glare at him, the whole room spins, and I’m glad the wall is sturdy. “So did you, but even Ace couldn’t save your lack of skill.”

“Who?”

“Your partner out there. He hardly missed.”

“So, you gave him a nickname?” Sam quirks an eyebrow. “How drunk are you?”

I scoff and take another sip. “Not drunk enough to put up with you.”

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