Page 170 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

We start walking again, but I can’t resist glancing back over my shoulder for one last look at Austin as he disappears from view.

Archie notices and laughs. “Come on, Romeo, you can make eyes at him later.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I say, quickening my pace and feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. I hope Archie hasn’t picked up on my obsession, but luckily his attention is captured by a busker.

As we pass by, I toss a couple of dollars into this open guitar case. The musician nods his thanks, flashing a grin.

“You’re too nice for your own good sometimes,” Archie teases.

I shrug. “He’s pretty good. Maybe we should consider approaching him to play some acoustic sessions during the week. Alfresco dining on the deck is always popular on the weekends and we could expand to the weekdays.”

“Sounds good.”

We spend the rest of the walk back to Azure tossing around ideas for attracting the summer holiday crowd and keeping them coming back.

Chapter Three

Austin

There’s nothing like a night out with friends—the conversation, teasing, and laughter—but damn, the beer’s gone straight to my head. I guess that’s what you get when you’re up at dawn to spend all day on the water in the sun and then drink alcohol. Thank God for the cool breeze on the balcony.

“Your shout, Austin,” Alex says, holding up an empty glass with a grin that says the evening is still young.

I’m tempted to call it a night, but I know I’d never live it down if I left now. Plus it’s been over a month since we last went out, so I want to catch up with them all. I plaster on a smile. “Sure thing,” I reply, pushing up from the table.

I can’t help scanning the room as I cross to the bar and I’m rewarded with Henry’s smile. He’s busy clearing a table, but pauses to hold my gaze as I smile back. It’s dim inside the bar, but I don’t need bright light to picture his rich brown eyes. I force myself to look away and take a few long strides to the bar.

Before too long, the new bartender—Lucas—has done his thing and I return to my friends with the round of drinks. I balance the tray and pass around the various cocktails and beer.

“Look at you, gorgeous boy,” Violet teases, her eyes skating over me as I place a gin and tonic in front of her. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you just stepped off a runway, not a gangway.”

“Ha, hardly.” I brush the compliment aside with a laugh and settle back into my seat. So what if I took a little extra time with my appearance tonight?

“Hoping to run into Monica tonight?” she leans in to whisper.

I narrow my eyes at her, but I’m saved from answering when Karen elbows me playfully. “Long pants, and buttons on your shirt, Austin. I’m impressed.”

I snort and pick up my beer. “You’d think I’ve never dressed for a night out before.”

“You’ve got to admit you’re usually in shorts and a T-shirt no matter what the weather,” James says.

“Work outfits come with the territory, as you well know,” I retort, gesturing to the jacket on the back of his chair. He’s wearing suit pants and an open neck business shirt, obviously coming straight from the office.

“Touche.” James laughs and raises his glass.

I clink glasses then lean back, glad when the conversation moves on to other topics. I enjoy the banter between my friends, and start to relax. Or maybe it’s the beer doing more of its magic. Around me, Azure pulses with a Saturday night vibe. I let the hum of conversation and music wash over me, relieved Monica hasn’t turned up. Henry’s laughter catches my attention and my gaze is drawn that way. He weaves gracefully between tables, his dark hair falling over his brow as he delivers drinks with his usual flamboyant flourish.

“Check out Henry,” Karen says, inclining her head, as if I don’t already have my eyes glued to him. “He’s got moves that would make Tom Holland jealous.”

“Hard to argue with that,” I murmur, watching him sway between the groups of patrons.

“Oi, Austin, stop eyeing our boy and help us settle a debate,” Alex says from the other side of the table where he’s been deep in conversation with Violet.

“Debate?” I ask.

“Yep. I said it’s safe to swim as there’re no great whites in the bay, but Violet seems to think it’s teeming with them.”

Violet huffs. “I didn’t say teeming, but I’m sure there are sharks in there. There’s no way I’m getting in that water.”

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