Page 184 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

Now I just need to work out what that conversation should be.

Chapter Nine

Austin

Idon’t think I’ve seen so much of my friends as I have in the last two weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I love them all, but it feels like the universe is conspiring to keep me and Henry from being alone. At least we’ll be able to get together after the impromptu gathering that’s part Saturday night socialising and part farewell to Jamie, who’s heading off on a business trip for a couple of weeks.

Flickering tiki torches and the flames from the firepit illuminate Jamie’s backyard. His family’s prestigious home stands tall, overlooking the bay where boats gently rock, their lights reflecting on the calm water. Fairy lights adorn the flagstone patio and sparkle like constellations in the early evening light adding a festive flair.

Jamie’s brother’s, Scott and Paul, and Scott’s boyfriend, Tim, had briefly joined the celebration earlier but headed off once we’d eaten, leaving the usual cast of characters. The only person missing is Archie, who’s holding down the fort at Azure again.

“Another beer anyone?” Ross asks.

Multiple hands go up and Ross passes around the bottles.

“Cheers to Jamie for hosting another epic barbecue,” Karen says, raising her glass of wine, and we toast.

“Thanks for coming, guys. I’m going to miss you lot,” Jamie says.

Violet rolls her eyes. “You’ll only be gone a few weeks.”

Jamie shrugs. “What can I say? A lot seems to happen in a few weeks around here.”

“Really?” She looks at Alex, who’s sitting next to her, then takes his hand. He leans in and kisses her cheek. I guess the cat’s out of the bag, then.

I take a swig of lager, looking over the bottle at Henry who has a glass of red wine to his lips. He’s watching Alex and Vi and smiling wistfully.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better night,” Karen says. “Great food, great company, and this amazing view of the bay. Speaking of amazing views, when are you gonna take us all out on The Rosie, Austin? It’s been far too long since we’ve had a proper Blue Point sea adventure.”

“Give me a break, Kaz. I’m surrounded by the ocean every day. It’s nice to enjoy some dry land for a change.”

“Aw, come on,” Alex says with a smirk. “You know you love showing off those boat captain skills of yours, and a little birdie told me you took Henry out the other day.”

Ah. I wondered when word would get around. “Ha. That was in the runabout, not The Rosie, but sure, we’ll take a tour one weekend soon.”

“Awesome.” He leans across Vi and clicks his bottle against mine.

I look back at Henry. The firelight casts a warm glow over his face. He’s got his eyes locked on mine and a gentle smile on his face. I wonder if he’s remembering the day at the cove like I am. I get up and wander to his side of the fire, sitting down next to him.

“Are you having a good time?” I ask. “It’s not often you get a Saturday night off from Azure. Gotta make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.”

“I am,” he says, but his answer is ruined by a yawn.

“Careful now,” I tease, “we wouldn’t want you to have too much fun on your night off.”

I’m rewarded with his laughter. “Sorry, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and someone kept me up half the night last night.”

“Is that so?” I feign innocence. “Shame.”

“And why is that?” he asks and takes another sip of his red wine.

“Well, I was thinking of a hike tomorrow morning to watch the sunrise from the lighthouse, but it might be too much of an early start for you. Perhaps I can ask one of the others to come along.”

“Hey,” he says, elbowing me in the ribs and splashing his wine in the process. “Don’t you dare.”

I watch the droplets make their way down the exposed part of his thigh, halting their progress with my finger but wishing I could lap the wine with my tongue. The visual has my dick hardening. He chuckles as if he knows exactly what he does to me. I snatch my hand back, eyes jerking to his. “Er… can I get you a refill?”

“You don’t have to do that.”

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