Page 47 of Beaten

How could I say no to those big, beautiful, blue eyes? Neither of them would be driving, thanks to me, their chauffeur, so I agreed.

“Under one condition. No drunken shenanigans.” It was a silly condition, one I knew they’d agree to then not follow through with, but I had to at least attempt to sound like I wasn’t giving in just because I couldn’t say no to Emily.

They both agreed enthusiastically. Too enthusiastically. I saw them put their heads together and whisper giggle.It’sgoing to be a long night.And there was no where else I’d rather be.

I called Jack and told him we were taking a small detour to the liquor store. He didn’t even bother trying to hold back his laughter when he overheard the girls, who were whispering at the top of their lungs, “We solemnly swear we will commit no drunken shenanigans,” before bursting into a fit of giggles.

Following them around the beer aisles of the local liquor store was more than any man should ever have to suffer. Ashley wanted something crafty and fun. Emily wanted something light and refreshing. After twenty minutes of listening to them arguing over which beer was the best I wanted a shot of whiskey.

“Just get both.” I finally told them.

“Brilliant idea, James.” Ashley gave me two thumbs up and took off to grab her craft beer while Emily grabbed a six pack of something light.

I winked at Emily and said, “If I was truly brilliant I would have suggested it fifteen minutes ago,” earning a blush and a smile.

Which made the twenty minutes of torture worth every second.

Chapter 20

Jamie

The park was crowded, but we eventually found an open space big enough for all of us. It was further away than the girls wanted to be, so they all hammed it up, acting like it was the end of the world. It amazed me how in sync they were after only one day together. I was glad they got along, and a little worried about how much trouble they’d cause if they put their heads together.Shenanigans.

Ashley pulled out a beer and offered one to Meg. “We went shopping. Want one?”

“No thanks, I’m not a fan.”

“I wish I’d known; I would’ve gotten you something.” Emily apologized.

I handed Meg a single serving plastic bottle of sweet white wine. Knowing Meg didn’t like beer, and not wanting her to feel left out, I’d grabbed it from a cooler near the registers. She didn’t drink much, so I figured one bottle wouldbe enough.

“Thanks Jamie. You’re the best!” She hugged me and then looked at Emily. “Isn’t he the best?”

“Meg.” Jack drew out the e in her name.

“What? It’s just a question.” She looked at him and turned on her best innocent act.

I squinted my eyes as I watched them, trying to figure out what was going on between them.

But Ashley interrupted before I could. “Anyone else want a beer?” She might have asked all of us but was looking directly at AJ.

“Boss man?” AJ was asking if I wanted him to stay on the clock after what happened at the pub, which I appreciated.

But we didn’t need him. “You’re good. Thanks.” Even if we did, I wasn’t worried. AJ after two beers could still out match most sober guys.

“No. Thank you.” He reached for the beer Ashley was offering him. “And thank you pretty lady.” He gave her a bow and opened the can.

“Jack, you don’t happen to have a blanket in your truck do you?” I hadn’t thought to pack one since we were planning on being at the fairgrounds and wouldn’t have needed one. I had an emergency blanket with my first aid/trauma kit but it wouldn’t provide any comfort.

“I might, let me check.” He returned a few minutes later. “I have one but we won’t all fit, so the girls will have to sit on the grass.”

“Hahaha! Funny, Charming!” Meg’s ridiculous fake laugh was so over-the-top we couldn’t even laugh, at least not for the first twoseconds.

The girls immediately plopped down and started giggling after Jack and I spread out the blanket. Jack, AJ, and I shared a look—we were in for an entertaining night.

Meg sat on the left, and leaned against Jack. Ashley sat in the middle, with AJ on the grass behind her, close enough to touch her but not actually doing it. Yet. Emily sat on the right. I was to her right and back just a bit. We’d created a protective wall around our girls.

Our girls?

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