Page 13 of Deal Takers

“Yeah, I really like it. Plus, it helps that it’s only a few blocks away from my house.”

“That would definitely come in handy when you’ve imbibed a little too much.” He grabs my hip and pulls me into him. “Or if you suddenly find yourself in need of some privacy.”

I laugh as he raises his eyebrows suggestively. “Later, hot stuff. You’rehere to hang out with my friends, remember?”

Adam brings my hand to his mouth and places a gentle kiss on top. “Lead the way, gorgeous.”

I glance around and find Devyn sitting in the back with her brother. “They’re over there.”

When Devyn sees us approaching, she stands to wrap me in a hug. “Hey, Rainey.” She looks up at Adam and smiles. “Hello, handsome doctor.”

“I don’t know about handsome, but the doctor part is right.” He winks for added effect. “It’s nice to see you again, Devyn.”

Drew grabs a bottle out of the ice bucket and looks over his shoulder. “Dude, you want a beer?”

Adam pulls out my chair and takes one of his own directly across from me. “Sure, thanks.”

“Drew is Devyn’s brother,” I explain. “He’s a Renegades fan too.”

“Nice!” Adam says as the two men bump fists.

I startle when I feel hot breath over my shoulder. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

I twist to find the persistent pain in my ass standing behind me, smirking. “Where did you come from?”

He nods behind him. “I’ve been here. Just had to take a piss.”

“Thanks for sharing,” I grumble. “Adam, this is Drew’s friend, Brody.”

Adam quirks his head to the side and asks, “Have we met before? You look really familiar.”

I bite my lip to hold back my laughter. HIPPA laws prevent me from saying a word in present company about how they met, but if Brody gives him the info, it’s fair game.

Brody takes the empty seat beside mine. “Hmm, can’t say that we have, Aiden.”

“It’s Adam, actually.”

“Adam. My mistake. So, tell me, how do you know my girl, Rainey?”

I kick him in the shin for acting like they’ve never met and deliberately saying the wrong name. He retaliates by pinching my leg, right above the knee, making me yelp.

Adam clears his throat as he carefully watches our exchange. I’m sure he can sense how much I want to smack someone upside the head right now. And when I say someone, I mean Brody.

“Besides the fact she ismy fiancée? Rainey and I met at work initially. I’m a physician at North Seattle Memorial.”

“Oh, a doctor, huh?” Brody says. “Fancy.”

Adam narrows his eyes at Brody. “I suppose you could say that.”

“Why are you being such an ass?” I whisper shout.

Brody takes a sip from his longneck and winks at me in reply.

“Okaaay…” Devyn says to defuse the sudden tension. “Adam, do you play pool? We can play doubles—you and Rainey against me and Drew.”

Adam and Brody continue their silent stare down, so I answer for him. “Adam’s great at pool.” I leave my seat and sidle up to him. “He’s great ateverything.”

Adam smiles and kisses me softly. Brody is grumbling about something, but I can’t make out the words.

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