Page 66 of Trustfall

“Always,” I smirk. “And is there a better way you could have phrased that?”

He pulls one of my pigtails, and I squeal and elbow him in the ribs.

“Hey, hey, you’re not supposed to injure the birthday boy,” he says as he scoots me away from him.

I roll my eyes.

“What does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?” Allie interrupts. “I may be willing to do it. I just want to know what I’m signing up for.”

“No need to do anything,” Nate says, his expression displaying mild disturbance at Allie’s proposition. “What do you want?”

“Hmmm…Añejo margarita on the rocks. No salt.”

“It’s a beer bar, Al,” Nate reminds her.

“Ughh, fine. Get me something that’s not too bitter. Or malty…or hoppy.”

Nate shakes his head. “You just described every quality of beer. Come on. We’ll find you something,” he puts his hand on her shoulder, steering her towards the bar. “You want anything, Em?” he calls back.

“Club soda with lime, please. I’m driving.”

Nate nods his head and moves Allie forward.

I used to wonder if Nate might have a thing for Allie. They became close through me, and I thought at one point that a deeper connection than friendship existed, but they’re too alike. It would never work. Nate thinks of her as another little sister anyway, and since Allie is an only child, she likes having a brother figure. Plus, my brother doesn’t date. Not since his secret relationship in college that he still refuses to talk about.

Suddenly, warm hands snake around my head, covering my eyes and stealing my sight. “Guess who?” a low masculine voice whispers in my ear, his chest rubbing against my back.

Shit.

Jaxon? No, his hands are never warm. Historically, anyway. I used to gasp when he touched me because his hands were always ice-cold. He hated that I had that reaction to him. Just one more thing we fought about.

Luke? Would he be so bold as to touch me in the middle of the bar with my brother standing less than ten feet away?

“Come on, partner in crime. I’m offended that you don’t recognize my voice.”

I let out a sigh of relief.Ashton.Thank God.

“Maybe you’re just really good at disguising it,” I tease. “Didn’t know you were into the blindfolding thing. I’ll have to let Allie know.”

His chest shakes with laughter, and he spins me around, enveloping me in a warm hug. Ashton gives the best hugs. I can’t believe there was a time when I recoiled at his touch. He’s become a good friend since that first date. We’ve only hung out a few times, but we text a lot. We have a lot in common. At least when it comes to our meddling parents.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as he releases me.

“Nate and I have been working together a lot since we signed on with Caldwell Security. He asked me to come tonight.”

“Well, I’m happy to see a familiar face.”

“Same,” he agrees as he looks around the crowded room. “So…is that roommate of yours around?”

“Yeah,” I laugh. “She’s around.”

“I see. Well, I’m gonna go do a lap then.” He goes to turn towards the bar, but I hold onto his arm, pulling him back.

“Ash. Be careful. Her bite isworsethan her bark.”

Ashton’s eyes darken and gone is his carefree attitude. “I hope so,” is all he says before he makes his way to the bar.

I shake my head and laugh as I see Ashton corner Allie when she turns to head back my way. Nate doesn’t seem to notice and continues walking toward me. He hands me my drink and looks back over his shoulder.

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