Page 23 of Taking Denver

“We’re going back to the hotelnow,” I say, about to sit up when we’re interrupted.

“Quit humping!” Zeke shouts, and Denver grins against my mouth. She squeaks when Zeke flicks water over us. “I’m hungry.”

“Then eat something,” I say, pulling Denver’s lips back to mine.

Zeke shakes his hair, coating us with more water. “Feed me. I want nachos.”

Denver suddenly sits up and gives Zeke her full attention. “I could eat nachos.”

I groan, my dick aching. I’m being cock-blocked by food. Denver hops up, and I glare up at her.

“You give me a boner then ditch me for food?”

She holds out her hand, and I take it, though she does very little to help me to my feet. I adjust my rock-solid dick, and she grins innocently.

“Ethan, my hair could be on fire, and I’d still find time for nachos. Suck it up, and I’ll blow you later.”

She pats my chest and darts off in the direction Zeke has already started walking.

I wait for Sebastian to join me, and we find Denver and Zeke at the small restaurant situated between the beach and the resort. The sand-strewn decking is open to the elements and we sit at a table in the center. As stories are traded and drinks are ordered, Denver moves closer to me. Soon, our knees are brushing, and when I rest my arm on the back of her chair, she places a hand on my thigh.

I feel like a teenager on a first date. Every point of contact is electric; when our eyes lock, I can’t stop smiling, and neither can she.

“Sorry I’m late.” Ace slumps into the spare seat.

Zeke throws a nacho at him. “Dickhead. Where’ve you been?”

“Getting laid, loser.” Ace grins, snatching up the nacho and crunching on it. “I got the waiter’s number from that restaurant.” His gaze lands on Denver, and he pauses, another nacho at his lips. “Hello.”

She smiles. “Hi.”

“Ace, this is Denver,” I say.

“The woman who almost became swiss cheese,” Zeke adds, and Sebastian swats his arm.

Denver chuckles and continues chatting as I draw small circles on her back with my thumb. She asks Sebastian about work, why he became a doctor, what he likes most about it, and why. She teases Zeke over his fake Gucci sneakers, which he removes to show her they areverygood fakes, but when she tries to speak to Ace, he seems less receptive. He’s grown quiet, watching Denver with reservation.

Sebastian catches my eye. Years of friendship mean a conversation conveyed with looks, and I know what he’s asking.What’s wrong with Ace?

I give him an almost non-perceptible shrug in response.

“Wait, so you were all in this band?” Denver asks, glancing at me and pulling my attention away from a sullen Ace. “Why were you called Trifecta if there were four of you?”

Sebastian and I gesture emphatically at Zeke. Even Ace drags himself out of his pensive mood to respond.

Zeke raises his hands. “I stand by that fucking name!”

“It made no sense!” Ace insists. “We told you this countless times.”

“Are you Denver Luxe?”

Denver’s head snaps up.

A man stands by our table, his phone out, eyes wide as he gapes at Denver. Tension bursts into the air as we fall quiet, and Denver inches closer to me.

I glance between her and the stranger. “You know this guy?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. You have the wrong person.”

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