Page 21 of Riding the High

He rolls his eyes but ignores my teasing before calling to the group, speaking for me. “Okay, we’re gonna do some gambling, so we’ll see y’all later.”

I try to protest but end up stifling a giggle as I look back at Chris’s grimace. CeCe turns around at Cole’s words and launches her drunken self into my arms.

“Mybestestmaid of honor ever. I love you,” she says, slurring her speech.

“Jesus, let’s go get you to bed, firefly.” Nash grabs her around the waist and pulls her out of my arms, chuckling at her drunken behavior.

I can’t help smiling at the happy couple as I turn to hug Liv goodnight.

“You two going to be okay together?” she whispers in my ear.

“Yes, Mom,” I say, letting her go. She looks at me with a glint in her eye that tells me she may not quite believe me.

I stick my tongue out at her just as Chris makes his way over to me, leans in and gives me a too-friendly hug.

“Sleep well, beautiful. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says in my ear. I hear Cole clear his throat behind me as he tugs me away by my elbow and pats Chris on the shoulder a little harder than warranted. Chris doesn’t notice. He backs up to blow me a cheesy kiss before heading off with the others.

“How many favors is that now, Vixen?” Cole says in a low voice as we make our way onto the Flamingo casino floor.

“How did you know I didn’t want him?” I ask defiantly.

Cole starts to laugh. “It was obvious.”

“How so?” I ask, stopping dead in my tracks.

Cole turns to face me, curving a finger under my chin. Helifts it to assess me. The feel of his warm skin against mine strikes me differently when we’re alone like this and I’ve had a couple of drinks. Warning bells start ringing in my head.

Dangerous. Off-limits. Do not look into those eyes!

Shit. Too late.

Cole’s amber pools bore into mine, and it feels like forever before he speaks. When he does, his voice is deep and full of gravel.

“I know when you’re comfortable around someone after all these years, Ginger, and that look you were wearing when he put his arm around you told me everything I needed to know.”

I swallow. He leans down to hover his lips near my ear.

“You were practically begging me,” he says in a low voice.

Goosebumps break out over my flesh, but alcohol gives me courage.

“For what?” I challenge, turning my face up toward him.

He pulls back and smirks. I hate how stunning he is. “To give you just what you need.”

I narrow my eyes and he drops his finger from my chin.

“And just what is it that I need, Sheriff?” I ask, folding my arms over my chest.

Cole scrubs his jaw while he thinks. “A burger and fries. Wait, nope …” He nods confidently as he starts to walk. He looks back at me over his shoulder. “Nachos and … somewhere that has some country music.”

“Goddammit,” I mutter, taking off to keep up with his long lean legs.

“Don’t pretend I’m not right.” He says it as sure as the sun rises.

I roll my eyes. Apparently, Cole Ashby does in fact know just what I need.

CHAPTER EIGHT

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