Page 113 of Wild Card

“Excuse me, preggo, I have been concocting masterpieces and serving drinks.”

Another thing I learned is Shayla is a jack of all trades. She works two part-time jobs between Rowan and Ember’s businesses. She also works some nights at Tom’s.

“Damn good drinks, too.” Presley toasts her glass in the air. “I needed this.”

“This is why we need girl time. We need to know why Presley is sucking down martinis and get to know Willow and Bex.”

“Shayla—”

I press a finger to his lips. “Go. I amfine.”

Collin closes back in on Shayla. “Play nice, my love.”

I swoon in my chair and Talon’s lips purse under my touch.

“Suck it up, we all swoon when he talks.” Jewls bats her eyelashes.

Talon bites the end of my fingertip and gives me a heated gaze.

I may have swooned over Collin’s accent, but everything in my body liquifies at the hunger in Talon’s eyes.

He winks, knowing what he’s done before kissing my head and leaving with Collin.

“Finally, who needs a drink?”

“Three tequila sunrises.” Ronnie steps into Ember’s space and plucks Dylan out of her hold.

“I’ll have what Willow’s having.”

All heads swing Ember’s way.

“What? I pumped oodles before leaving today. It’s a special occasion tonight, and I’m celebrating in style.” She flashes me her gorgeous smile.

Warmth coasts through me as Bex squeezes my hand.

When Shayla’s done doling out drinks, all side conversations come to a halt, and she leans on the bar top, scrutinizing me.

“It’s been bothering me since yesterday and I’ve racked my brain. You look familiar. Have we seen each other before?”

“I don’t think so.”

She studies the drink in my hand with great interest, her eyes popping as she snaps. “Peach-infused vodka! You ever been to Tom’s?”

Her question takes me off-guard and I squeak under my breath.

Bex coughs uncomfortably.

I recover enough to nod slightly.

“Did you come to my bar?”

“No, we sat at a table.”

“That’s the night she met Talon. I introduced them.” Bex perks up.

“Really?” Harley’s eyes are wide and curious. “When?”

“The night of the softball game. I finally convinced Wills to come out. Since she doesn’t know how to deflect, she was being hit on by some total goofball. I took matters into my hands…” She goes on to tell the story of how Talon came to my rescue.

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