Page 22 of One Shot

“Thanks.” A pretty pink creeps over her neck and cheeks, different than the scarlet I’ve seen the last few days.. “I’ll stick to t-shirts then, but Amazon did wonders for my new themed party wardrobe.”

“Yeah, when I said this old thing, I meant I got this shirt in the mail three days ago from Amazon. Where else would I get a Hawaiian shirt around here?”

Lauren laughs at my admission. “Good point. I doubt we could find a store that sells them this time of year around West Michigan.”

God, the sound of her laugh is melodic, like a song I could listen to on repeat for weeks. I can’t hold back my own chuckle.

“So, team,” Lauren starts. Liam and Bren are paying attention to us now. “I’ve never done Beer Olympics before, and you know I am terrible at drinking. Someone give me details on how this works before I make a fool of myself.”

I’m sure it’s not possible for this beautiful girl to ever look like a fool, but there is no possibility of that happening when she looks like a tropical queen, ready to save her kingdom at a moment’s notice. Too bad she doesn’t need saving.

Bren starts to explain how the four of us, as couples, will divide and conquer games. Couples. I love hearing Laur and me being referred to as a couple. I swear when the words come out of her mouth, my heart beats faster.

I can’t believe I told Bren I wouldn’t make any type of move on her. Well, technically I said I wouldn’t fuck with her, and I’m not. I think I could be serious about her. Liam tells me to focus as he’s explaining the games we’ll be playing. There’s about ten of them ranging from quarters and beer pong to dizzy bat and flip-cup.

“Wow, that's a lot to keep track of.” Lauren is taking it all in. “And a lot to drink.”

“Liam didn’t even tell you the best game yet. It’s called puck and chug. All four of us need to shoot and make a goal after chugging a full beer before all the players on the other team finish.” It’s my favorite part of the night every single year.

“Why is that the best game?”

“It’s not,” Bren whines, “half the girls are really terrible, especially drunk. So it takes forever. It’s hard! Of course, the guys are great at it, but they play hockey every damn day!”

“Great, I have to be coordinated after drinking for hours too?” Lauren groans. “I’m still processing the other fifty games I’ll have to figure out how to play tonight. I am a professional at flip-cup though and great at beer pong. Nick taught me.” Laur flips her hair in confidence.

“Well perfect, you and I will dominate the flip-cup table then.” I hand her a light beer and hold mine up to her to clink against. “We got this, Laur.”

We’re about four hours into Beer Olympics now. Our team has won almost every game we’ve played. Lauren and I are up next at the beer pong table. Then we just have puck and chug left at the very end when all the teams have completed their games.

Lauren wasn’t lying. She is pretty good. She’s made two of the five shots she’s taken. I’ve only made one. She’s making me look bad.

“Not sure if you would have gotten your title as captain if you played basketball instead of hockey.” Lauren teases when I miss a shot after she sinks yet another ball in. I love when she teases me. She seems happy, carefree, and almost giddy.

“I swear I’m never this bad. Maybe you’re bad luck!”

“You take that back, Lucas Donato! I am the furthest thing from bad luck.”

“We’ll see, Lauren Bellinger. Right now, it’s not looking that way.”

“Fine. I’ll prove it.”

Before I can say anything back, Laur turns towards me with a flirty smile that I haven’t seen before. Her bright eyes are brimming witheagerness. Then, she leans in and kisses me. The music and party fade away as I taste the beer that lingers on her lips mixed with her fruity lip balm. Her lips are softer than any mind could dream up, almost like wispy whimsical clouds of pure pink perfection. I know I will never be able to get enough of them. Her skin is soft and heated with passion as I graze her cheek to cup her face and pull her in closer. I brace myself on the table with my other hand to stay upright, stunned that Laur’s lips are pressed against mine. She hated me this morning. I have no idea what’s happening. But I do know Lauren Bellinger is going to be more than just my good luck charm. Holy hell, I need more of this angel, so much more.

Lauren Bellinger, you are going to be mine.

Chapter fifteen

Laur

Warning bells and caution signs fill my head as I take in what I just did. Shit. What am I doing? I just kissed him. Why did I do that? I was just coming to terms with wanting to be his friend, then I go and do that?Stupid alcohol. I can’t let him know I’m spiraling in my head about it. I need to play it cool.

“Now shoot, Captain.”

If it wouldn’t be obvious, I would pat myself on the back with pride at how I managed to mask the shakiness in my voice. He aims for the island shot—and makes it! A few minutes later, we’ve won the game.

“Guess you were right, Laur. You are good luck. Good thing you’ll be at all our games this season.”

While Lucas chats with our opponents, I quickly find a place to sneak off to sit, relax, and hide my now scarlet red face from Lucas. I am getting in way over my head. The last game we have is puck and chug. Lucas saunters over, asking if he can join me as he hands me a solo cup filled to the brim with beer. I definitely should not drink it after having made the stupid decision to kiss him. I didn’t even think it through; I just reacted to the flirtatious atmosphere between us.What was I thinking?I got swept up in the moment. I need to tell Bren about this stat and hope Lucas never brings it up.

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