Page 87 of Beyond the Lines
I place down two cards. “Two fives.”
“Bullshit,” James says immediately.
I flip them over—a three and a six.
I sigh, then reach for the bottom of my tank top and pull it over my head in one smooth motion. The cool air hits my skin, and I’m suddenly sitting there in just my bra and underwear.
The rational part of my brain—the tiny sober corner that’s still functioning—whispers that this is probably not my best decision ever. But the rest of me is riding a wave of recklessness and freedom.
Look at me now, Declan.
Wait, what? Where did that thought come from?
I push it away. This isn’t about him. This is about me having fun, letting go.
Right?
The next few rounds pass in a blur of cards and laughter. I manage to keep what little clothing I have left, while others lose items. James is down to his boxers, Ping has lost her outer shirt but kept her jeans, and Ben… frustratingly… has lost almost nothing.
“Drink?” Ben offers, standing. His jeans sit low on his hips, and I let my gaze linger.
“Please,” I say, holding out my cup.
Em gives me a concerned look. “Maybe some water too?”
“Yes,mom,” I say, although I appreciate her looking out for me.
As Ben heads to the kitchen, Em leans over. “You sure this is what you want? Because Ben’s interested in more than cards, and you’re running out of clothes.”
I glance at where Ben is mixing drinks. “Maybe that’s what I want too,” I say, surprising myself with the admission.
“Just checking,” Em says, patting my knee. “You do you, girl. Or do him. Whatever works.”
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. “Maybe I will.”
Ben returns with drinks, handing me a glass of the pink stuff and a bottle of water. “Hydration is important,” he says with a wink, settling back beside me.
The next several rounds pass without anyone losing more clothing—either everyone’s getting better at the game, or we’ve all reached the limits of what we’re willing to remove in public.
Either way, I don’t mind. I’m having fun, the alcohol has me feeling warm and relaxed, and Ben’s undivided attention is precisely the ego boost I needed after weeks of Declan drama.
“I’m thinking about calling it a night, guys,” Ping announces after a particularly long round.
“Same,” says James, gathering his discarded clothing. “Some of us have morning labs tomorrow.”
“Should we keep playing?” Ben asks after the others drift away, leaving just me and him playing.
Em looks pointedly at me. “Lea doesn’t have much left to lose.”
“I think that’s the appeal,” Ben says with a smile that’s all confidence.
“One more round,” I say, my voice sounding distant even to myself.
Em gives me a look I can’t quite decipher. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, though I’m not sure at all.
Ben shuffles the cards. “Ladies first,” he says, dealing.
