Page 50 of Holiday on the Rocks
“Once is enough. You and me sprinting nearly naked through yards being chased by a police dog?”
He pointed at me. “Bottom line is we made it out of there in one piece, okay? Although Allie cupping her boobs while running was about the hottest thing ever. We were living on the wild side.”
As my laughter subsided I was well aware I was there again. Sure, no scantly dressed running with boobs in hand, but I was presently living on the wild side with the wild one. We made it out of there unscathed that night, but my brain shot a warning flare. Would I make it out this time?
The waitress appeared. “Can I get you both anything else?”
While I was two margaritas in and officially buzzing a little, I raised my hand. “Two shots of tequila.”
She nodded and exited as Levi sat back in his chair. The look in those beautiful eyes made me shiver. “Tequila?”
“Remember crawling out my window and onto the roof with a bottle?” I couldn’t look away from his eyes. “Still your favorite?”
He let out a breath. “I can drink anything, but haven’t had tequila in years.”
“Really? It was your drink.”
“Not anymore. Not for a long time now.”
“Huh. Why?”
His expression was thoughtful. “That drink is tied up in my memories.”
Our eyes locked for a long minute as my heart thumped.
I wanted to ask why he never came for me. Never called me. Never wrote a letter. His number no longer in service; he wanted me to never find him again.
I cleared my throat. “For me it’s the opposite.” My voice cracked as the liquor took over my sentence. “I don’t drink often, but when I do, it always has tequila in it. Every time. Same reason”
Why did I say that aloud?
He let out a long sigh before leaning on the table and taking my hand in his. He grazed my thumb with his finger.
The waitress appeared and set two shots in front of us but our gaze wasn’t broken. I spoke without looking away. “Bring us another, please.”
His head shook. “What’re you doing, Langley?”
I batted my eyelashes. “Making up for lost time.”
TWENTY
LEVI
IT’S A BAD IDEA, RIGHT?
We stood at the bar, and I lost track of how many shots we had due to her cheering and jumping after each one highlighting her perfect breasts in that damn dress.
We bounced into a club next door which was packed. After much resistance the pretty girl got me on the karaoke stage. We belted out What I want, and we were fuckin’ awesome, said tequila.
As we made our way to a table, a group of ladies grabbed Allie and in an instant she was back on stage yell/singing I love it. With some booze in her, those cheeks were pink and her curls everywhere while she laughed and danced.
It was the Allie of my memories. Me stealing a bottle of my favorite from the gas station and us heading to the railroad tracks. She’d carry a blanket, and I’d find an empty rail car. We’d watch the sunset, get drunk, laugh our asses off, and be wrapped up together for hours.
I sat back and watched her in the dress that hugged every curve to perfection while taking my mind to a place it shouldn’t go. And the fact that I wanted a hell of a lot more than closure. I decided to look at all options to get my way. Sure kidnapping was illegal but not punishable by death, so I was keeping that in my back pocket.
A waitress brought over two more shots I didn’t recall ordering. At this point, WTF?
Liver: You need to stop this.
