Page 99 of Stealing for Keeps
He cocks one brow but does as she says.
“Keller,” Vaughn calls from the game and then stands there expectantly.
“I’m out for a while,” Austin says. He looks at Lacey. “This is going to take a while, right?”
“Smart guy.” My best friend pats the ground.
I’m still uneasy about whatever she’s going to ask him, but I can’t deny that it feels good to be sitting near him. His gaze drops to my drink.
“Thirsty?” I ask and hold it up to him.
“Thanks.” He chugs it, then makes a face. “What was that?”
“Lacey made it.”
“It’s my secret party drink. Grape soda mixed with a small amount of alcohol so you feel a buzz but not so much that we’re puking before dark.”
He chuckles softly and passes the drink back to me. Our fingers brush during the handoff, and we hold eye contact a beat longer.
“So…Austin,” Lacey starts like she’s about to ask him the most serious of questions. “Blond or brunette?”
His smile remains as he considers the question. “That’s too limiting. There is a rainbow of colors, and I like them all.”
“Okay. Boobs or ass?”
“What is happening right now?” He looks to me for help.
“I have no idea.”
Rachel tosses her hair over one shoulder. “We’re trying to get an idea of your preferences. You’ve been at Frost Lake for a while now, and people are wondering when you’re going to ask someone out. You played the new, mysterious guy for long enough.”
“I didn’t realize I was on the clock.” He steals another quick glance at me. “It’s more about personality for me and having that chemistry.”
“Chemistry…interesting.” Rachel taps a finger against her chin. “So you’re saying it’s someone in your science class.”
Rowan plops down next to him. He has two beers stacked in one hand. He offers one to Austin, and I’m surprised when he takes it.
“What are you guys talking about?” Rowan asks.
“We’re interrogating Austin,” Lacey says.
“Oh yeah.” Rowan’s grin widens, and then his eyes light up. “Ooh, we should play never have I ever!”
Everyone agrees, and we move into a small circle.
It starts out with some easy ones. Never have I ever traveled out of the country. Never have I ever snuck out of the house. Never have I ever gotten a tattoo.
I don’t have to drink at all. I considered it on the sneaking out one, but technically, I’ve only ever snuck people in.
“You have a tattoo?” Lacey asks Rowan when he drinks on the last one.
“Yeah.” He pulls at the hem of his shorts, revealing the tattoo on his thigh. It’s some sort of origami bird. It looks cool.
“How have I never noticed?” She leans forward to get a better look at it.
Everyone giggles as she basically puts her face in his crotch. Rowan gets an almost embarrassed look on his face, and then Lacey realizes what she’s done and sits back on her heels.
“Okay, Austin’s turn,” she says.
