Page 89 of The Perfect Spiral
I scooted in and the three of them resumed their seats, minus the girls. That’ll teach them to play with fire.
Except for Caleb, he is definitely getting that kiss tonight because they were trying to annoy me with those girls. He wasn’t. I didn’t see him with any girl. Well, none that I saw.
Catching Hannah’s eye, she leaned back with her gaze glazed over from the many drinks she had. Sending me a wink to say a job well done.
“So who’s kissing who?” Andy asked.
“I’m kissing Marcus and Alex and Caleb are kissing,” Hannah replied with a slur. I thought I was a lightweight.
“Well, we have ten minutes so get ready!” Andy beamed over at Kyle.
“You’re not kissing Caleb,” Knox stated nonchalantly.
“What, why not?” Caleb and I asked simultaneously.
“That’s not really a reason. I can kiss whoever I want to kiss!” I retorted, my voice echoing in the room.
“Kyle, back me up here. She’s not kissing Caleb!” Knox called out, seeking reinforcement.
“Sis, you’re not kissing anyone, ever,” Kyle responded, his eyes never leaving Andy as he gently stroked her arm.
Typical. I thought, rolling my eyes. I’m going to do it anyway. They won’t know. I huffed and sank back into the seat, but not before grabbing Caleb’s arm to send a clear message. As the countdown began, I slid my hand up Caleb’s arm, smirking up at him. I locked eyes with Knox as the countdown hit two, then one.
I seized Caleb’s face, pressing my lips onto his. I felt his arm wrap around my waist, the other cupping the back of my head.
“Alex!” Knox’s voice cut through the moment.
I tried to ignore it, but Caleb’s lips were ripped away from mine before I could deepen the kiss. Next thing I knew, Caleb was being hauled across the room by Knox and Wes, a grin plastered on his face.
Seriously? I turned to see why my friends were so quiet, only to find them making out with the guys they were paired with. I’m out.
I sauntered over to the bar, catching the bartender’s eye. I grabbed a napkin from the stack and asked for a pen. After jotting down my number, I slid it across the bar to him and beckoned him closer.
“Kiss me,” I commanded, and he did. His lips met mine gently, his hand cupping my cheek before the kiss could deepen. Suddenly, I was hoisted up and thrown over a shoulder. I knew instantly who it was.
“Call me!” I yelled back to the bartender, who waved the napkin in the air and winked at me.
“Nobody’s going to call you, baby doll,” Knox’s voice echoed in my ear.
“Fuck off, Knox. You ruin everything!” I retorted, earning asmack on my ass. I was pretty sure people could see up my dress. Great.
“Are you purposely trying to piss me off, baby doll?” Knox asked, his voice laced with irritation.
“Is it working? You’re the one who started it. Don’t play with fire, Knox. You’ll only get burned,” I shot back.
“Going after Caleb and the bartender? That’s a new low, even for you, baby doll!” Knox retorted.
“Bringing over a slut to sit on your lap like Santa is a new low for you, Carter. What were you trying to achieve, Saint Nick? Trying to find out if she was naughty or nice? FYI, what I did with the bartender was a bet, which you three made me lose,” I countered.
“A bet? What bet?” He set me down on the floor. We were in a quiet area. I was swaying a little, and Knox grabbed my arms to steady me. I smirked up at him, biting my lower lip. “Don’t do that, baby doll. What bet?” he asked again.
“He bet that... you three would... come over to the bar if we... flirted with each other and... teased each other. He was good, like really good! I mean, I didn’t think that last move would get you guys up, but it did! And now I lost to him! So thanks!” I slurred, the alcohol finally taking effect. I shouldn’t have done that shot. I’m going to be dying tomorrow.
“So that was all for show? You didn’t like him like that?” Knox asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
“Well, I gave him my number. I mean, he was hot! But yeah, we did that so he could prove that you three liked me, which I still don’t believe. I mean, you’re just protective of me... It’s annoyingwhen you cock block me. Like... It’s been a while!” I whined, giving him my best puppy dog eyes.
“Baby doll, stop talking. You’re drunk! I’m taking you home,” Knox declared.
