Trust Game by Scarlet Wolfe Page B

are going to figure it out, or I’m going to kiss you right here, and then they’ll have zero doubt.”
    Everyone is quietly watching as the three of us begin to leave. We’re passing Jess when he stands and smiles at Reese. “I can take you home if you want to stay.”
    Aside from Jess, who must be dense or want to fight, I’m sure the rest of the guys are putting two and two toge ther, but I’ll humor Reese and not tell her. She’ll flip, and I don’t want her shutting me out or quitting her job.
    “I’ve got it, Jess. I haven’t had anything to drink. The rest of you have.”
    He smirks at me. “Why didn’t you drink? You always have a few beers.”
    “I happened to pay attention when I got here and noticed that two pretty ladies might need a safe ride home, so you sit back down and enjoy your beer.” I smile back as he eats his words.
    Glancing to Sarge, I point toward Trav and Kyle. “Make sure those two don’t end up killing each other tonight.”
    “Sure, and you remember what I said.” He gives me a pointed look. He’ll have to get over me spending time with Reese. Don’t be too nice he said. How about naughty?

Chapter Thirteen
    Reese
     
    “Every thing is spinning,” I say as Everett returns to his truck after helping Becca make it safely into her apartment.
    “It’s because you’re a stubborn, woman. I’ve only known you five days, and I’ve figured it out. You wanted to prove to me that you could be drunk and still reject me.”
    He turns my chin toward him. “Well, guess what? It didn’t work, and you don’t want it to.” He gives me a chaste kiss before pulling back onto the road.
    The lights through town shine in on his truck, so I take a look around it. “How many vehicles do you own?”
    “This, the sport bike, and I have a Harley Street Glide.”
    “Where do you live? I don’t even know.”
    “I’ll show you tomorrow when you’re sober.”
    I shake my head no, and everything spins some more, so I close my eyes. Dang, am I ever drunk.
    “Thank you for not leaving me alone when I’m being drunk and stupid.”
    “I could never do that, and you’re drunk but not stupid.”
    “ I shouldn’t have left him.”
    “Who?” he asks.
    “Forget it.” I feel Everett take hold of my hand.
    “Who shouldn’t you have left? ”
    “ I can’t tell you,” I whine. Why has he been in my head lately? The hold on my hand tightens, so I open my eyes.
    “Are you talking about the guy you were shacked up with the last few years?”
    “No, i t’s Preston.” His name even sounds distant. My chin is turned toward Everett.
    “Fancy face,” he keeps glancing from the road to me, “tell me you’re not seeing someone else and spilling it because you’re drunk.”
    I swat my hand, trying to move his from my face but I miss. “Why do you keep thinking that? I don’t date multiple men at once.” I throw my finger out at him. “Not. Ever. Mr. Casteel. Does someone have a guilty conscience?” I ask, giggling.
    “Dammit, I love your laugh, but you’re going to be out cold in a matter of seconds. I guess you found a way to reject me after all.”
    I laugh harder as my head falls back against the seat. “How about I promise to make it up to you?”
    “ As long as it’s soon.”
     
    ***
    My hands go straight to my head as the pounding hammers in my ears and spreads outward. Beer. Ugh. Rolling over, my elbow hits something, so I open my eyes.
    Everett’s shirtless and on his stomach, the sheet resting at his waist. Lifting it, I see he’s in his boxers, and I’m in a t-shirt and panties.
    Memories from last night begin to surface as I sit up in bed. I eye his shoulders, biceps and back, which are cut to perfection , a polished fragment of amber. A ring of fire tattooed on his shoulder blade only adds to the intensity, making the idea of amber more vivid.
    Inside the circle of flames is the quote, “The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.” He’s the finest