46. Skyler

We have identified Reese’s kryptonite.

And it comes in chunky pineapple mugs.

For such a little thing, she handles her alcohol pretty well.

I can tell she’s getting tipsy, but only because I’ve known her for years.

These new friends don’t know that her cheeks don’t usually flush that pretty color. They don’t know that she has big eyes, but they’re open a little wider when she’s feeling good. Like she doesn’t want to miss a damn thing.

I can’t quite keep up with Mitch’s friends—the rapid-fire conversation. I need Bo or Dusty to take the spotlight. They’re good wingmen.

Or maybe, I’m the good wingman. I’ve never liked too much attention. Never been quick enough with a joke. But I like being present—content to just sit back.

And I like being the one who gets to hold Reese steady. She’s telling a story about her sisters that has everyone on the edge of their seats.

I glance at Mitch, and he grins, his eyebrow popping up. I know what he’s thinking. Where did this little cherry bomb come from and what happened to that shy girl who used to chill with us in Josh’s basement?

She’s in her element here. Bright. Shining. She fits right in with Mitch’s over-the-top hipster friends, easily keeping up. Delivering the punch line of her story, she’s met with a chorus of laughter. She settles back against me, victorious.

When the four Boulder residents get pulled into an argument over the best climbing trails, Reese runs her nose over my ear. Her breath tickles my neck. I can smell the fresh fruit and rum on her tongue. I kiss her lips, intending only to get a little taste, but her tongue delves in. She pulls back just as quickly, looking flushed and pleased with herself.

Okay, now I know she’s had enough to drink. She’s willing to kiss me in public.

I study her bright eyes, the pretty red shade of lipstick she’s wearing. Bending close, I let my lips brush her ear. “You’re so beautiful.”

Her head leans towards me, nuzzling into the crook of my neck.

Her soft breath sends a shiver down my spine. My fingers trace up her arm. “You ready to take off, Kitty Cat?”

She nods. “I should stop while I’m ahead.”

I catch Mitch’s attention, letting him know we’re taking off.

We could have stayed with Mitch at his condo. He’s got a second bedroom.

But after the incident with Cody, there’s no way in hell I’m taking Reese back to one of their apartments.

We found a hotel right off Pearl Street. It’s historic and grand in a way the new hotels just can’t achieve. We walk through the lobby, taking in the scent of wood polish and old leather.

Reese and I walk with our arms entwined like we’re on our honeymoon.

It’s not my normal style, but I can’t help myself when I’m with her.

I open the door to our suite, and she steps inside. During the day, we could see the front range from the room. It’s dark outside now. She turns, lightly running her fingers down the buttons on her shirt. “I need help getting undressed.”

“I will happily volunteer.”

Crossing over to her, I slide my hands around her waist. “But no funny business.”

She frowns. “Yes, funny business.”

“No.”

I release the first button, exposing a lacy black bra.

“Why not?”

“Because you, my dear, have been drinking and I have not.”

She sighs, watching me undo a few more buttons. “There’s a mini fridge right over there. Get to it.”

I chuckle, loosening the last button so I can part her shirt. “Are you a little horny?”

“Yes. Very.”

I slide her shirt off and turn to hang it up. “You’ll just have to suffer, baby. It ain’t happening tonight.”

She plops down on the bed. With a determined look, she unbuttons her pants. “Then I’ll just take care of things myself.”

I watch, transfixed, while she slips her hand inside her pants and withdraws it, shining and wet. She brings her fingers to her lips and sucks them in. My cock twitches in response.

She smiles smugly at my expression, wiggling out of her pants. Scooting back to the middle of the bed, she spreads her legs, showing me her black panties. Her hand slips underneath them. “Is this against the rules, Mr. Thomas?”

“I think that’s allowed.”

My voice comes out in a husky rumble.

Her gaze slips down to my pants, where my cock is pressing insistently against my zipper.

She bites her lip. “Remember that first night? What I said?”

My heart starts to race. “You said you want to watch.”

She nods. “That’s right, baby. I want to watch you touch yourself.”

The tips of my ears heat up. I’m not sure how or when the tables turned, but I find myself on the blushing end of business.