“Look at her face,” Sex Piston said softly.
None of her friends could miss the expression. It was like a kid in a candy store who was afraid to reach out and take the treat she wanted.
“I’ll wait.” Killyama’s begrudging voice brought a sardonic smile to Sex Piston’s lips.
“I wouldn’t expect any less from you.”
* * *
“My dick hasn’t been near your sister.”
Jane frowned. “Don’t lie. I saw her coming out of your hotel room when I came back from looking for the both of you at the restaurant.”
Cade scowled. “I never showed up. I went to my room, showered, and passed out on the bed. I was exhausted. I hadn’t slept since God knows when, and I didn’t wake up until the next morning when I went looking for you. Your dad said you had already left. You didn’t even give me a fucking thank you.”
“I was going to that night, but I saw Bailey coming from your room. It wasn’t exactly the time to burst out my gratitude.”
“She was not in my room!”
“Yes, she was! Besides, even if you didn’t do her, I saw you putting your hands and mouth on her.”
“I did kiss her,” Cade admitted. “If she was flirting with me, she wasn’t whining over that asshole husband of hers. It was the only way to shut her up until I could get rid of her.”
“Oh.” Fat Louise bit her lip. “I don’t know what to believe.”
“Believe me. I’m not attracted to her. You were the one I was attracted to.” His knuckles brushed her cheek.
“Why did you come to Jamestown?”
“Found myself bored, and I kept thinking of you. I want to get to know you, Jane.”
“Everyone calls me Fat Louise,” she reminded him.
His hand curled around the nape of her neck. “You going to let me get to know you better?” he asked, ignoring her reminder.
“I don’t know … maybe.”
Cade pulled back, laughing. “How about you introduce me to your friends while you’re deciding?”
“Okay.” Jane smiled up at him.
Leading him back to her table, she introduced him to Sex Piston, Killyama, Crazy Bitch, and T.A. Pike was still sitting there, staring blankly at Cade, drunk off his ass. The thought of him no longer excited Jane; as a result, she revised her plan. Taking a seat at the table, she scooted her chair over so Cade could pull up another one.
“Be right back,” she said, going to the bar.
“What’s she doing?” asked Crazy Bitch.
“I have no idea.” Cade shrugged, surprised when she set a bottle of whiskey down in front of him with a glass.
“Drink up,” urged Jane.
Cade stared at Pike then Jane. Opening the bottle, she poured him a generous amount.
“Jane, are you trying to get me drunk?”
“Of course not.” Jane felt the tide of red flood her cheeks when she lied.
Cade stared at her skeptically yet reached for his drink.
Crazy Bitch leaned over Cade as if he wasn’t there. “You done with Pike?”
Jane nodded.
“Do you mind if I give him a whirl?”
“Help yourself.” Jane blushed again at Cade’s censoring look.
“Do you and your friends switch men often? I might have a problem with that.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll wait until she’s finished with you first.” Killyama gave him her killer smile.
“It might be a while.” Cade smiled back.
“I’m patient,” Killyama quipped.
Jane couldn’t believe Killyama was showing Cade her humorous side that she usually only exhibited to her friends.
The atmosphere at the table relaxed as they sat talking about their experience in Mexico. Jane kept Cade’s glass filled until he placed his hand over the top, preventing her from pouring more.
“I don’t get drunk, Jane.”
“You call her Jane?” Sex Piston asked with a raised brow.
“I don’t like Fat Louise,” Cade answered. “Are you the ones who gave her that nickname?”
“Nope, she did.” Sex Piston nodded toward Jane.
She looked down at the table, not meeting Cade’s eyes.
“Why?”
At Cade’s question, she forced herself to look at him. “Because it reminds me to be strong,” Jane said truthfully. Every time she heard that name, it reminded her of all the times she was picked on. To her the nickname was almost a badge of honor. Not to mention God knew she had a hard time refusing food.
She decided to change the subject. “So, you can’t get drunk, or you don’t let yourself get drunk?”
Cade was silent for a second then sighed. “Never could. I can drink anyone under the table.” It wasn’t bragging; it was a matter-of-fact statement.
“Okay.” Jane stood to her feet, about to leave the table.
“Where are you going now?” Cade stopped her.
“Dozer has some reefer, and Bear has some blow.”
Cade’s mouth dropped open at her determined attempt to drug him.
“What’s going on, Jane?”
The women at the table cracked up, laughing at him.
“What she’s trying not so subtly to do is to take advantage of you,” Killyama said, practically falling out of her chair from laughing.