“You sure do play dirty,” I said, trying to glare at her, but unable to pull it off.
“I know,” she admitted with a smile. “Say you’ll do it.”
“Don’t you need to talk to Gabe or something? It’s his honeymoon too, you know.”
Zoey waved her hand and answered, “Oh, he won’t care.”
“I won’t say yes unless he’s on board,” I said, needing to put my foot down about something, so I didn’t feel totally railroaded.
“Fine, I’ll ask him, but I’m holding you to it if he says yes.”
I stuck my tongue out at her in response, but she just laughed and skipped away, happy she’d gotten her way.
“Chloe, you’re up for Jenga,” Jasmine called as she stood up from her spot at the table.
“Who won?” I asked.
She tilted her head toward the board, where Serena was writing her name on the board as the winner of their matchup.
“That’s okay, I won my heat in darts and I’m up against Jed in pool. I’m pretty sure I can distract him enough to take the win. He won’t even know what hit him,” Jazzy said with a wicked smile, causing me to laugh.
“Good luck,” I said.
“You too,” she replied before sauntering off.
“You ready?” Shane asked as he set up the Jenga tower.
“Prepare to lose, my friend,” I said as I took my seat.
“Side bet?” Shane asked.
“What are the stakes?”
“If I win, we get that coffee we talked about.”
Figuring it was a simple enough request, and never being one to back down from a bet, I replied, “You’re on. And, if I win, you’ll come over and mount all of my TVs.”
I smirked, thinking I was smart in taking all of these bets that would result in manual labor, but I quickly realized my mistake.
Shane’s smile widened as he replied, “Baby, win or lose, I’ll mount anything you’d like.”
Oh, boy.
Chapter Nineteen ~ Reardon
Nothing better than a night of games, drinks, and great conversation with family and friends. Most of the guests had left for the night, some walking, some stumbling, but all with safe rides home.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better party. Thanks, Rear,” Gabe said with a smile as he gathered his exhausted bride-to-be into his arms.
“You guys did most of the planning, we just executed,” I replied, then tilted my head toward Zoey. “Looks like someone needs a bed, STAT!”
“Yes … bed,” Zoey practically moaned.
Gabe chuckled.
“Don’t worry, I’ll tuck you in, rub your feet, and let you sleep in tomorrow.”
“Have I told you how much I love you?” Zoey asked, the sweetness of her tone making my insides tighten with yearning.