“Okay.” It’s lame as far as replies go, but that’s all that I’ve got. He releases me, and I follow Laramie and Sara out of the suite. I assume they had their own goodbyes and were too busy to see mine.
“What was that?” Laramie asks.
“That was hot,” Sara replies.
“It was a peck on the lips.” I downplay their comments.
“It might have just been a peck, but he looked like he wanted to eat you alive.” This from Sara, with Laramie nodding her agreement.
I wanted him too. “Nah, just nervous about us going out on our own.”
“I know my brother. He wants you,” Laramie says, adamant that she’s correct.
I wish she was. “Enough about Rip. This is your bachelorette party. Let’s do this.” Luckily all conversation about Rip and me halts, and we make our way to the hotel bar to get this night started.
Chapter 15
Rip
The guys and I followed the ladies down to the hotel bar. We stayed back, so they didn’t think we were spying on them. I’ve heard stories of Sin City, and the thought of something happening to any of them has me on edge. When they left the hotel to explore the strip, it took every ounce of willpower I could muster not to trail along behind them. Since then, I’ve checked my phone what feels like a million times waiting for a text from McKenna.
The three of us decided to stay here. We thought it made more sense to let the ladies know where we would be if they needed us. The bar at our hotel made the most sense. Besides, this is the place where we’re meeting up with them to finish the night out as a group.
“It’s been twenty minutes,” I say, taking a drink of my lukewarm beer. It’s only my second of the night. I’m taking it slow until the girls are with us again. The last thing I need is to be sloppy drunk, and McKenna or my sister to call and need me. Not on my watch. Not until they’re with me.
“They’re still at the casino down the street,” Colby says, staring at his phone.
“That”—I point to his phone—“is genius.”
“Yeah, and it was Lara’s idea. She read an article that this app saved a guy working on a ranch a few towns over. He wasn’t answering, and his wife was worried, so she pulled up the app and located him. She was able to go to his exact location and call for help. He’d fallen and broken his leg or something. I don’t really remember the details, but Laramie was insistent that we get the app.”
“We’re getting that,” I mutter to myself.
“We’re?” Corbin asks.
“Kenna.”
“What’s up with that?” Colby asks. “Are the two of you together?”
“We will be.”
“What does that mean?” Corbin laughs.
“It means I’m working on it,” I say as my phone vibrates in my hand.
McKenna: We’re still at the casino
It’s followed by a picture of the three of them. Laramie is wearing a crown of some sort on her head with a sash that says Bride. McKenna and Sara are wearing sashes as well that say Bride Tribe. I can’t help but smile. All three of them are lookers, their eyes glassy, and their smiles are wide. They definitely look like they’re having a good time.
“What are you smiling at over there?” Corbin asks.
I turn my phone to show him, and then Colby. “They’re living it up.” I chuckle.
“I’m glad she’s having fun, but I’m ready for them to come back,” Corbin says, taking a drink of his beer.
“What about you?” I ask Corbin. “You missing your girl?”
“I’m not obsessing like the two of you, but I wouldn’t mind sharing a drink or two with her.” He’s trying to act cool and nonchalant, but he’s been my best friend my entire life. I know better.
“You can admit it. You’re into her.”
“Yeah, I mean, I like her, but I’m not ready to propose marriage like this guy.” He motions toward his brother. “Or make her install an app so I can track her like you.” He points at me.
“Hey, don’t judge. I just want to keep her safe. It was his idea.” I lift my chin toward Colby.
“No. It was your sister’s idea, and to be honest, I’ve not really used it. I did a couple of times planning a surprise dinner for her at the house, so I could see how close she was. Tonight is really the first time I’ve used it to track her location.”
“Y’all sound like creepers.”
“Love will do that to you,” Colby replies.
“That what this is, man? With Mac? Are you in love with her?”
“I could be.” That’s a lie. I’m pretty sure the way my heart races when she’s close, or even if I just hear her name, and the way my palms itch to touch her, or maybe the way she’s the first and last thought I have every single day says I’m well on my way to love, if not already there. I’ve known her for years, and this… crush that I have isn’t new. I’ve just been biding my time, and that time is now.