But Knight wasn’t even paying attention to me, or if he was, I was somehow not seeing it.
“Sorry we couldn’t offer you a rowdier party,” Boxer said to Bishop, Knight’s VP.
“Plenty of time for pussy later,” Bishop said. “Anyone need another beer? I’m headed to the cooler.”
We shook our heads and then Bishop wandered off in search of another brew.
I let out a laugh. “You guys sure are fond of that word.”
“It might be my favorite word,” Boxer said with a wry grin. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your friend Shelly’s pretty pink—”
“That’s enough. You’re done. She’s engaged, dude.”
“I can take her fiancé.”
“He’s trained in Krav Maga and carries a pistol.”
“No shit!”
I nodded.
“Then I guess I need to woo her with the promise of my huge—”
I flicked his forehead, lightly, but just enough to get him to stop talking.
“Ow.”
“That didn’t hurt.” I rolled my eyes.
“It could’ve hurt,” Boxer protested.
“You’re a weenie.”
“You just called me a—Prez, your woman just called me a weenie.”
“She’s not wrong.” An easy smile slid across Colt’s lips. It transformed the planes and angles of his face. If it weren’t for the bonfire’s flames, he would’ve looked downright boyish, which wasn’t a word I’d ever thought to call Colt. But all men had the ability to look young and carefree, impish and up to no good when they were happy.
It was one of those moments where my breath caught and I thought about a time when Colt would have a son of his own and the same expression would be stamped across his face.
Colt stared down at me and I could see the flames from the fire flickering in his eyes. I wanted to tell him what I’d just felt, about the emotions tearing through me with such promise I could almost taste the sweetness of joy on my tongue. But we weren’t alone and now wasn’t the time.
“Prez,” Zip said, sliding out from the shadows and coming to stand next to Colt, pulling his attention. “It’s time.”
Colt nodded to his VP. He leaned down to my ear. “I’m about to talk to Sanchez. I’d feel better if you went to our room.”
“I’ll be okay,” I assured him. “I’ll hang with the girls. Safety in numbers.”
He kissed me quickly and then with a nod at Zip, the two of them left the bonfire, heading for the shed that was built just off the clubhouse where the boys held church.
“Another beer?” Boxer asked me.
“Hmm?” I was only listening with half an ear; my gaze caught Knight’s, who was still sitting on a picnic table top, not appearing as though he’d moved. Not even to get another beer. He looked lost in thought. Looked lost in general.
His eyes pinged to mine.
I suddenly didn’t want to talk to the girls.
“What’s Knight drinking?” I asked Boxer.