Hot Holidays

CHAPTER 8: Ellie

CHAPTER 8: Ellie

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Ellie stared horrified at Adrian. His eyes were closed, and tequila dripped down his face. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—"

“Now, that was rude,” said Harker. “Drink twice.”

“No.” Adrian opened his eyes and snatched the tequila bottle. “No more.”

A snort of laughter slipped through Alison’s hand which was firmly clamped over her mouth. Ellie bit her lip. Laughing at Adrian at this moment wouldn’t be a good idea, but a giggle worked its way up her throat.

“Don’t you dare laugh.” Adrian gave her a stern look as he grabbed a napkin from under his drink and wiped his face, but his eyes sparkled. “This isn’t funny.”

“And that’s a lie,” said Harker, a half-smile on his handsome face.

“I’m allowed to lie.” Adrian tossed the wet napkin onto the table. “She’s not.”

“I am too. I’m just not allowed to be wrong and I’m not.”

“You’re wrong. Unbelievably wrong. You said Paige was my girlfriend and that is so not true.”

“I don’t recall saying that.” She lied. The thought of him and that young woman had made her stomach twist, saying the words had been like expelling something bitter.

“You did,” said the other three together.

“No. I don’t think I did.” Everyone was drunk. Maybe she could convince them that they’re wrong.

“You”—Adrian grabbed Ellie’s chin, moving slowly toward her until his lips almost touched hers. She couldn’t stop her mouth from opening slightly. She wanted this kiss, needed it.—“are a poor loser.”

“What?” She couldn’t believe he’d said that. She shoved his hand away from her face.

“You heard me.” He leaned back on his seat.

“I am not. I just don’t remember using the term girlfriend.”

“You did,” said Harker.

She glanced at her friend and Alison nodded.

“Fine. I’m not a poor loser. If all of you think I said it then I guess I’ll take your word.”

“Good.” Adrian stood. “Let’s go.”

“No. Not yet.” She wasn’t ready to be alone with him. She wanted him but she also wanted this night to continue. “It’s not midnight. There’s still plenty of time for you to do something so annoying and stupid that those two will agree.”

“Okay Cinderella but as soon as the clock strikes midnight, we leave.” Adrian waved over the waitress. “There’s been a slight...accident.” He frowned at Ellie. “Can I get more napkins and a glass of water?”

“Sure.” The waitress handed him some napkins from her tray, her fingers brushing over his. “I’ll be right back with the water.” Her hand rested on his shoulder, sliding down his arm as she walked away, her bottom swishing in her short shorts.

This was so typical. Women were drawn to alpha males like flies to s**t and Ellie was done pretending she didn’t notice the flirting. She refused to get involved with another cheater. Fortunately for her she had a lifetime of dealing with alpha a-holes. She knew exactly how to press their buttons and make them show their true jerkiness to everyone. She stood.

“Where are you going?” asked Adrian.

“To dance.” She loved to dance. She hadn’t gone out on the floor earlier because Alison hated dancing and then she’d been having fun with their game. Now, Alison had plenty of company and the quickest way to make a caveman act like a caveman was to make him jealous. Every guy she’d ever dated seemed to live by the belief that they could flirt and f**k other women, but their woman had better not even look at another guy. She was definitely going to do more than look.

“Sounds good.” He stood.

“You’re not invited.”

“Ouch,” said Harker. “And I thought Alison was mean.”