Nick laughs. “One, you don’t have a cock…”

“Fine! Vagina-block me,” I cut in. “You know what I mean! Don’t freaking block me!”

“Celeste, listen to me. Jase—”

“Jase!” I say a tad too loudly as I spot him walking back toward us. “That was quick.” I take the drink he’s holding out for me and take a sip. It’s mostly liquor with a splash of…sprite? I choke down the burning sensation in my throat as I swallow. That…whatever it is…is definitely not fruity.

“Sorry.” He cringes. “You took a sip before I could warn you. There wasn’t anything fruity. The only thing close I could find was vodka and Sprite.”

I let out a deep breath. “That’s okay.” I smile. “I love vodka.” Nick laughs under his breath, knowing I’m lying through my teeth. I’m more of a rum girl…mixed into a fruity daiquiri.

“Celeste, can I talk to you for a minute?” Nick asks. My eyes swing over to him. I know he’s protective of his friends, but he’s never tried to block me like this, and I’ve gone on dates with a few of his college friends.

“Later, Nick,” I say, trying to make it clear he needs to mind his own business.

He opens his mouth to speak again then closes it. Then his lips upturn into a wide smile and he says, “All right.” He nods and laughs softly. “I’m going to play poker. You two enjoy yourselves.” I’m not sure what made him suddenly change his disposition toward me going after Jase, but I’m not about to question it. Before Jase or I can say anything, one of the guys yells over at him to get his ass back to the poker table.

“Join me?” he asks. “You can be my good luck charm.”

“Sure.” I dramatically roll my eyes. “But you are aware every guy has at some point used that same line, right?”

Jase laughs. “I like you.” Before he sits in his seat, he grabs another chair and pulls it next to him for me.

“All right, now that Nick is here, we can play a real game,” some guy says, throwing some more cash onto the table.

Nick chuckles. “Shut up, Ross. I’m on a damn rookie contract! Your allowance from your mommy and daddy probably pays more.” The guys all laugh.

“Just deal,” Jase says dryly. His hand lands on my thigh, and he leans into me. “All good luck charms have to do something to create the good luck.” Before I can ask him what he’s referring to, his lips meet mine. The kiss is soft and sweet, only lasting a brief moment. Yet in that short time, my entire body shivers in pleasure, my heart picks up speed, and if I wasn’t sitting, my legs probably would’ve given out on me.

Jase pulls back and grants me a boyish grin. “Even if I lose, I’m considering that kiss getting lucky.” His smile widens, and I release a giggle I didn’t know I had in me at his cheesy flirting.

“Real smooth!” My hand smacks his shoulder playfully, and he grabs it, entwining our fingers together and bringing it up to his lips for a quick kiss before settling our hands in his lap. Nick eyes me warily, but I ignore him as I try to push away the butterflies which are currently fluttering in my belly. Nick might be worried about me destroying Jase, but right now, I’m more concerned about being the one destroyed.

I sip on my drink as the guys play. I’ve watched Nick play poker a few times with his friends when he lived on campus, but I don’t know enough about the game to know who’s winning. Several guys say they’re out. Then the ones remaining lay their cards down flat for everybody to see.

“Hell yeah!” Jase cheers. He swipes all the chips toward him then turns in his chair to face me. “It’s official, you’re my good luck charm.” And without giving me any notice, he slants his mouth over mine. This time, the kiss is harder, more possessive, as if he’s claiming me right here in front of everyone with this one kiss. Those fluttering butterflies are now attacking me as Jase’s tongue pushes through my lips. He tastes of vodka and sprite, and it feels as if I could get drunk from this kiss alone. I can’t help the small moan of pleasure that releases from my lips as his hand lands on my thigh and squeezes. But just like the last kiss, this one also ends much too quickly, leaving me breathless and turned on, wanting, for the first time, more from a guy.

One of the guys says he’s done and another guy takes his place, and then the cards are dealt. Everyone places their bets. Jase’s hand finds my thigh, once again, and he gives it a soft squeeze. My eyes find Nick’s and he smirks. It’s almost as if he knows I’m losing all my control to Jase. I don’t know anything about him: does he have a trust fund? Where does his father work? Where does he work? What’s his ten-year plan? But for some crazy reason, I don’t seem to care about anything other than when his lips will find mine again.

Tags: Nikki Ash Imperfect Love Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net