“Lookin’ good ladies,” says a guy from the table next to us.
They haven’t been discreet about their gawking, but what started as appreciative staring has escalated to catcalls. Annoying.
“You know them?” I break the silence at our table.
Raven and Eve turn in unison, then turn back, shaking their heads.
The guys smile our way, and one even holds up his drink in an air-cheers. “Let us know if you get lonely. We’d be happy to keep three beautiful—” His eyes move to something just over our heads, and his face pales.
What the hell?
And that’s when I feel it.
An electricity charges the air. The kind that makes girls stand taller and men slink in their seats as if a predator’s on approach. The tension in the air is palpable, and all eyes are aimed just past our table. I swing around and—of course.
Strolling toward us like they own not only the club but the air in it, is a group of UFL fighters. Jonah and Blake are up front with Caleb, and Mason is at their back. They walk with a swagger that makes even the homo-curious Eve push out her breasts. What is it about a good-looking man that makes a woman’s breasts take on a life of their own?
They saunter toward us. Jonah’s eyes are on Raven, and Blake’s are on me. I suck down the rest of my drink in the seconds it takes for him to step into my space, the sound of my gurgling straw greeting his approach.
“Hey, Mouse. Think we could get in on girls’ night out?” He throws his arm over my shoulder and hugs me to his side. The smell of rain and woods makes my head swim.
I tilt my head up to look into his perfect, handsome face. “Depends. You comfortable talking about menstruation?”
“Nope.” He dips his head, motioning to Jonah. “But that bitch is. I’m sure him and Raven are on the same cycle by now.”
“One more word about my girl’s cycle and I’ll cycle my fist through your jaw,” Jonah says from his place behind his wife. He runs his hands down her arms and kisses her neck.
Blake laughs at the verbal jab.
“Dudes crashing ladies night. Awesome.” Eve’s sarcasm draws the attention of the table.
Blake grins her way. “Quit your bitchin’. You come to The Blackout, you had to expect we’d be here. Next time hit up the drag club. Won’t find our asses anywhere near that shit.”
“Whatever.” She flicks her straw to point at Mason. “Who’s the new guy?”
He takes his cue and slides in next to Eve, his bright white smile shining along with his equally bright eyes.
“Baywatch, this is Eve.” Blake nods across the table. “Eve, Baywatch.”
“Name’s Mason.” He corrects then shakes her hand. “Did it hurt?”
She brings herself closer to him, tilting her head. “Excuse me?”
Mason winks at Blake, then swings his gaze back to Eve. “Did it hurt? Falling from heaven?”
“Aw, fuck.” Blake shakes with silent laughter against my shoulder.
“Are you for real?” Eve’s answering smile looks less than offended.
If I had to guess, I’d say she’s not as put-off by men as she’d like to be.
“Yeah, angel. I’m real. Real lucky I’m not blind.” He steps back and runs his eyes up and down her body.
She giggles, actually giggles.
Caleb smacks his hand on the table. “I’ll grab some drinks. You ladies want another round?”
I pull my eyes off Eve and Mason. “Sure, Mac knows what we’re drinking.”
He nods and walks off.
“You having a good time, Mouse?” Blake murmurs against my temple.
A shiver cascades down my spine. “Mm-hm.”
“You girls getting hammered tonight or what?” Jonah switches positions with Raven so that he’s sitting, and pulls her onto his lap. “I like it when you’re tipsy.”
She slaps his arm playfully. “No, we’re not getting hammered.”
Eve raises her hand. “I’m getting hammered.”
“What part of “girls’ night out” didn’t you understand?” Raven says to her husband.
“Hey, we wanted to see Rex play. If you want, we can move to the other side of the club.” Jonah’s arms visibly flex around her waist, betraying his words.
She kisses his right cheek then the left. “No way.”
“Raven, why don’t you tell Jonah what we did after dinner?” Eve’s teasing grin is met with a scowl from her friend.
Blake nudges my side. “What did you girls do?”
“Huh?” I look up into his eyes and see the sexy smile playing on his lips. “Oh, ah…”
I look at Raven for rescue. She stares back at me with eyes as big as beach balls.
“Layla’s vodka soda, Eve’s cosmo, and Raven’s cranberry juice.” Caleb drops the drinks in their respective places in front of us, and a waitress follows behind him with four beers for the guys.
“Baby, I thought you’d be buzzed by now.” Jonah runs his fingers through her hair. “Cranberry juice? Have a drink, I’ll drive you home.”
Oh, no. The cranberry juice was the kiss of death with Eve.