Page 50

Me: Cute. Come to Avery’s for family dinner.

Colton: About damn time. I’ve been waiting patiently to become a part of the exclusive family dinner club. And how sweet is it to finally get this invitation through a text message? Such a grand gesture.

Me: Don’t be a drama king. The bartender never showed and something tells me everyone here will be in need of a stiff one ;)

Colton: Bitch, what are you up to?

Me: Come. Now. Or you’ll regret not finding out.

Glancing up from my screen, Avery was chatting away with Spencer in the kitchen—looking two seconds away from needing to get a room—Peyton was on the balcony admiring the panoramic views of the Strip, and Jax and Sasha were in their own little world.

Escaping to the bathroom undetected, I pulled my phone out once more. This time, typing a quick text to Hunter after I shot off the address to Colton.

Me: Remember those family dinners I was telling you about?

Knowing that Hunter was likely sitting on his couch watching the game with his phone nearby, he answered within seconds.

Hunter: I do. It’s Sunday, is that where you are?

Me: Yes. But what if I said I wanted you to come?

Hunter: Are you saying you want to show me off to your friends, Andi?

Me: I may have slipped up and finally told them there was a man in my life. But I didn’t tell them who.

Me: What better way to fill them in than by dropping the bomb when you walk through the door?

Hunter: You’re trouble.

Me: So, is that a yes?

Hunter: You’re the only person I’d skip watching a game for.

Me: I’m flattered. Spencer has the game on anyway, so you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Hunter: See you soon.

The chef was setting up a taco bar, and I was desperately hoping Colton and Hunter would show up before dinner was served. For now, we all had a drink in hand, mingling about as we smelled the spices of the taco meat wafting around us.

My stomach turned, suddenly feeling starved. Or maybe it was the giddy feeling that awaited me. Announcing to all my friends in the most dramatic way possible that me and Hunter were seeing each other. Doing it this way meant I only had to talk about it once.

As I rummaged through the kitchen for all the ingredients to shake up a dirty martini—because the wine wouldn’t do—the elevator doors opened. I’d never been more excited to see Colton in my life.

“Who the hell—” Avery peeked her head around the corner, hearing the doors open when she wasn’t expecting anyone else.

“Perfect timing! Feel like making me a dirty martini?” I hollered across the kitchen.

“I don’t really have a choice, do I?” Colton eyed me up and down. “Damn girl, that is one hell of a cocktail dress for family dinner. I assumed everyone would be in their favorite pair of sweatpants.”

“So, why do you look all dressed up then?” My eyes roamed over his buttoned-up vest and dress shirt combo.

“Bitch, I just got off work when you texted me. How do you think I got here so fast?”

“Perfect. So, clock back in and shake me up your finest, babe.” I winked, before Avery and Peyton came prancing over.

“Colton! Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?” Avery asked, shocked that he was here.

“Well, this firecracker was the only one with a little bit of decency around here to invite me—even if she is using me to liquor her up.”