of coeds and frat boys parts like the Red Sea.
Axel gives my arm a quick squeeze. “I’ll see you at the table.”
Serena is a vision in that tight red dress that dangerously hugs her every curve, and her hair is fanned out around her like a crimson halo. She’s got enough angel in her to qualify, but just enough devil to assure you she’s one naughty girl. She floats into my arms, and I land a kiss over her lips right here at the Black Bear.
“Whoa,” a deep voice strums from behind, and we find Eli Gates grimacing as if he just caught his parents knocking boots. “Dude”—he pinches his eyes shut a moment—“you realize the school is going to give you your walking papers for this.”
“I’m better suited for law anyhow.” I look to Serena. “You look stunning tonight.” I was going to say delicious, but I’d hate to make Eli lose his lunch.
“Right back at you.” Serena runs her hand down my tie, lower still before biting down a smile. “So, Eli, are we good to go?”
“All set. Hollow Brook Hot Honeys is ready for its trial run.”
“Perfect.” Serena’s entire person glows at the thought. “I’ll get the word out asap, and by the time fall semester begins in a week, we should be on fire. How much do I owe you?”
Eli glances my way a moment, and I get the feeling he wishes I weren’t privy to this conversation. “I was thinking since I put so much effort into it, and it’s going to need constant upkeep, that maybe we can split the profits.”
“I would think twice,” I’m quick to interject. “And I’m strictly speaking as her attorney.” I tick my head toward him. “And yours.”
Serena’s jaw is on the floor. “I just thought twice. Yes. You’re right, Eli. You’ve done basically everything, and it’s going to need a heck of a lot more help than I can give it. Partners?” She holds out a hand, and Eli shakes it.
“Partners.” He slaps me over the back. “I’ll be in the poolroom if either of you needs me.”
“Great”—Serena steps in close to him—“Harley will be here in a bit with Colby, so if you see her, try to go out of your way to be nice. She has a sudden aversion to your kind, and it’s not boding well for any of the males that get in her way.”
Eli looks as if she just asked him to eat the head of a live fish. “Harley has a natural aversion to me. I’m probably the one person who should voluntarily stay away.” He shoots us with his finger. “Have a great night,” he says as he disintegrates into the crowd.
Serena wraps her arms around me, still staring off in his direction. “Why do I get the feeling Eli has an aversion to Harley?”
“Eli? I doubt he feels that way about anybody. He’s one of the nicest people I know. Unless, of course, he’s got a thing for her.”
“Eli has a thing for Harley?” Serena’s cherry red lips round out, and about a dozen dirty thoughts crop up at once.
“Stranger things have happened.” I give her waist a quick squeeze and nod to our families who seem to be having a great time all on their own. “You ready to do this thing?” I lean in and take in the scent of her warm skin, sugar and cinnamon.
“I’m in, Collins. Stay strong. And remember, if you find yourself staring down the barrel of a gun, don’t be afraid to tip a table or two on your way out the door.” She tucks a quick kiss under my ear. “Don’t worry, I’ll hunt you down at your place and make you mine.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
We head to the table, and a small round of applause breaks out.
“What’s this?” Serena nearly falls against me, floored by the spontaneous ovation.
Sunday clears her throat. “We just wanted to show our gratitude to the two of you for going above and beyond the call of duty and taking a murderer off the streets.”
Lex winks up at us. “I feel safer already.”
Marlin growls, “But next time, leave the dirty work to the police.”
“There won’t be a next time.” I’m still so relieved Serena is safe, I drop a kiss over the top of her head without thinking, and just like that, everyone at the table freezes.
Serena shrugs. “The rumors are true. Shep and I are together.”
“As in a couple.” I look to my parents who look