Page 158 of One Wild Wish

When her parents walked us to the door, Mason surprised me by pulling me into a hug. “Treat her nice,” he said so only I could hear.

My throat tightened. I’d never had a father, let alone one whose world revolved around my happiness. I pounded his back. “Like a princess.”

He released me, and Ainsley stood there, blinking rapidly—as though she might cry.

Once I had her buckled into her side of the truck, I trailed a finger along her jaw. “You okay?”

Still glassy eyed, she nodded. “Perfect.”

I leaned down, stole a slow kiss, then gave her a wink. “Not perfect yet, doll. The night’s just begun.”

* * *

I’d visited The Scarlet Lounge yesterday and had cringed at the sight of the stark club in daylight. The cavernous space, worn couches, and nicked bar top weren’t the backdrops I’d imagined for my romantic gesture, but it was where the girls wanted to go, so I’d powered on and had asked the owner for a favor.

Tonight the venue was ablaze with warm spotlights. A disco ball spun over couples and groups dancing. Others talked and flirted in clusters.

I placed my hand on Ainsley’s lower back as we met the girls and Jimmy at the raised bar. Introductions were passed around, drinks ordered. Conversation flowed easily as our worlds merged. Hanging out as a group was fun…even when she gave them the play-by-play of her prank, at my expense. She could tease me endlessly for all I cared. I couldn’t keep my attention from flitting to her beaming smile, her bright eyes.

Her quiet affection toward me.

Rachel placed her hand over her heart and said something I couldn’t hear. “Sorry, what?”

She leaned closer and yelled, “You guys are so cute. I can’t believe you’re together.”

In agreement, I squeezed Ainsley’s hip. She pressed into me.

Gwen plucked the olive from her martini skewer and tossed it into her mouth. “The loud music and yelling reminds me of the night we first met Jimmy.”

Rachel froze mid-sip of her wine. “Don’t you dare repeat that story.”

Jimmy was leaning on the bar, his shaggy hair and inked arms probably intimidating to strangers, like Mason’s rough exterior had been. But my old friend was as solid as they came.

He wrapped his free arm around his girl. “Don’t be embarrassed, Sunshine. I love that story.” He nosed her ear and kissed her softly. “It was the best night of my life.”

Rachel shrugged, feigning boredom. “If only I could remember it.”

That sent them on a stroll down memory lane, the couple touching and joking about an alcohol-fueled one-night stand that turned into anything but. They were ridiculously in love. It made me want to hold Ainsley closer, have her pressed against me, under me, surrounding me.

“Speaking of wild nights one can’t remember,” she said, mischief in her voice, “Owen got his ass tattooed and has no idea what the Japanese words mean.”

Gwen nearly coughing up her drink. “Can I see it?”

Ainsley went to answer, but I covered her face with my hand. “Not a chance. In fact, Ainsley made it up. She was hallucinating when we were stuck in a room.”

“Whatever.” Gwen eyed my belt buckle. “One night I’ll get you drunk and pull down your pants.”

Ainsley licked my hand, and I yanked it away, grinning.

“We’ll tag team him,” my traitorous girlfriend said. “It’s hilarious.”

Rachel raised her hand. “I’ll help.”

Jimmy crossed his arms, chuckling. “Can’t wait to tell the guys at soccer.”

These comedians. “You’re all dead to me. And you…” I pulled Ainsley in front of me, her back to my chest, my arms secure around her. “That’s twice tonight you’ve embarrassed me. I might need to spend more time with your folks, find out some dirt on you.”

“You don’t scare me, cowboy. Or should I call you Sinatra? Your outfit is a perfect throwback.”