Theirs to Play by Kenya Wright Page A

seized both and handed them to me. “How about this? For every shot you down, I’ll give you a kiss.”
    Oh really?
    “And how long can this kiss be?” I asked.
    “A normal length.”
    “I’m not sure what a normal amount of time is.”
    “Five seconds,” she offered.
    “Ten.”
    “Oh goodness. Fine. Ten seconds, pervert.”
    “With tongue?”
    She parted her lips. “Just a little, but now you’ve lowered the time of kissing back to five.”
    “I’ll take it. However, for future notice, when you want to kiss me, all you have to do is ask.” I downed a shot and immediately regretted it. Scorching hot fluid burned my throat. It felt like my esophagus was on fire. I hit my chest and coughed.
    Of course, Dawn chugged one like she’d had a cup of water and then set the glass on the wooden surface. “That’s one. Can you go another or are your princely panties all jumbled in pain?”
    “Princely panties?” I looked at Selena who was now blushing and doing her best to hide a giggle. “Pour us another, please.”
    She did. Dawn and I swooped ours both down within seconds. This time even Dawn scrunched her face up in horror and looked away.
    Fuck! This stuff is strong.
    Dawn raised three fingers in the air. “One more to make three.”
    She’s either an alcoholic or trying to do something sneaky.
    “Are you hoping to get me drunk?” I asked.
    “Most definitely.” She gave me my third shot. “My theory is that if you’re at least tipsy, then I can persuade you to take your dominant male persona away for a few minutes. I think it would be fun to actually learn something about Freddy, and not Frederick the all-perfect gentleman with the smooth moves and perfect things to say.”
    “Sorry to disappoint you sweetheart, but the all-perfect gentleman persona remains whether I’m drunk or not.”
    “You’re delusional on that matter. Go ahead and do four more. How can anybody remain suave after six shots of tequila? I would love to see this.”
    “Watch.” In less than three minutes, I downed four shots. It wasn’t until I swallowed the last shot that I’d realized Dawn wasn’t drinking with me.
    She really is trying to get me drunk. Funny.
    I checked the window. The captain had already docked the yacht.
    “Are you going to take any more shots?” I asked.
    “No way. I’m not crazy.”
    So now I’ll be the drunken idiot while you’ll be reasonably tipsy. Great.
    “Let’s eat.” I extended my hand to hers and guided her away from that dangerous bottle of hellish liquid.
    It took us a few minutes to get to the candle light picnic that I’d planned. Although elegantly dressed we walked barefoot. The cool sand formed around our feet. That beautiful gold lace gown trailed along with Dawn as she strolled with me.
    “I feel awful getting the bottom of this dress dirty,” she said.
    “That pretty ensemble was made with the hopes that a sexy woman would wear it in an exotic setting. If the designer could see you now, he or she would cry in delight.”
    The alcohol began working on my body. I felt energized and courageous so much that I twirled her around a few times. Dawn laughed and danced with me. “I see the tequila is hitting your system.”
    “Maybe, it’s you that’s hitting my system.”
    “Wow.” She grimaced. “Please stop with the lines.”
    “That wasn’t one.”
    “Then add that to your book of bad lines, buddy. In fact, put it on the first page.”
    “Damn you.” I swung her around fast, her dress rustled near her legs. She stumbled forward and I captured her. “How about you let your guard down for a few seconds and enjoy the evening.”
    “Nope.” She got out of my hold and walked off, but I could tell, something had affected her. Her hips swayed more than usual. A brightening smile spread across a face. With each step, she explored more of the beach.
    Poor Dawn. She’s lost and doesn’t even realize it. I’ll make love to her tonight. Everything is working out the way