Page 29 of Weathering The Storm

It almost tanks my aim. Almost.

I win the next two legs, but not by enough of a margin for comfort, and Nick settles back in—winning the fourth. The next six victories we trade back and forth. 3-3. 4-4. 5-5.

The game’s so close, Amalie’s other customers have joined the sidelines to place bets with the crew. Nick bought everybody a pitcher of beer that he announced was really onme, if I lose. He seemed so proud to be in on the shenanigans for once, I folded without protest.

Since we upped the stakes, we’veneverhad a game go to eleven rounds, but tonight is the sort of night where nevers go to die. I never thought Nick and I would have that secret language only couples do, but I’ve spent so long reading him, it comes naturally. Even the qualities that are new—the smoky haze of lust in his eyes, the way he leans into me instead of away.

I’ve never had this much fun, either. We’re drinking, laughing, sweating. Brushing hands, hips, and thighs when no one is looking.

Yesterday morning we were just friends, but I’ve already forgotten all about what that was like. For the sake of thepromise I made Nick, I’m trying, butcanI keep a secret? Or can everyone tell I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life? Can they tell it’s because of him?

Jorgensen’s got the guys started on a chant whenever Nick goes up to throw.Cap-tain, cap-tain, cap-tain. I don’t know whether Nick is internalizing the rhythm to time his throws or what, but he’s slinging those darts steady and accurate. Matching me point for point as we switch back and forth.

Finally, I have 112 left. He has 118.

It’s my turn. If I can nail this round, it’s game over. Not easy, but doable.

Nick clears his last throw and tucks the darts into his pocket, snagging his beer off the table on the way over and taking a sip. When he gets to me, there’s a thin line of foam caught on his stubble. I’m dying to lick it off.

The smell of hops on his breath and soap on his skin washes over me as he shifts his weight onto one hip. Dipping his chin to keep his next words between the two of us.

“You look good, Seth. I wish I would’ve told you earlier, but you make me nervous.”

My body heats like I’m hugging a damn exhaust manifold. I know he’s fucking with me, but I can feel that he means it, too. He said it like he’s been holding back all night, and the alcohol finally knocked the confession loose.

I’m not wearing anything special. A gray sweater, a pair of jeans, and an old leather jacket—the same street clothes I always bringfor a rare day at port. But then again, I’ve seen him in the clothes he’s wearing dozens of times too, and now that I know what’s underneath them, it’s only made me want to get him out of them more.

“Just good?” I tease back. “I need to step it up. Yesterday I was gorgeous.”

Nick glances over his shoulder to make sure our crew isn’t paying attention to us, even though their ruckus is doing a fine job overpowering our conversation. “Well, yesterday you were naked…”

I press my tongue against the inside corner of my lip. “Is this your strategy?”

“Is it working? Or am I the only one distracted by how bad I want you?”

Fuck no.

“Seth’s turn!” someone shouts in the background.

I know that. At least, I used to.

But I’m still breathing in the smell of whiskey and beer andNickuntil I can taste all three. I’m still thinking about getting naked with him again.

I try to shake the image and focus, calculating my path to victory. I’m aiming for the 12, the Double 20, and the Treble 20.

I hit the 20, the 1, and the fuckingwall.

The only ones upset about it are the guys who just put money on me, ignorant to how my opponent happens to be the one thing in this world that rattles my focus.

But me? I take one look at Nick’s self-satisfied grin, and I laugh.

“I didn’t think that would actually work,” he says as he steps up to the line.

I reach for my beer on the table and down the last two inches. “What can I say? You fuck me up, Nicky. Always have.”

His eyes track me as I go to retrieve my darts and stand out of the way.

Everybody falls silent.