Diamonds (All that Glitters #1)(42)

“I’d like a dirty martini,” she finally told him.

“If you like martinis, I’d recommend the Peppermint Posse.”

“I’m in.”

Eric flagged the bartender, and she scooted out from the bar. If Jude weren’t in her life, she would have been all over Eric. But not tonight. When the bartender appeared in front of him, Eric ordered her martini and himself a beer. Gates already had one in hand from another blonde bartender. She must have recognized him because her mouth was dropped open in surprise.

Her Peppermint Posse drink was not only delicious, but it was also potent. She could feel her buzz setting in quickly.

By the time their group walked outside, she lost count of how many martinis she had consumed. Eric was talking to a couple of football players nearby. They kept shooting glances in her direction. Gates was by her side but talking to another blonde. She kept looking at Bryna as if wondering her relationship to Gates and how soon she could get him away from Bryna.

Bryna ignored the girl and motioned for another martini from a passing waiter. The waiter brought her the drink, and she started downing it. God, this stuff is amazing.

“Gates,” Bryna whispered, leaning into him.

“Bri, not right now.” He moved closer to the other girl.

“I’m going to call Jude.”

He furrowed his brows. “Not a good idea. You’re drunk.”

“I’m fine,” she slurred.

Her eyes wandered back over to Eric. He met her gaze and smiled before continuing to talk to the other players.

“Oh, and, Gates?”

“Yeah, B?”

“Don’t you think Eric is hot?”

Gates sighed and shook his head. He excused himself from the girl he was talking to and walked them a short distance away. “I don’t think that’s a good idea either. You’re really drunk.”

“Do you think he thinks I’m hot?” she asked. Her head felt beyond fuzzy. She could barely keep her eyes open. What the f*ck was in those drinks?

“Every guy in this place thinks you’re hot, Bri. Because you are. And if I didn’t know you loved someone else back in Los Angeles, I would drag you out of this bar, back to our hotel room, and f*ck you.”

Bryna softly patted his cheek. “That sounds fun.”

Gates closed his eyes and ran a hand back through his hair. “We should go. I should take you back to campus.”

“But I’m having so much fun!”

He moved her to a lounge chair and sat her down. “I’m going to let Eric know we’re leaving. Don’t move your crazy ass out of this seat.”

“Or you’ll spank it?” she asked, giggling.

“Just don’t move it, okay?”

As soon as he walked away, she pulled out her phone and dialed Jude’s number.

He answered groggily, “Bri?”

“Jude! Oh my God, I miss you.”

“Are you drunk?” he asked.

“No. Okay, maybe.”

He sighed. “Where are you?”

“Las Vegas,” she told him. “I f*cking love this city.”

“Are you safe? Is everything okay? Do I need to come out there and get you?” He was gradually growing more fearful.

“No, don’t worry. I’m with Gates. He’s taking care of me,” she said completely nonchalant.

“Who the hell is Gates?” Jude asked. His voice shifted to something dark that she didn’t recognize in her state.

“My ex-boyfriend, but don’t worry. We’re just friends now.”

“You are in Las Vegas with your ex-boyfriend…instead of in Los Angeles with me?”

“Yeah. But I’m visiting LV State, and Eric Wilkins is here!”

“Bri, what the f*ck is going on with you? You’re with your ex and a college football player? Do you even know what those guys are like?”

“It’s not like that,” she insisted. “We’re just having a good time.”

“I know guys like him and their idea of a good time,” he said menacingly.

Gates walked back over right then. “Bri, what the f*ck are you doing? Get off the goddamn phone.”

“Who is that?” Jude asked.

“That’s Gates. Here, talk to him!” She handed the phone off to Gates and flopped back on the lounge chair.

Gates took the phone out of her hand and stared at it before answering, “Hey, man. I’m sure this sounds really bad, but I’m just taking your girl back to her room, so she can sleep.”

After a few seconds, Gates responded again through gritted teeth, “Yeah. I understand you perfectly.” He hung up the phone and tossed it back into Bryna’s purse. “Let’s go.”

“Is Jude coming?”

“No,” he said, putting his arm under her shoulders and helping her up.

“Can Eric come?”

“You’re not his type.”

“But why? I thought I was everyone’s type.” She squinted up at him, and then her eyes went wide. “Oh my God, is he gay? Is that why he never made a move?”

“Yeah. Sure.” Gates shrugged. “Let’s get you back to campus. Now, Bri.”

“Will you stay with me?” she asked, leaning her head against his shoulder.