Take Me for Granted (Take Me #1)(47)

We stayed like that, lost in each other’s touch, until a group came by to make sure we were okay. Grant seemed completely unperturbed by them watching us, but I laughed nervously and told them we were fine. After dusting the snow off our bodies and snapping on our skis, we made our way down the mountain.

After a much-needed shower, I changed into a pair of skinny jeans, a tight black undershirt, and my baby-blue cardigan. I draped Grant’s dog tags over my head. It didn’t really go with my outfit, but I never went anywhere without them anymore. I grabbed a peach scarf and my peacoat, and then I headed down to the lodge with Cheyenne, Shelby, and Gabi in tow.

The opening bands were playing tonight to kick off the music festival. There would be shows the rest of the weekend, culminating in a giant final performance with The Drift. Their song “Tell It Like It Is” was playing nonstop on the radio.

The lodge was a massive open room that had been completely renovated for the music festival. The main area was a built-in stage that was used year-round for local events, and rooms branched off of it with stages for smaller bands. A second main stage along with two other slightly smaller ones were set up outside in tents with heaters for day performances.

At the door, we slipped on highlighter-green wristbands that gave us an all-access pass to the concerts all weekend. I stepped into the room, and I admired the mass of people gearing up for the opening act of the evening. The room setup was like a log cabin with high ceilings, exposed beams, and giant fireplaces that blazed brightly. I spotted the band near one of the fireplaces, and for once, I took the lead and walked my girls over to them.

“I’m so going to hook up with Vin this weekend,” Cheyenne whispered into my ear as we walked over.

I just laughed, feeling happy and carefree. It was a nice change of pace for me. “Have fun with that, Cheyenne.”

Two girls I didn’t recognize were talking animatedly to Grant when I approached him. He hadn’t seen me yet.

One leaned up to whisper something in his ear and then her friend slipped something into his hand before they walked away.

I arched an eyebrow as I approached. “What was that about?”

Grant shrugged. “Just groupies.”

“What did they give you?” I asked curiously.

He unfolded the note and passed it to me. I glanced down and saw that a room number was scrawled on it. Lovely.

“Is it always like this?”

“Nah, Princess. Normally, I take them home,” he said, pulling me close to him. “But the only person I’m taking home with me tonight is you.”

I hadn’t doubted that for a second—okay, maybe a second—but hearing that helped.

“Oh f**k!” Grant groaned.

“What?”

I glanced over in the direction where he was looking, and I saw exactly what he’d meant.

Sydney had just shown up in the most outrageous outfit for a ski lodge. She was in a teeny-tiny skirt that showed off a large rose tattoo on the outside of her right thigh. She was shrugging out of a parka, and underneath was an insanely low black tank top, displaying her half sleeve. She was wearing some god-awful cowboy boots that made it look a bit like she was trying to be Daisy Duke. Eyes followed her as she approached us. She was all smiles while her boobs bounced with her wavy brown hair trailing behind her. If this was her normal clothing choice, I suddenly understood where she had disappeared to this afternoon.

“Hey, cuz,” she said in greeting.

“Didn’t I tell you to behave?”

“Didn’t I say I’d try?” She gestured down. “I tried…but failed. Now, where is Vin?”

My eyebrows shot up at that. Sydney is interested in Vin? Cheyenne was gorgeous and forward, but she didn’t dress like that.

Grant sighed and pointed Vin out. He was standing only a few feet away from us by the fire, chatting up some girl.

“Thanks,” she said with a wink. “Oh, Aribel…”

“Hey, Sydney,” I said softly.

I didn’t know what it was about her, but at that moment, she made me feel about two feet tall. I’d never be comfortable in an outfit like that, not that I needed that kind of outfit or anything. Wow. When did I turn into such a girl?

She flicked the dog tags hanging down between my br**sts. “Nice necklace.”

“Thanks,” I said as she sauntered away. “She’s, uh…something.”

“Ignore her. She’s trouble.”

“Sounds like someone I know.”

“You have no idea,” he said, slapping me hard on the ass.

I squeaked, and that only made his insufferable smirk widen.

“Watch this,” he said, gesturing to Sydney. “It’ll be entertaining.”

My eyes returned to Sydney, who had since pushed the girl Vin had been talking with out of her way.

“Vin, baby,” she cooed, slithering into his grasp and running her hand temptingly down his chest.

“Sydney, I’ve f**king missed you.” His hands ran down her sides to grab her ass. He looked like he’d just won the jackpot.

“Oh God, it’s so good to see you. I’ve missed these huge muscles.” She grabbed his biceps and squeezed. Her eyes fluttered closed, like she was going to orgasm.

I almost felt rude for intruding.

I glanced over to Cheyenne. She was standing not too far off, and she was watching the whole scene, like everyone else. She was fuming, and her face was as red as her hair.