Page 50 of Fly's Path

She tips her head to the side. “That isn’t going to stop you from looking for her.”

“Nah.” I’ve always lived life on the edge.

***

Two hours later, Sheri hasn’t stepped one foot from her cluster of friends. It’s like they’re engrossed in whatever conversation they’re having, which I’ve almost interrupted several times.

But half of a successful encounter is picking the opportune time.

“Are you going to stare at them all day or are you going to play?” Bear lifts his plate of cake up. He hasn’t stopped eating since the event started, not that I blame him. That is, as always, the best cake of my life.

The problem is the sweet I want to taste is twenty feet away from me, laughing about some story someone else is telling her. “Fine.” I walk over, line up a shot, and walk away.

“You aren’t even trying.” Bear grumps as he sets his plate down.

I'm not, but being patient is taking all of my concentration.

“Bram!” Bear shouts. “Come over and make this a real game so Fly tries.”

That draws everyone’s attention.

Interesting.

Sheri’s eyes meet mine, and she stops talking to her friends.

Perfect.

“Eh, I don’t know if I want to take Fly’s money today.” Bram saunters over.

“Yeah, right.” Though if there is a single brother who can come close, it’s him.

“Fine, if you want to give me your money, who am I to fight it?”

Several of the women stop talking and wander over to watch us, including Sheri. She’s still wrapped up in that coat of hers.

I hate that she’s cold, but love that I finally got her attention. Now, to keep it. “Why don’t we make it interesting?”

She’s the one who raises an eyebrow at me.

Now, I’ve really got her attention.

“What were you thinking?” Bram doesn’t really care about money, which he knows I know.

“A kiss. We have all these lovely ladies around us. If I win, I receive a kiss from one of the beautiful women around us. If you win, you receive a kiss.”

Bram raises an eyebrow at me.

“Are you gambling with our affections?” Sheri asks.

“I would never.” But I am hoping to score another kiss.

“If Savannah will agree to kiss me, I’ll take you up on that bet.” Bram walks over to one of the women…she’s got on a grandma-style dress that resembles a fancy doily, but somehow looks sexy on her, which seems really wrong.

The woman blushes. “I don’t know. What do you think, Sheridan?”

Sheri taps a finger on her chin. “Hmm. Maybe. Assuming we get the chance to win our kiss back. The winner has to play the woman he wants to get. If he wins, he gets two kisses, but if he loses, he has to pay a forfeit of the lady’s choice.”

“That seems more than fair to me.” Savannah nods. “What do you gentlemen say?”