Page 258 of Cross Check

“If you’re a cat, what’s Piper?” I touch his painted nose and laugh when he growls. “You’re supposed to meow, man.”

“She’s dressed like a jar of salsa. I’m dressed like a cat.”

“Salsa and a cat?” I snap. “Oh. I got it! You’re Pico de Gato! Your furbaby! Damn, Sully. That’s good.”

“It was not my choice.” Liam downs half his whiskey and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “If it were up to me, I’d be at home and fast asleep.”

“It’s nine.”

“Your point?” His eyes flicker to the door when it opens and more guests filter through. I look over my shoulder and follow his gaze, lighting up when I see Amelia in the foyer. “See something that interests you?”

Guess Emmy convinced her to come after all.

“What?” I blink, distracted by the black dress and the scythe she’s carrying. Her blonde hair is down, and the heeled boots she’s wearing make her at least three inches taller than she usually is. “Nope. Just ready to offer up some DC Stars hospitality.”

“Next time you try to lie to me, make sure your cheeks don’t turn red when you gawk at a woman.” Liam puts his fingers under my chin, closing my mouth. I think I’m about to drool. “Word of advice, Everett. Even when you think no one is watching, someone is.”

“That makes me feel like I’m going to wake up and find you standing over my bed. Thanks for imparting your knowledge on me, Sully.” I kiss his cheek and doge his attempt at smacking my hand away. “If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment with the goddess of death.”

It takes me a minute to reach Lia. The crowd has grown. The music gets louder, and the overhead lights in the apartment have been replaced with some laser show. I have no clue where any of Ethan’s furniture is, and I get stopped by someone who looks vaguely familiar as another athlete in the city—a soccer player, maybe? Or a rower?

By the time I make it to her, there’s already a drink in her hand.

“Everett.” Amelia’s eyes rake over my outfit. She chuckles at pink sheet wrapped around my body and the hat I’m wearing. “Are you a crayon?”

“Yes. I’m so worried no one would be able to figure it out!” I touch the crook of her elbow and brush my fingers along the flowy fabric of her dress. “And you’re a Grim Reaper. I’m not sure if Grim Reapers are beautiful blonde women, but we’ll pretend they are. You look very historically accurate.”

“Thanks.” She lifts her drink and takes a sip through the straw. “You weren’t kidding about there being a ton of people here. I can barely walk around.”

“And this is without any of Ethan’s furniture. I don’t know where the hell his sofa went. Or his television? Weird. Best not to ask questions when it comes to Easy E.”

“There is a disco ball, so I’d say he has his priorities in order. Gosh.” She raises her voice over the noise. “It’s so loud.”

“Can’t have a party without a disco ball. Follow me.” I keep a hand on her arm, leading her past a group of baseball players I’ve never seen before. I navigate us to the hall that leads away from the party. It’s quieter, and I smile when I can actually hear myself think. “Better?”

“Much.” Lia exhales and leans her scythe against the wall. “The last time I was at a party like this, it was at a frat house in Wisconsin. The beer was horrible, and I’m pretty sure eleven people puked.”

“Only the best liquor for our guests tonight, Ms. Green.” I knock my beer bottle against her glass. “And no puking. We’re distinguished adults around these parts.”

We’re interrupted by Ethan heading our way with two women on either side of him. He clasps my shoulder as he passes, wearing a grin but no shirt.

“Dude,” he hisses as the women walk toward his bedroom on the left. “I’m going to get laid by two angels.”

“They’re wearing costumes, E.” I shake my head. “They’re not actual angels.”

“The key word in that sentence was two, G. Double the fun.” He glances briefly at Amelia. “Why do I think I know you?”

“You probably recognize her photo from the guest list you sent out,” I rush to say, knowing fully well Amelia’s name wasn’t on any list. I made sure of it. “This is hot blonde number three.”

“I’ll say. You two have fun. Guest bedroom is open if you want it.” Ethan sways on his feet and waves at an open door on the right. “Condoms are in the bedside table.”

With a pat on my cheek, he skips the rest of the way down the hall. When the door slams shut and locks, Amelia gives me a sharp glance.

“Condoms are very important,” she says.

“We take safety very seriously around here,” I answer, and she dissolves into a fit of giggles.

“I can’t believe that’s your best friend. I’m surprised he’s not dressed as a hot dog.”