“Yay. Guess I’m stripes.” I studied the table, listening closely for what ball he thought I should go for. Following his advice, I lined up the shot and leaned over to take it.
His mind went blank again, which puzzled me, but I took the shot anyway. Unfortunately, I missed and it was his turn. I straightened and glanced his way with a frown. He sent me a smile, thinking that he’d take a couple of shots, but he might have to miss so that I could have another turn.
His thoughtfulness surprised me, since I knew he didn’t like to lose to anyone, but this was my lucky day. I mean… I was off the hook with Uncle Joey, so it could happen.
Ramos and Vinny finished their conversation, and both of them came over to watch the game. They stood behind Big Kahuna, and Ramos leaned casually against one of the unused pool tables. He looked so hot that it was hard to take my gaze away.
I heard Big Kahuna take his shot, and watched the ball miss the pocket, just like he’d planned. Hmm… did that mean if I won, it was rigged and didn’t count? Maybe… but I’d still take it. Big Kahuna thought about the shot I should take, so I got into position.
Leaning over the table, I lined up the shot. I caught a strangled sigh from someone in front of me, but concentrated hard to block out everyone’s thoughts, and took the shot.
The ball hit the corner pocket and I glanced up with a smile, catching Ramos’s gaze. “See that?”
Swallowing, he nodded, and I calculated my next shot. The best one was on the other side of the table, so I moved into position. Everyone shifted to watch me take the shot, so I listened carefully to Big Kahuna’s mind for advice on how to line up the ball.
Leaning over, I listened again, hoping he’d have more to say, but all I heard was take your time, take your time, which he kept repeating over and over.
After moving my stick back and forth a few times, his mantra was starting to make me nervous. Knowing I’d taken way too much time by this point, I took the shot. The cue ball hit the striped ball, but, instead of going into the pocket, it hit one of Big Kahuna’s balls and sent it into the side pocket. Oops.
“Does that mean I get another shot, even if it was your ball I hit in?” I knew that wasn’t right, but what the heck? Today was my lucky day, so it didn’t hurt to ask.
“Uh… sure. I’ll give it to you.”
“Really? Okay.” It was a shameless move, but I didn’t care. I listened to him for my next shot, and moved around the table to line it up. As I set up the shot, leaning over to size it up, I picked up a thought from Ramos. Only it was more of a groan… in his mind. I’d never heard him groan like that before.
As I leaned over to take the shot, it dawned on me. My scoop-neck tee gaped open, showing a lot more than I wanted, every time I leaned over.
Damn. I hit the ball so hard, it missed the one I aimed for and hit a grouping of balls behind instead, sending one of mine into the pocket by pure luck. With my mouth open, I glanced up at all three men and shook my head.
Holy hell. Big Kahuna wasn’t being nice to take it easy on me. He was being nice because of the view he got every time I leaned over. I gave them my best stare, but not one of them looked a bit sorry.
I narrowed my eyes at Ramos and lifted my brow. Why hadn’t he told me? His lips twitched, but he wasn’t about to apologize. It wasn’t his fault I’d worn that shirt, and I could hardly blame him for enjoying the view.
I rolled my eyes, grateful that I’d worn my black bra… but still.
“It’s still your turn. You gonna take the shot?” Impervious to my stare, Big Kahuna dismissed my antics, and smiled with encouragement. “How about you go for the blue four? It’s in a good place.”
Yeah… a good spot for him. I took a breath. How was I going to finish this game now? I didn’t want to disappoint Big Kahuna. I glanced at Ramos, and he raised his brow in a challenge, thinking your move, Babe.
I stepped to the cue ball, which left me facing all three men… of course. I felt their anticipation and shook my head. Before leaning over, I twisted my arm behind me and pulled the back of my shirt down at the waist, tightening it just enough that the front didn’t gape open so far. Quickly letting go, I got in position and took the shot, totally missing the ball.
I heard their collective sighs that I was on to them. Exhaling with disappointment, Big Kahuna figured he might as well finish the game. He sunk every single shot after that, ending the game with the eight ball in the corner pocket.
He glanced my way. “Wanna play again?” He could always hope.
“Uh… I need to go. But good game. You’re the best.”
That made him smile. “Don’t wait so long to come back next time.”
“I won’t.” I slipped my stick back into its slot, and both Ramos and I said our goodbyes.
Ramos followed me out of the bar, walking by my side to the bike. “It looks like you’ve got a real informant now. It should help your job with the police.”
“Yeah. I didn’t expect that. But it’s a good move.”
He smiled, thinking I’d made some good moves back there too. It was enough to keep him happy for a while. He looked forward to bringing me back to play pool again, as long as I wore that shirt.
“Ha ha. How about this? I’ll wear it as long as
