“Ah, you’re just modest. I bet you have all kinds of hidden talents.” Tracy laughs and flags a passing waitress for another round of drinks.
While others humiliate themselves with more karaoke, the four of us drink, dance, laugh, and make small talk. I don’t dare venture into any personal topics with Daisy yet. Just from our limited interaction, it’s clear she’s leery of strangers and isn’t keen on giving second chances. She’s only beginning to give me the time of day now, which is a step up from how she virtually ignored me just a few hours ago. So I’m not screwing this up by pushing the limits just yet.
On the other hand, Kevin and Tracy seem to be very chummy, and no topic is off-limits for those two. Part of me still wonders if I shouldn’t give up and move on to greener pastures, since Daisy still isn’t warming up to me very well. There are plenty of women surrounding us who are staring at me, just waiting for me to nod in their general direction. For the sake of group sanity, I’m on my best behavior and trying to get along with the one intent on ignoring me.
More than a few guys try to approach Daisy to get her attention, but I intercept that bullshit before they reach her. Something about her draws me in and holds me hostage. Something I’ve never experienced before. On one hand, I feel as though I know her. On the other, she’s a complete enigma, wrapped in a mystery, and bound with a barbed wire bow.
I recognize a defense mechanism when I see one.
My attraction to her is more than physical, though I can’t and won’t deny that’s part of it. There are aspects of her personality I can’t figure out, and I’m good at sizing people up with a quick glance. Her secrets lie far beneath the surface, carefully guarded and intentionally kept. Only time will tell what they are because she’s not the type of person who would bare her soul before she’s ready.
After we’ve soaked up all the sun and rum, Daisy and Tracy get up to leave in the late afternoon hours. Tracy lingers behind Daisy before stopping in front of our chairs and pulling her shades down her nose.
“You boys try to stay out of trouble. Remember, no one will be themselves tonight.”
That’s an odd statement. What is she trying to tell us?
The first costume party is later tonight in the rooftop nightclub. I’m betting she will be there with little Miss Daisy Piña Colada in tow. In fact, I’m counting on it now, especially after Kevin’s endless flirting with Tracy all day. I wasn’t looking forward to attending the parties at first. Dressing up in a costume seems so juvenile at my age. I’m attending for one reason, and one reason only. If going incognito gives me a second chance at a first impression, I’m all for it.
The feisty little blonde with the rocking body, beautiful face, and soulful blue eyes is definitely worth getting to know better, even though she humiliated me with the drink down my shorts bit yesterday and shot down every attempt I made to convince her to give me a second chance today.
I’m obviously a glutton for punishment because her steely resolve only makes her that much sexier.
After she walks off, I cut my eyes to Kevin, and he smiles from ear to ear. “That’s right. You are going to that costume party tonight, and you’re wearing the one I brought for you.”
Why do I have a sinking feeling in my gut?
Oh yeah, because I’ve left the fate of my man card in the hands of my friend… who lives to humiliate me.
CHAPTER FIVE
Rod
“I should know better than let you pick out our outfits for the costume party.” I stare at the over-the-top ensemble in disbelief.
“What’s wrong with you? You’re over six-feet tall. Muscular. It’ll fit you perfectly.” Kevin has the nerve to sound offended.
“Dude. You’re dressing me up as Captain America. The most straitlaced, by-the-book member of the entire gang.”
“Maybe, but he’s also one of most lusted after members of the gang too. Women eat that shit up. Truth, courage, heroism, that’s what he stands for, so that’s how they’ll see you. You should make good use of the illusion while you can.”
“Are you saying I’m not all those things without the costume?” I arch one eyebrow in a direct challenge.
“Are you fucking with me right now? You won’t even tell your overnight guests to leave. You still make your little sister do it for you.” Kevin throws a barb back at me.
Touché.
“I can’t believe you two are dressing up. Both of you are acting like a couple of little girls.” Hunter leans against the doorway of our adjoining rooms.
“Envy green isn’t a good color on you, bro. You’re just jealous because this looks damn good on me.”
“I suppose you’re right. Maybe it’ll help you finally get laid… at a singles resort… that’s full of willing and able hot babes. But you do what you have to do, pal.” Hunter and Jace laugh it up on their way out.
Their jabs don’t bother me. I’ve never been susceptible to peer pressure, and I’m not about to start now. They’re two of my closest friends, but I’d never seek their advice for money, women, or life in general. If I want to find the best watering holes or which dating app offers prime selections, I may ask their advice then. But only if I become desperate.
The Captain America outfit has one distinct advantage. The helmet covers half my face, exactly like the one in the movies. In a dimly lit nightclub, with flickering colored lights and lots of bodies moving around, maybe I can hide my true identity for a few hours. Only long enough to convince Daisy she should give me a second chance. Why?
