Chapter 117

"This is perfect," Kat said, settling into the middle of our plush banquette next to Nicole.

Bryce and I sat in the outer seats. I was next to Nicole. He was next to Kat. All in all, we formed a nice semi-circle. A gregarious waiter took our drink orders and liked that we were going to be serious about imbibing that day. We started with a round of cocktails and a bottle of Champagne. While we waited for him to come back, Nicole spoke up.

"So, everyone," she said, "I just wanted to lay out the ground rules."

She paused to glance around the table and look each of us in the eyes briefly.

"It’s really just this," she continued. "Nothing under the clothes until we’re at John and Kat’s villa tonight, okay?"

"Fuck," I sighed under my breath.

"I like it," Kat said, the sparkle in her eyes growing.

"Whatever the birthday girl wants," Bryce said, and his hand promptly disa