Tachina’s other family members were watching them with knowing grins on their faces.
“You ready to lose?” Tachina teased.
Her infectious grin brought his out. No longer would he think of Sydney. This woman right here had his full attention.
“It sounds like it’s time to humble you,” he shot back.
Her family cackled and tossed out bets on who would win between the two of them.
“What?” Tachina snorted. “Please. What are we gonna wager?”
He had forgotten how competitive she was. Anytime Kian played any sport, she was front line, rooting for him with her full chest.
“Not sure.” He shrugged. “What do you want?”
“Well, there is this purse I’ve been eyeing…” She tapped her chin.
“A purse? I’ll just buy it for you,” he said.
If it was something that she had been wanting, she should have said something. The woman was too damn stubborn for her own good.
“Can I get a purse, too?” Christina called out.
“Me, too?” Another cousin, Vic didn’t know her name, laughed and raised her hand along with Christina.
“Ah, no. Back away, skanks. This is my son’s father. Not yours.” Tachina stuck her tongue out at her cousins.
“Try something else. More worthwhile.” He winked at her.
Her lips curled slowly as she thought, then a wicked gleam appeared in her eyes.
“Okay, fine. If I win, then you have to pay to have my kitchen renovated.” She rested her hands on her hips. “I want something fancy like yours.”
“Full renovation?” He nodded. He could do that. Whatever she wanted, she would have.
Tachina responded with a ‘yup’ at his question.
“Fine,” he said. “If I win?”
“What?” She braced herself as she waited for him to answer.
“You come with me to Greece for a friend’s wedding.” A buddy of his was getting married, and they had chosen Greece for the ceremony. He’d already sent in his RSVP and had a plus-one down back when he and Sydney had been together. Now, he needed that plus-one to befilled.
“Greece?” Her eyebrows shot up.
“That’s my wager.”
She stared at him for a moment, then something flickered across her face. He couldn’t get a read on it, but then also her family was listening to their wagers.
“Fine.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and grabbed her foam shield. “I just hope you know how to lose graciously.”
“Ladies first.”
Her family cheered and clapped as they took their marks a distance away from the contraption they were to throw their foam shields at. Tachina stepped forward and nailed three bullseyes in a row.
“What the hell?” Vic blinked, unable to believe what he’d just witnessed.
Her cousins cheered and danced around Tachina. She moved away from them and sashayed over to him.