Wicked Sense Read online

  He’s clearly a few beers ahead of the rest of us. He puts a hand on my shoulder, as a big brother would do. “You with a girlfriend, Drake… I always believed you’d grow into a man.”

  I’m speechless by his backhanded compliment. His eyes show some pride. Or maybe it’s too much alcohol. Of course, he’s not done.

  “I still do,” he deadpans, slapping me hard on the back. Sean laughs.

  Wiping laughing tears from his face, Boulder continues, “Now, seriously, I’m glad. Hey, we could double-date. Are you up to it, Priscilla?”

  This is unexpected. We all stop to look at Priscilla.

  She gazes at her soda for a while, and then she answers. “Sorry, gorgeous. I promised myself I’d date all the guys in the world—and I already did you.”

  Boulder’s smile is gone for a second, but comes back soon, this time softer.

  “To tell you the truth, I don’t really like your decision. But I’m understanding. I can wait. So how about I’m the first one on your second go-round?”

  We all stare back at Priscilla. Who blushes. The Predator blushes.

  This is one of the most awkward moments ever. Thankfully, my girlfriend restores order. Skye grabs my arm with both hands and moves closer to me. “Sorry, Boulder, but Drake and I need a date for ourselves.” She stares into my eyes. “Our first date.”

  I like the sound of that. And her eyes. The blue in her eyes is the exact same color of the cloudless sky above. I need to ask her what this shade is called. Maybe later. Now I have a more pressing question. “Are we finally going on a date? A real date?”

  “And I give you my word this one will have a happy ending,” she whispers to me, her voice full of promise, her blue eyes full of mischief.

  Excuse me while I kiss Skye.

  ---

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Having just one name on the cover is deceptive. Many people were involved in the creation of WICKED SENSE, and I’d like to thank them.

  I’m forever grateful to the Writers in The Rain: Angela Orlowski-Peart, Suma Subramaniam, Eileen Riccio, Martina Elise Dalton, and Brenda Beem. Your friendship, expertise, and advice have changed my life. Reading your novels has been an absolute pleasure. Here’s to many more fries- and commas-filled Thursday nights.

  Destiny Makers and Wanatribe: you are some of the most generous and talented people I’ve ever met.

  Thanks to graphic designer Martina Elise Dalton for the perfect cover. To Grammar-Hero Alyssa Linn Palmer, the line editor of this book. And to Eagle-Eyed Amanda Shofner, copyeditor.

  Great friends and great readers Carlos, Flavia, Jose, and Lucio: I couldn’t have done it without your support.

  My family and in-laws: thank you for never looking at me funny when I said I wanted to write.

  My loving and patient kids: thanks for putting up with my long hours at the computer. You’re my own fantasy world.

  Jana aka Wonder Wife: I didn’t know the meaning of “love” or “life” until I met you. Thanks for teaching me.

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Thank you for reading this book. Writing a novel is a blast, but no easy task. Knowing that you got a few hours of entertainment out of this story makes it all worth it.

  I’d like to invite you to sign up for the non-spammy newsletter over at fabiobueno.com to receive firsthand news about the series.

  I hope you enjoyed reading WICKED SENSE. Please let your friends know about it! I’d appreciate if you took a moment to leave a review at any of the major book websites to inform other readers’ decisions. If you do, please email me at [email protected] with a link to the review. I’d like to thank you personally.

  All the best.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Fabio resides in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and kids. When not writing or reading, he geeks out with family and friends, solidifies his reputation as the world’s slowest runner, and acts very snobbish about movies. He loves to hear from readers and hangs out here:

  @_FabioBueno_

  Fabiobueno.com

  Facebook.com/FabioBuenoAuthor