Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Chapter 12
Brock
“I’m sorry, what?” Shepherd asks, laughing incredulously, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
“Yeah, I’m not getting up and dancing,” I say firmly, crossing my arms and leaning against the wall for emphasis. My stance leaves no room for negotiation.
Paxton had asked all of us to meet him in the ballroom, the same ballroom where we had those excruciating dance lessons a few days ago. Memories of awkward shuffles and stepped-on toes come flooding back. Only this time, he’s not alone. He’s standing with Hartford’s cousin, Ben, both of them looking far too pleased with themselves.
That’s going to be a big fucking no for me.
“So, here’s the plan,” Paxton begins, his enthusiasm palpable. “We thought it would be fun to surprise Hartford at her bachelorette party tonight with a dance performance.”
Ben nods eagerly. “Yeah, we just need you guys to get on board.”
I look around at the other guys, noting the mix of amusement and horror on their faces. Some are grinning, clearly up for the challenge, while others, like me, are decidedly less enthusiastic. The thought of performing in front of everyone, especially Willow, sends a wave of anxiety through me.
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Paxton urges, trying to rally us. “Think of it as a final hurrah before Hartford and I tie the knot.”
Shepherd chuckles, still not entirely convinced. “You really think we can pull this off?”
Ben grins. “With a bit of practice, definitely. And besides, it’s not about perfection. It’s about making Hartford laugh and giving her a night to remember.”
Despite my initial reluctance, I can’t help but feel a tiny spark of curiosity. Maybe, just maybe, this crazy idea might turn out to be worth it.
“We aren’t asking you guys to get up there and strip, or do anything sexual,” Ben says, looking around at everyone.
“So what are you asking us to do?” Callum asks.
I look over at him and shake my head when it looks like he’s almost intrigued with the idea. Callum, the man who has no fun, who doesn’t do anything but work, is asking for more details. He’s supposed to be the loudmouth protesting this crazy idea.
“Ben has come up with a simple routine that we can all learn quickly. We’ll surprise the girls, especially Hartford, and perform it tonight. It’s going to be fun guys. The girls will get a kick out of it and I really want to do this for Hartford,” Paxton explains.
“The moves are easy and I’m an excellent teacher,” Ben adds.
“We keep our clothes on right?” Tripp asks with a raised brow.
“Fuck yes. There will be no dicks flying around,” Paxton says, causing everyone to laugh.
“Everyone will wear matching shirts and jeans. Nothing will come off,” Ben says, chuckling.
Matching shirts and dancing, it gets better and better. I can’t be the only one that thinks this is a ridiculous idea. I look around trying to find someone in the room who appears like they may protest—anyone besides me.
“I think it sounds like fun,” Lake says, smiling.
I snap my head toward him and narrow my eyes. Oh this asshole thinks it’s a good idea? He thinks it sounds like fun? Just as I think it, he turns his head and winks at me.
All right fucker, game on.
“Yeah, you know what, I’m in. I can’t wait to shake my ass for my girl out of the bedroom,” I say, puffing out my chest.
“Too much information, Brock, but thanks for being in,” Paxton says.
“As long as I keep my attention on Anya, I think I should be all right,” Griffin says.
“Gross, that’s our sister, Griff,” I shout.
He shrugs with a smug look on his face that makes me want to be on the opposite side of the room from him during this performance. But, the idea of dancing and gaining the attention of Willow is kind of enticing, especially after Lake’s comment.
“You mentioned matching shirts. What the hell is that all about?” Shepherd asks.
Paxton unbuttons his flannel shirt and exposes a t-shirt underneath that says, Groom. Ben proceeds to unbutton his shirt and he’s wearing a t-shirt that reads, Groom’s brew crew.
It’s ridiculous and yet somehow hilariously appropriate.
“Wow, I hate that I love that,” Tripp says.
“Fuck, me too,” I say, shaking my head with a smile.
“So, everyone is in?” Paxton asks.
We all agree and he throws his fist in the air. This idiot is so excited and so clearly in love that he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. It’s kind of cool to witness.
“Great, let's get started on learning the moves,” Ben says, grabbing a speaker and syncing it to his phone.
We’re all waiting by the bar in Trifecta. The excitement is palpable as we toss back a shot. The club is loud and crowded with screaming women, laughter, and dancing. The club definitely lives up to the hype.
The dance Ben taught us is easy, just like he said. He also said we could add to it, if the moment strikes. Paxton says he’s going to give Hartford a lap dance and we’ve all been begging him not to do it.