Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 64885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
She was stunning, breathtaking. And everyone noticed.
“She's a Maxfield,” I finally corrected Asher, who patted me on the back.
I stayed locked in place at the bar, content to watch her, and checked myself every time one of my players practically drooled at the sight her. She laughed at something Daisy said, both of them heading our way before one of my fullbacks approached Serenity.
I moved before I could think, before I could rationalize that Serenity could absolutely handle herself. I reacted on instinct, catching my fullback asking if Serenity wanted to dance.
“That's my wife,” I said. “And I sign your checks,” I added for good measure.
The fullback immediately took two giant steps away, an apologetic look on his face. I gave him an approving nod, the tension in my muscles relaxing as Serenity's arms wove around mine.
“What do you think?” she asked, releasing me and doing a little twirl that gave me the most exquisite view ever.
“I think every man in this room wants to be me tonight,” I said, smiling down at her.
“You've got that right,” Daisy said. “You’re welcome,” she said to me before winking at Serenity and heading over to Asher.
Serenity’s eyes flashed up to mind, concern streaking there. “I'm not going to ask you if this outfit is okay,” she said, even though the tone of her voice said anything but.
I laughed, tucking her tighter against me, heat blazing beneath my skin at the feel of her bare skin beneath my fingers in such a public place. “You never have to ask if anything is okay. You're in charge. Always. And you look exquisite.”
She grinned confidently, tipping her chin ever so slightly. “I feel exquisite,” she said. “I had no idea how much fun it could be getting ready for a party with a girlfriend.”
I'd always loved Daisy, since the minute she captured Asher's attention, but that love ran deeper now seeing the smile and happiness she brought out in Serenity.
The booming music in the club shifted to a new song, and Daisy squealed behind me, hurrying between Serenity and myself as she grabbed her hand. “We have to go dance!” Daisy didn't bother looking at me for approval, and neither did Serenity as they headed to the dance floor.
I couldn't take my eyes off of her as I made my way back to Asher, scooping up the drink I'd left next to his.
“Remind me to thank Daisy for this,” I said to Asher.
“Oh, make no mistake, she's not doing it for you,” Asher said. “She happens to love Serenity. If you ever piss her off and Daisy finds out, I'll only be able to give you a five-second head start.”
We both laughed at that, clinking our glasses together before taking another drink. “I have no intention of ever upsetting her, but knowing me, it’s bound to happen. I'm happy to know she has someone in her corner willing to go to bat for her.”
“Always selling yourself short,” Asher said. “You two have come this far, considering all the bullshit that you've been dealing with. Any news on that front?”
I shook my head. “Doyle went off the grid. Even Dante's best guys haven't been able to locate him. I'm not sure what he's planning, but whatever it is, I’ll be ready for it.”
“And you know we'll be here for whatever you need,” he said, not only including himself but our other friends too.
I dipped my head in a nod, falling silent as I continued to watch Serenity and Daisy dance to the music. The last thing I wanted to do was talk about my concerns revolving around her father, and it was easy to get distracted when she was swaying her hips the way she was.
Especially in the outfit that left so much of her soft stomach bare.
After a few more songs, Asher nudged me. “I think it's about time we go join them, don't you?”
Asher didn't bother to wait for me, navigating his way through the crowd of people to get to Daisy.
Normally I would stay right where I was.
Normally I would never be caught on the dance floor.
But nothing between Serenity and myself was normal, and there was nothing more I wanted to do than be with her in that moment. To share in the effortless joy she was experiencing.
I made my way to her in a matter of seconds, more than willing to go back to my spot dutifully watching if she only wanted to dance with Daisy. But she didn't turn me away. Instead, she immediately faced me, wrapping her arms around my neck when I bent down to be closer to her level.
The music swelled around us, shifting to a sultry thumping beat that we easily fell into a rhythm with. My hands glided to her hips, gently squeezing as she rocked back and forth to the music, totally losing herself to the beat.