Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76172 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76172 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
“You don’t have to go if you’re nervous,” Emmett says, his hand settling on my back as he inches closer.
“I want to go,” I assure him, knowing my face will flame red the entire time, despite everyone else in attendance being there as well.
I heard from whispering around the clubhouse that there are couples from the MC that come here, but I’m the only female who came tonight. I’m relieved no one else came because I feel like it would be extremely awkward to look them in the eye if I saw anything crazy tonight.
I try to discreetly look over at Stormy, Newton, and Oracle, knowing it’s going to be weird regardless.
“We can stay here,” Emmett offers. “We don’t have to go.”
I turn to face him fully, loving the way his eyes always sparkle when he looks at me.
“What do you have in mind?” I ask, my nerves making my voice a little shaky.
“We could order a pizza and watch a movie.”
I wait for him to continue, to offer something sexy. The man has the restraint of a priest, and not one of those naughty priests I’ve read about either. If he doesn’t come out and say we’re going to mess around, then I know there’s a very good chance that we won’t. I’m torn between wanting to tempt him into action and also being so quick to pump the brakes because he wants more from me than that.
It didn’t take but one kiss for Seb to start pulling at my clothes, but now I know better than to confuse attraction and need with care and affection.
“Maybe if we go,” I begin, “you’ll be so turned on that you won’t be able to shoot me down when we get back.”
“I don’t pump the brakes because I don’t want you, Devyn.”
I lift on my toes, letting my fingers get tangled in the suit jacket he’s wearing. He doesn’t hesitate to press his lips to mine.
“Getting an early start?” Oracle asks, always keen on interrupting us at the worst freaking times.
I sigh in irritation, making Emmett chuckle against my lips.
“You like torturing me,” I complain.
“I’m torturing myself, too. Don’t forget that.”
“Keys,” Oracle says. “But I could save a lot of money tonight if you guys just let me watch what you have planned.”
Emmett pulls away, positioning himself in front of me.
“You want to explain to the women at Hale-ish why you’re bleeding all over them or do you want to give it a rest?”
“Thank you,” I say, stepping around Emmett’s protective body and taking one of the tiny keycard envelopes from Oracle’s hand. “Quit teasing him.”
I walk away from both of them, hoping Emmett will follow me. I could easily be persuaded to stay in the hotel, but pizza and a movie is the last thing I want.
Emmett is facing down with Oracle when I climb into the elevator. Oracle is grinning from ear to ear and even takes a moment to wink at me before the doors close. I don’t know if his plan is to move Emmett into action, but I’ll take all the help I can get.
I don’t spend much time in the hotel room. I drop off my suitcase and take a quick look in the mirror. I’m wearing a new dress I recently upcycled. From the way Emmett looked at me when I joined the group in the clubhouse before leaving Farmington, he liked what he saw. Yet, he still somehow managed to keep his hands to himself even though we were all alone in the third-row seat of the SUV for the drive in.
I press a hand to my hair, knowing I don’t have time to fix it again before leaving. When I realized Emmett and I weren’t going to be making out for the over eight-hour drive, I fell asleep, sinking into the warmth of his arm around my shoulder. I felt safe there. Since I’ve lost a lot of sleep trying to stay on top of my orders, the rest was welcomed.
All three men are waiting for me in the lobby when I take the elevator back down. Even though there’s a part of me that’s urging me to take Emmett up on his offer of pizza and a movie, I ignore it and follow them out of the hotel.
***
“The white, please,” I whisper, keeping my eyes on the guy behind the counter rather than looking at Newton, Oracle, and Stormy.
I was going to pick this band color anyway, despite the fact that Emmett chose it too.
I glance at the sign with the descriptions of the bands and what they mean.
Stormy and Oracle got black bands which means they’re willing to participate in anything and everything. Newton first said he wanted white but then changed his mind to purple which the signage declares means exhibitionism. I can’t decide if that means he likes to watch or likes to be watched.