Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“The mattress I slept on was very comfortable.”
“That’s good, but there seems to be a reoccurring problem.”
“What kind of problem?” Her eyebrows shoot up.
“Both nights, you passed out as soon as you hit my arms. Wondering if you find me boring.”
“You’re cuddly, not boring.”
“Cuddly?”
“I am surprised, myself. All that hard, rippled muscle actually makes for a comfy platform.”
“Descriptions like cuddly and comfy are compliments?”
“Oh, come on. You know what you look like. You’re a big guy. Don’t act like it’s a hit to your ego.”
“Glad to know my hard, rippled muscles are comfy.”
She rolls her eyes. “I take it back. I was exhausted. Starting tonight, I’ll take it easy.”
“That’ll be a first.”
“I know how to relax!”
“Babe, you work fifty hours a week at your day job, then turn around and work another fifteen at a blue bar by choice. I recently discovered when not getting up to no good with Harley, you’re being swindled by your geriatric neighbors. None of that seems relaxing.”
“Look who’s talking! You get up before the roosters to work out for fun! What kind of madness is that? Plus your job, your friends, weekends with the Reserves. You’re not exactly the poster child for zen.”
“Touché.”
“As a matter of fact, you interrupted my relaxation of sunbathing with your ridiculousness.”
My finger travels along her ribcage, tracing the curve of her breast. Her breath hitches and her body does a little shiver. “I’m not apologizing for wanting my gorgeous girlfriend to cover herself completely so my asshole friends don’t get any wise ideas.”
There’s a flicker in her eyes before she rolls back and pulls the strap to clasp with an overly aggressive yank. “Fine.”
“Don’t get dressed on my account.” Talon strides our way with a smug grin. “I rather enjoy nude sunbathing.”
“If he lays you out, don’t look at me for stitches.” Ford rounds the outdoor kitchen carrying a tray of burgers.
“Is that more food?” Jewls asks, completely twisting in the lounger. “Didn’t we just eat breakfast?”
“Two hours ago.” I take advantage of her position, running my hand along her thigh.
“I’m still stuffed.”
I trail my hand over her hip and rest it on her stomach, rolling my thumb around her navel. “We’re not cooking until Ace and Jay get back. You have time.”
“There’s no way. I need to fast for two days after this weekend.”
I bend to kiss her quickly and whisper for only her to hear, “If you’re worried, I know how to burn calories.”
She grins against my lips, but the familiar ringtone cuts her response off.
“Which brother is that?”
“Sam.”
“Aren’t you going to answer it?”
“I’d rather kiss you than talk to him.”
She giggles and pulls the phone from my pocket as she leans away. “Hey, Sammie!”
She may be the only person on this earth able to get away with calling him Sammie.
“We’re out by the pool. Talon suggested nude sunbathing before Major started foaming at the mouth.”
There’s a loud laugh on the other end of the line.
“Yes, it’s true.” She pauses, then fully lies back on the chair, listening intently.
I slide her legs over and sit at her side.
She nods, as if he’s right here, waving her hand in the air. “You are right. He used that wounded soldier bit to his advantage. But I figured I get a free trip to a lavish soiree with people I absolutely adore. Why else would I agree?”
My eyes slice to Talon and Ford, who clearly hear what’s happening by their grins.
“Well, that certainly is generous. Staying with you and Drake is tempting—”
I rip the phone from her hand. “You’ve got me.”
“Dude, I can’t understand how you are known as the Casanovas when women can’t even be naked by the pool.”
“You realize I’m going to kick your ass, right?”
He chuckles. “Reel it in, Romeo. Drake and I are grateful we owe you.”
“How’s that?”
“Since Mom talked to Jewls yesterday, her excitement has tripled. We don’t know what she’s more excited about—Dad’s party, or you finally having a girlfriend. You took the pressure off us.”
The chair vibrates, and I look up in time to see Jewls cover her mouth before she snorts. Apparently hearing.
“Glad to know I could help. That why you called?”
“No,” his voice lowers, growing serious, “can you get privacy?”
The jealous irritation immediately shifts to awareness. “Sure, give me a sec.”
I lean in, pressing my lips to Jewls, and then stand. “I need to get my credit card information for Dad’s gift,” I lie, and she smiles, squeezing my hand.
When I get inside the kitchen, I lean against the counter, keeping my eyes on her through the window. “What’s wrong?”
“Fuck, man, I hate to interrupt your afternoon with this shit.”
“What shit?”
“Drake and I went to The Edge last night.”
The Edge is a popular spot near their condo. It’s a restaurant that doubles as a nightclub. A few years ago, it opened a rooftop bar. Even in Illinois winters, the place is always packed. Drake and Sam are regulars.