Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 105679 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105679 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
At Sticks and Stones that night, they introduce me to Gage, who’s behind the bar. His green eyes twinkle, and after we say hello, he turns to Stefan and Hayes. “It’s the bone structure she likes, right?”
“It sure fucking is,” Hayes says, patting his cheek with a cocky grin.
I roll my eyes. “Yes. That’s it entirely.”
When we head to the poolroom, I greet friends who feel like family. And new ones, too, like Hollis. He’s a recent addition to the team. “It’s the newest new guy,” I say, teasing the guy with the surfer smile and laid-back vibe, who’s had a few good games so far.
“And I don’t mind taking the title away from Hayes,” Hollis says.
“Funny, I don’t mind it either,” Hayes says, and it’s nice to see Hayes so at ease at last. “Just don’t play better than me,” he warns Hollis.
“But do play well,” I add. “We want a cup.”
“Fuck yes,” Hollis says. “That’s the goal.”
“Let’s make it happen,” Hayes adds.
As they chat I join Aubrey and meet her new man. Aubrey hasn’t had the best of luck on the apps, so maybe Aiden will be the change she wants.
Her brother, Garrett, is here as well. I’ve never met him before, but lots of the guys have, since he’s a sports agent and reps both Dev and Ledger. He’s friends with them both, too, so…small world.
Aubrey and Aiden are off in the corner playing a game of Ping-Pong as Garrett rubs chalk on a pool cue and I rack up some balls.
“What do you think about that guy?” Garrett asks Dev, tipping his forehead toward Aiden.
Dev scoffs. “You want me to comment on your sister’s man?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Ask Ledger,” Dev says.
With amusement, I ask Dev, “Are you passing the buck?”
“You bet I am. I’m not stupid.”
“Me, neither,” Ledger says, then taps his pool cue to the felt. “Let’s play a round instead of playing watchdog over your sister.”
Garrett growls but acquiesces, and I file away the fact that Aubrey’s big brother is very protective.
Then, I watch my guys with admiration as they begin a round of pool.
Yes, it’s the bone structure, but it’s really the size of their hearts that’s making me fall in love with them every day.
51
SURPRISE SHOOT
Ivy
I’m pretty good at taking care of my guys too. One evening in early December, as Hayes is undressing me for Stefan, slowly, sensually taking off my white bra, kissing my shoulders as he goes, a delicious idea pops into my head.
The next morning, while Stefan makes double kale smoothies for the two of us in the kitchen and we talk about the day ahead, I tell him my idea.
Stefan grins wickedly. “You’re a mind reader. He told me the day we shopped for your vibrator that he wanted that.”
“That so?”
“Yes. You know him well.”
“And I know a photographer,” I say, smiling at him like that’s you, babe.
Stefan checks his watch, as if it contains a calendar. “He’s got dinner with his agent tomorrow night after the game, I think he said. Why don’t we surprise him when he comes home?”
My heart flutters. I love that Stefan not only showers me with affection, but he looks out for Hayes too. I melt a little more from that knowledge.
That feels a lot like family.
There’s that word again. It’s true—these men are starting to feel like family. Instead of elated, I’m suddenly terrified. Terrified of falling harder.
That next night at the arena, I zip up my fox costume and hit the ice for the first intermission.
“And now,” the announcer booms. “Your Golden State Fox, also known as…Foxy.”
I chuckle inside my costume—the mascot officially has a name. The fans voted for it. As Foxy, I race around the ice, heading straight for the T-shirt cannon. Then, I fire T-shirts into the crowd.
Dogs, planners, and operating a T-shirt cannon—some things just make you forget your fears and just feel happy.
Nighttime and lace are two of those things. At Stefan’s home that night, as Roxy curls up on the fluffy red dog bed the guys got for her, I slip into a pink, demi-cup bra and matching bikini panties. I roll a pair of stockings up my thighs, then slide into white heels with ribbon straps that Stefan ties at my ankles.
“Ready?” he asks as he runs his hands up my legs.
“So ready.” I stretch out on the big Alaskan king bed that we share most nights.
Stefan arranges me on the pillows and then adjusts the lights. He picks up his Nikon, and when Hayes arrives home from his dinner, calling out to us as he climbs the stairs, Stefan begins the shoot.
“In here,” I answer as the photographer snaps the first photo.
Hayes turns the corner, enters the bedroom, then unleashes a rumble that makes my skin sizzle. “Wow.”
I give him a pout, my lips red and glossy, my eyes full of desire. “You wanted a boudoir shoot of me. Come watch,” I say, inviting him into this gift.