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)
“You can’t be serious.”
“Mind of his own, baby.”
“How did I get so lucky? Hot, sweet, great in bed, the size and stamina of a thoroughbred.”
“Did you compare me to one of your horses?”
“It’s the first thing that came to mind. It’s a compliment. Haven’t you ever heard the phrase ‘hung like a horse’?”
“Jesus.” I focus on the ceiling. “Can we never mention that?”
She giggles again, burying her head in my chest.
“Tomorrow night, I want you to stay here. You and Harley make a girls’ night out of it. I want you in my bed when I get off shift.”
Her giggles stop and body tenses.
“Not the response I hoped for.”
“I can’t. Harley is staying with me.” Her voice is muffled by my skin, and I guide her head up.
“Stay here instead.”
“We have Bunco with the trio. It’s already planned.”
“Come over after. I’ll arrange a driver if you’re drinking.”
The flash in her eyes sends an uneasy chill down my spine. “Jewls?”
“I’ll come over first thing Saturday morning. When you get home.”
The unease increases, the racing of her heart giving her away. She’s up to something. “What’s really happening?”
“Well…” The pregnant pause returns.
“Julianna,” I press.
“You know, it’s maddening when you use my full name to get information out of me. That’s supposed to be reserved for the sweet Major.”
“Not feeling sweet when my girlfriend declines to spend the night in my bed.”
“Fine! The terror trio is planning a surprise for Harley.”
Shit, that wasn’t what I was expecting. No way I can be a dick now. “First thing Saturday morning. I’ll pick you girls up on the way home from the station. You spend the weekend here.”
“Lose the bossy, and I’ll think about it. Seriously, you throw that caveman act…”
I tune her out. The conversation at the gym this morning pops into my head. In a flash, she’s under me and I am sliding back inside her. “You having the energy to argue means I have more work to do.”
Her eyes go lazy and she curls her arms around my shoulders. “Did I mention stamina?”
I crash my mouth over hers before she compares me to another goddamned horse.
18
Jewls
I press my lips together to the point of pain until I can’t hold back and fall over, hysterically laughing. Harley’s beet red as she tries to keep her composure, shooting me a dirty look.
“Jewls! Stop acting like a fool,” she berates, glancing at Bea apologetically. “Thank you for this. It is very thoughtful.”
“Sure thing, sweetheart. I had that same style on my wedding night, and Bernie couldn’t keep his hands off me.”
I tame myself, wiping my eyes as Harley gently folds the frilly nightgown and places it back in the box as if it’s the finest silk and not some mid-century dressing gown my grandmother wore in the winter. Which it is.
There’s a beat of silence and Ronnie hoots, slapping her leg. “You should see your face.”
Janice produces another box, sliding it across the table. “Here, dear, let’s see what you think of this.”
Harley takes it hesitantly, her expression blank as she opens it. Her breath hitches when she sees the packaging is from La Perla. “Oh my God.” She lifts the contents. The silky champagne material, trimmed with a blue lace to reflect her wedding colors of Champagne and Ecru.
Her eyes cut to Janice's and brim with tears. “This is the most beautiful negligé I’ve ever seen.”
“There are panties in there, too, if that’s what you consider panties,” Ronnie tells her sarcastically.
The tears dry immediately, and Harley giggles, thumbing through the tissue paper and lifting them out.
“Those won’t last a second. Ace will snap them into pieces when he catches sight,” I inform the table full of women.
“He better not! I’ll kill him,” she huffs.
“Another box checked in your wedding planner.” I wink Harley’s way.
“I’ll take this one back.” Bea reaches for the box with the matronly gown. “Times have changed, but Bernie really couldn’t keep his hands off me in this. It resulted in my first son.”
It’s my turn to be horrified. “You actually re-gifted something you had sex in? Even for a practical joke, that’s raunchy.”
“It’s washed.”
“Still gross.”
“Time for the bubbly!” Ronnie pulls a bottle of champagne from her fridge. “It’s the good stuff.”
I note the bottle. Ronnie definitely veered from our usual.
“Just a little for me.” My eyes cut to Harley, trying to subconsciously tell her to shut it.
It’s too late, and Ronnie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Just a little?”
“Yeah, it’s getting late.” She arranged her gift back in the box, completely heedless of the vibe of the room.
“Too late? It’s nine.” Bea taps her watch. “The sun hasn’t been down long.”
Harley’s smile dies when she detects all eyes on her.
Danger! Danger! They’re like vultures! Play it cool. I telepathically convey a message.
“Hmmm, I mean, it’s been a long week, and the bed is calling my name?”