Page 8 of Mother Pucker

“It’s not presumptuous when it’s factual.”

“How very humble of you.”Fuck, I love that sass.

My eyes lock onto hers, and I take another step toward her. Her arms drop as her back meets the locker behind her, and my chest widens, taking up the little space between us. “Aside from not having a humblebonein my body, Doc,” I enunciate the significant word, placing one hand next to her head, “I’m also a persistent and decisive motherfucker. And what I’ve decided is that you’re the only one I want.”

“Mr. Parker–”

I trail my finger over her purse before dropping it to the top of her phone in her pocket, making her stiffen. “Oh, and Doc? We both knowexactlywhat’s vibrating inside your purse.” A smile stretches across my face. “Feel free to bring your toys to our sessions . . . we’ll get good use out of them.”

three

shay

“I honestly don’t understandhow you keep getting into these situations because of your vibrators,” Delia wonders with dismay, taking a sip of what is probably her second cup of coffee this morning, and it’s only half past seven. “First, at the airport, when you were on your way to our girls’ trip, and then last night at the game with none other than Rowan Parker.”

“I think the universe is telling you it’s time you find a man.” Dylan joins in, putting a couple of cherries into her mouth, which I’m happy to see after the unnatural garbage she consumed at the game last night.

Liv giggles, shutting the fridge door after getting some creamer out for her coffee. “Did you guys hear that he asked her to bring her toys with her to use during their ‘therapy’ sessions?”

I roll my eyes at the way she makes quotes around the word. “Firstly,” I point at Dylan, “the universe has the wrong girl, because I’m not looking for a man. Secondly,” this time I look at Liv, “he can ask whatever he wants; there still won’t be any therapy sessions.”

I pour two glasses of the spinach and sea moss smoothie I blended for me and Kai into our cups and lift the blender jug as an offering to my besties. It still has enough for anothercup. “Any takers? It’s super yummy and packed with all sorts of vitamins and–”

“That looks worse than the swamp sludge you’ve made before,” Delia says, stepping away from the kitchen counter like I’ve just offered her a blended alien, and not a nutritious breakfast alternative. “I’ll pass.”

When my eyes land on Liv, she takes a healthy sip of her coffee. “I’m good.”

Dylan just lifts her bowl of cherries, the stacked rings on her middle finger glittering. “I’ve got all the healthiness I can handle right here, but Cortney might want it. He’ll be up here in a minute.”

I take a sip from my glass, making a humming sound. “Seriously, you guys have no idea what you’re missing.”

“I’m sure,” Delia deadpans, getting a squinty-eyed glare from me.

“So, why won’t you treat Rowan for his,” Liv can’t help but snicker, “penis injury?”

“Not that I give a shit about men or their penises–given I had my girls without the help of either,” Delia proclaims pointedly, indicating her demon, ahem,high functioning, twin girls, who will likely cause a nuclear missile crisis one day. “But I’ll begrudgingly admit that this particular penis could potentially spawn humans of near-perfect physique and, therefore, should be saved.”

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Cordelia Masters, my no-nonsense,get-to-the-point-or-get-the-fuck-outbest friend.

I huff. “This is not about his penis. I just–”

“Not about whose penis?” Beckett asks, entering the kitchen. He gives Liv a hurt expression. “Livy, I know I suggested we get some rest after the fourth time I took you last night, but you know my dick is perfectly–”

“Ew! I’m going to stop you right there, man-eating-billionaire,” Delia screeches. “No one needs to know about your erectile dysfunction.”

“Listen, Medusa,” Beckett starts, referring to the name he’s given Delia. “You–”

“Beckett.” Liv raises a brow, giving her husband the look that tells him to rethink what he’s about to say or he mayactuallyget erectile dysfunction tonight. Liv looks at me with an exasperated expression before taking a breath. “Now, what were you saying about that therapy you were going to start with Rowan?”

“I wasn’t–”

“Well, that’s great to hear,” Beckett interrupts, not letting me continue. “Gavin messaged me last night to ask if you could officially take over Rowan’s physical therapy.” He refers to his brother, and the owner of the team, before raising a curious brow in my direction. “Apparently, Rowan’s agent called him. Seems Rowan really liked your style.”

“That’s cool,” Cortney says, coming into the kitchen and placing a kiss on Dylan’s temple. Dylan hands him the extra glass of smoothie, and he takes a sip, nodding to himself. I give Dylan a smug smile, to which she rolls her eyes.Hmph!At least someone appreciates nutrition around here. “So, you’ll be taking over Rowan’s PT?”

“The universe certainly believes she should–” Dylan starts.

“Guys!” I yell. “Why aren’t you hearing me? I’m not going to be Rowan Parker’s physical therapist. I’ve already rejected his offer.”

---