Page 76 of Mr. Swoony

The last thing I’m going to do is tell them about the sex list.

“Nothing,” I say.

The three of them raise their eyebrows and share a look with one another.

“Let us more experienced guys help you out.” Rowan nods to Henry.

“Christ, it’s been, like, a year for you, Magic,” Tweetie says.

“Longer than you.” Rowan is baiting Tweetie to try to pry out more information about Tedi and whatever happened that turned Tweetie into the man he is now.

Tweetie ignores his comment. “I’m going to get a drink.”

“Okay, what’s going on with you two?” Henry steps closer, our circle growing smaller.

“We’re getting closer,” I admit.

“Isn’t that the point? The whole reason you stopped her wedding?” Rowan sips his drink.

“Yeah, but it’s only been, like, a month. She just had her final conversation with Tristan.” I bring my drink to my lips.

“So what, she walked into your room wearing lingerie and fuck-me heels, and you denied her? I don’t get why you’re fighting it.” Henry looks over his shoulder to make sure no one is paying us any attention.

How much self-control does he think I have?

“I’m not getting into the whole thing, but there wasn’t lingerie or fuck-me heels. We didn’t even kiss, but the gist is I told her she wasn’t ready.”

They both rear their heads back, look at one another, and burst out laughing. Assholes.

“I’m doing her a favor.” I bring my drink to my lips, the ice knocking together since it’s almost empty. I finish it and set it on a nearby table. I cannot get drunk tonight. All my inhibitions will dissolve, and I’ll wake up in Eloise’s bed. If she’d even let me in, that is.

“Keep going. This is hilarious.” Rowan’s face is red from laughing at my expense.

“Fuck you guys.” I pivot to walk away, but Henry grabs my elbow.

“Sorry, sorry. But your mistake was telling her that she isn’t ready. What were you thinking?”

I shove my hands in my pockets and shrug. “Because there’s no way she is.”

“And why do you think you’re the one to make that decision?” Rowan asks.

“I’m saving her.”

“Saving her?” Henry’s head rocks back, laughing so loudly we’re garnering attention.

What a dick.

“My power crew.” Jagger comes over and slaps my back. “Why don’t you have a drink?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer before he’s shaking hands with Rowan. “This is the year, right?”

“Wasn’t last year our year?” Henry jokes.

“I thought with Pinkie coming on the roster it was.” Jagger thumbs at me and smiles and winks.

He did negotiate a great deal for me to come to Chicago last year. It was exactly what I needed. I can understand why he left behind agenting for actors and actresses. I’m not sure if he was as good at working with movie stars as he is at working with professional athletes.

“It’s your year. I feel it in my gut. You played together for a while last year, now you’re all best friends. You can thank me at your parade.” He sips some of the dark liquor in his glass, his wedding ring glistening under the chandeliers.

We talk about the start of the season, and he congratulates Henry on his engagement, then proceeds to give Rowan shit for not proposing yet, and finally he turns to me. “So, your lady friend is garnering a lot of talk tonight.”

---