Page 94 of The Anaconda Downstairs

“OMG. Kelsey with that snake? I'm both terrified and obsessed.”

“This album cover is EVERYTHING.”

“Snakes freak me out, but for Kelsey? I'm here for it.”

“Queen Kelsey breaking boundaries again. Can't wait for the new album.”

Everett chuckled, shaking his head in amazement. “Why does it have to be snakes?”

“It's all part of my master plan to make snakes your new favorite animal.” I grinned.

“That is never going to happen.”

“You haven't seen what I have in store for you next.”

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. As soon as it ended, Kelsey was whisked backstage for photos and interviews. She was radiant, her arms full of awards, answering questions with her trademark wit and charm.

In a quiet moment between interviews, she pulled me into a tight hug. “I couldn't have done this without you, Pen,” she whispered.

I hugged her back, feeling a lump in my throat. “Are you kidding? You're Kelsey Best. You can do anything.”

She laughed, pulling back to look at me. “Maybe. But not without my best Bestie by my side.”

We posed for another round of photos, Kelsey with her awards, me and Everett flanking her, Declan standing proud and tall beside her.

And then we partied like... well, rock stars until the wee hours of the morning.

Just as the sun was coming up over horizon, the hotel room door clicked shut behind us, and I let out a long, contented sigh. Everett's arms wrapped around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.

“What a night,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.

I leaned back into him, savoring the moment. “Almost as fun as winning the championship?”

Everett chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. “Almost. Kelsey's sweep, the album announcement, and you...” He turned me in his arms, his eyes roaming over me appreciatively. “You, looking like a goddess in this dress. I mean, I liked the one you wore to the ceremony, and that first one you put on for the parties was pretty, but this one, babe, this one was fucking sexy as hell.”

Rose Vond had outdone herself dressing Kelsey and I for the awards and the after parties. I'd never changed my clothes so many times in one night. Especially when I hadn't spilled something on myself.

Everett would forever have the power to make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. “You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr. Kingman,” I teased, running my hands over the black silk t-shirt with a picture of a snake on it that he was wearing. Also courtesy of Rose.

He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a soft kiss. “I love you, Penelope.”

“I love you too,” I replied, my heart swelling with emotion. He tugged me toward the big, plush hotel bed, and I let him. But before he pulled me down, I gave him a little shove so he landed on the mattress and I took a step away.

I had some mischievous plans in mind.

His eyes went all dark and sparkly and he grabbed me around the waist, pulling me back to him. “Penelope Quinn, what are you up to?”

“Close your eyes,” I instructed, stepping out of his embrace.

He smiled and did as I instructed, and I sure hoped this was going to turn him on and not send him running.

I slipped out of my dress and grabbed an accessory out of my suitcase that I'd been waiting to use. I swore it was for his own good. And if I was lucky, it would be particularly good for us both.

“Okay, you can look.”

Everett's eyes fluttered open, then widened comically as he took in the sight before him. There I stood, full Monty naked, holding a large, vaguely realistic snake stuffed animal. Its fabric scales gleamed in the soft hotel room light, its googly eyes staring blankly at Everett, its length wrapped around my body, hiding the best bits from his view.

For a moment, he just stared, mouth agape. Then he burst out laughing, the sound rich and full. “Oh my god, Pen,” he managed between chuckles. “If this is your way of helping me get over my fear of snakes before Bananaconda moves in next week, it's working.”

---