Page 111 of New Nebraska Heat
I clapped my hands together. “Hug! Hug! Hug!”
Bryce wore a wry smile as he copied. “Hug! Hug! Hug!”
Hunter snorted good-naturedly and tugged Seb in for a quick back-slapper. He straightened with surprised eyes and gripped one of Seb’s shoulders. “Damn, Seb. You really did turn into a Clark-Kent-looking man of steel.”
Seb furrowed his brows and teased, “Are you hitting on me?”
Hunter laughed.
“I’ll hit you all right.” He raised boxing fists, and they started circling each other, goofing around and doing that pretend boxing guys do.
Bryce put on his gloves and joined in, playfully jabbing away at Hunter’s arms as he put them up in feigned defense. “Tough guy, my ass. I’ve got you on the ropes already, jaguar boy.”
As I watched them joke around and set aside all the animosity in a matter of seconds, a warm feeling of home brought more tears to my eyes. I didn’t want to lose this home, too. Dabbing my eyes, I realized how close I’d probably come to being imprisoned or killed tonight. I could’ve lost it all before I got to fully realize my “live a little” mantra. I had the career and the safe space, but tonight it allcould’ve tumbled down before I ever took it to the next step with any of the men who’d become so dear to me.
“Guys?” I croaked, nerves cinching around my throat muscles.
They all pulled up short, focused on me.
I froze up, even as my whole body heated with embarrassment. God, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have any experience to give me confidence.
Then it hit me. I’d had that confidence once. On stage at Hunter’s club.
I loosened my tongue with difficulty and tried my best to look natural lounging with a hand behind me on the back of the sofa. “Since we’re missing out on the end of the night’s festivities, what would you say if I put on a little show for you?” I tossed them a wink. “As a thank you for saving my life. The night started out so well. I want it to end the same.”
All their eyes came alive, stances shifting, body language eager as Seb stammered, “Erm, wha—What kind of show did you have in mind?”
I stood slowly, hands gliding along my satin dress. “A fun one…”
I checked my lipstick in the sprawling ensuite bathroom. The door stood partially open, and in the reflection, I saw Hunter watching me from the end of the bed.
My neck flushed, and I lifted the mass of my curled hair off it, lowering my lashes in a novice come hither look through the glass.
His hand slipped off the edge of the satin duvet, and he almost fell onto the floor.
“What’s going on?” Seb peeked around him from where he sat on the bed nearby, giving a strangled sound when he caught sight of me.
I suppressed a giggle. This was going to be fun.
The thought banished most of my nerves, and I stepped backinto my heels and scrolled through the music app on my new, fancy phone.
“Ready?” I called out to all of them when I’d made my selection.
I got two yeses and one cracked “absolutely” from Seb.
Still in my dress, I glided back into the bedroom where they waited with ties loosened and top buttons undone, their jackets and shoes discarded. Bryce sat furthest from me, pressed against the headboard, as far from the other guys as he could be on the bed. I really hoped his condition didn’t lead to any awkwardness as we all started exploring things. I was so thankful the other guys were so understanding. Dagger’s humor always eased the way too…
“I feel sad Dagger’s not here” I said. “I hate that he’s missing out on the fun.”
Hunter’s smile wavered. “He’s a big boy. He can wait his turn. Let’s focus on being in the moment?”
I chewed the inside of my cheek. “Before I start the music, I have a request.”
“Name it,” Hunter said, sparking a smile on my lips.
“For everything I take off, you all take off something of yours.”
“Deal.” Hunter practically growled while Seb nodded enthusiastically.
