Page 247 of The Perfect Spiral
“I was actually getting the tiny shells stuck to you off. But if youdon’t want me to, someone else can do it...” she retorts, her nose in the air.
I shrug and continue washing. Caleb approaches, rolling up the sleeves of his open white shirt to reveal his chiseled, sun-kissed chest. His hair is blonder than I remember, and his washboard abs make me want to trace my fingers over them.
“Turn around,” I instruct, facing the house. I feel his fingers on my back, removing the shells. His hand wanders down to my ankle, brushing off the sand. His hand starts to slide up the inside of my lower leg, and I catch Andy’s amused gaze.
“You can get your face out of her ass now, Caleb,” Knox’s stern voice echoes across the deck. I freeze, and so does Caleb.
“Now why would I want to do that, Carter? It’s a pretty good view,” Caleb retorts, his tone full of amusement.
I turn to face Caleb, but he’s still crouched down, his face level with my crotch. He slowly stands, towering over me.
“Why is it that every time I see you, Alex, you’re wearing a bikini?” I roll my eyes and laugh. I reach for a towel, but Caleb snatches it away.
“I read somewhere that air-drying your body is better for your skin,” he says, his smile widening at my deadpan look.
“Here, you can borrow mine,” Knox offers, tossing me a towel scented with his cologne. I glare at him for throwing it so hard.
“Awww, you’re no fun, Carter. We’re just having fun! Right, Alex?” I nod and pat my skin dry, wondering why Kyle has been so quiet. I glance over to see him pressed against Andy, making out heavily. I snort and turn back to the guys.
“We can join them if you want,” Caleb suggests, winking at me and nodding toward the amorous couple. I roll my eyes at hischeeky attitude.
“You’re really cheeky today, aren’t you?” I poke his chest and he studies me, hands on his hips. “With that butt, I’d say you’re the cheeky one, not me...” he teases.
Chapter 89
After a few more minutes outside with the guys, I meet a lot of them. I recognize a few faces from our night out in LA and when Sam first met Tyson.
We all enjoy the food the girls and I prepared, then pack our belongings into cases. Our luggage will be delivered to our hotel suites, where we’ll get ready for the night.
We’re all staying in the same downtown hotel. I’m sharing a suite with Sam and my mom. Tyson, his mom, and his two brothers are in another suite on the other side of the hotel, to avoid the temptation of staying together tonight.
I’m ready and sitting on Sam’s bed, scrolling through my laptop.
“Alright! I’m finished. Round up the bitches outside, and let’s go to the strip club!”
“Strip club?! Nobody said anything to me about a strip club!!” I yell, causing her to burst into laughter.
“Alright, ladies, prepare yourselves! We’re heading to a male strip club tonight, just like the ones from Magic Mike! So get your dollar bills ready, because you’re about to get up close and personal!” Sam announces, standing up from the dresser and rolling her hips provocatively in my direction.
“Sam, these guys better be worth it, or I swear... Kyle is going to lose his mind when he finds out where we’re going.” She glances back at her reflection in the mirror, touching up her lipstick once more before shrugging nonchalantly.
“If he does, he’s a hypocrite, and I’ll give him a piece of my mind. Don’t worry about it! It’s my last night of freedom, and this time tomorrow, I’ll be Mrs. Tyson Miller! I’m so excited! But remember, don’t let me get too wasted tonight. You know how I get when I’m drunk.” She jumps up and down in her stiletto heels, her excitement palpable.
“Now, go put your shoes on so we can head out without running into the boys downstairs.” I do as I’m told, slipping on my heels and calling out to the other girls to get ready.
We all leave the room and head toward the elevator. There are so many of us that we have to take turns. Once we reach the lobby, we see the guys huddled together.
“Great,” I comment sarcastically. Spotting Ben, I rush over to him and wrap him in a tight hug. I haven’t seen him all day. His flight was delayed, so I couldn’t pick him up. But Eric did, along with my mom.
“There’s my sweet cheeks! I’ve missed you ladies,” he says, hugging me back once he regains his balance.
“We’ve missed you too, Ben! I’m so glad you made it!” I step back, standing by his side as James, Caleb, Knox, Wes, and Tyler join us.
Ben looks down at me, a teasing glint in his eyes. “All of these guys?” he asks, nudging my shoulder. I blush under his gaze, narrowing my eyes into his ocean-green ones, which makes him smile.
“Well, Miss Alex! You sure do clean up nice!” I turn to see the new friends I made today, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory, loading the cases into the foyer.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gregory! How are you?” I greet them warmly, giving them both hugs. They had tried to help me wheel the cases along the carpet, but it was proving to be a difficult task.
