Soon, her friends arrived, each setting up their part of the party—the flowers, the catering, and a nurse on call—Marisa. Gage Swanson took over the sound system since Nick and Carol were the honored guests, and everyone made comments on the cupcakes, guessing who was who.
Leanna made the rounds and peeked at them. Honestly, had Jolie consulted with the Bumblebees’ husbands and boyfriends? She couldn’t decide between two especially luscious ones, but then again, Marisa was also a brunette, and so was Carol.
“What are you staring at?” Axe’s deep voice drew a shiver of delight through her pink parts.
“Why, Axe, ready for the eating contest?” She kissed him full on the lips, savoring the burr of his five-o’clock shadow and the tastiness of his tongue.
“I don’t need any of those cupcakes when I have your pearly gates to suck on.”
Leanna sucked on his lips and wiggled her breasts against his chest. Tonight, they were free from the girls. Her mother was taking them to the movies and would stay up and teach them games like checkers and backgammon.
She’d even gotten her mother to agree not to worry about her if she spent the night at Axe’s. Her bags were packed and so was her heat. She had everything she needed in one giant Axe-shaped package.
The kisses grew hotter, and she felt Axe lift her onto the bar counter. His fingers grazed the sides of her breasts, and he bent her back, close to the beer taps. Her legs opened, hiking up her stretchy, ruffled miniskirt.
“Whoa there, you two.” Ryker said, slapping Axe on the back. “Are we having a baby shower for you next?”
* * *
The party was in full swing, and Leanna was dancing her butt off with her besties. Alcohol sloshed from her margarita glass, and she bumped hips with Sherelle, then did the do-si-do with Nikki. Seriously, what was with her cowboy phase?
No matter. Carol was pumping out wheelies with her wheelchair. She was so happy, and so was Nick.
Leanna’s heart warmed at how her group of friends came together to celebrate after supporting each other in their darkest moments. Everyone had been at her house for Carmelita’s return, and everyone had a hand at hogtying Jolie’s cheating groom when he left her at the altar. Everyone had gone to Carol’s lonely Christmas Eve before she made up with Nick. And everyone had ridden in on motorcycles to Terri’s shootout where she was trapped in a coffin—don’t ask.
“Dance with me!” Carol slurred, turning her wheelchair toward Leanna.
She scooped her up into her lap and did a tight wheelie.
Leanna screamed, spilling the rest of her drink. She wrapped her arms around Carol’s shoulders, holding on and loving her friend who’d been through so much.
Everyone danced and clapped, shouting and throwing confetti. Carol spun and spun, and Leanna saw stars, along with all the Bad Boys: Ryker, Ken, Nick, Liam, and Gage.
Wait, where was Axe? Why wasn’t he dancing?
But then again, Mr. Cool always watched. He was serving drinks.
“Axe,” she shouted, waving. “Come dance with me.”
He shook his head, still wearing shades.
“What?” Leanna rolled her eyes and shook her head. “What kind of boyfriend are you if you won’t dance with me?”
“Maybe he’s saving it for marriage,” Carol hooted, and everyone laughed.
At that moment, Rex Carter shut off the music and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, friends of Carol and Nick, it is now time for our first ever Bad Boys for Hire eating contest, brought to you by our very own Bumblebee Bakery and Leanna Rivera. Shall we have ladies first or men?”
“Ladies, ladies, ladies,” the men shouted.
“Clit eaters first!” Jolie and Terri pumped their fists, and the rest of the women took up the chant. “Clit eaters. Clit eaters. Clit eaters.”
“Okay, the clit eaters win,” Rex said. “So, guys, here’s what we’re going to do. Grab a cupcake from the bar and line up.”
A herd of beefcake rushed the bar counter and milled around. Some grabbing while others shoved and pushed.
“What’s going on?” Leanna craned her neck. “Jolie, we made enough for everyone, didn’t we?”
“We made hundreds,” Jolie said. “I don’t get why they’re fighting.”
