“We can build a snowman, Bells.” Mace insists.
“Nooo. You have to sing it back.” Bella whines.
Mace blushes with embarrassment. He tries to act cool but we’ve all noticed that Bella and Hayden are his weak spots.
“Bella Bear, I don’t think Mace wants to sing right now. It’s so exciting that he wants to build a snowman with you, though!” Darcy pipes up, earning a mouthed thank you from Mace.
“Any ideas for food while we’re up there?” Nik asks, he’s the cook of the group, always willing to feed us. I think it’s his secret love language.
“Dale volunteered to make chili, but that’s pretty much all we have planned so far. We figured that Kodi, Bella, and I could hit a grocery store on the way up and then split the costs from there.” Maverick responds.
“I think we need to do s’mores,” Harley adds.
“That’s not a meal, Baby.” I chuckle.
“Anything can be a girl dinner.” She volleys back.
“How about we do easy meals for a lot of people? Things like spaghetti, sliders, and tacos.” Tatum suggests.
“I think those are all solid options and easy enough. I think I’ll prep some pierogis beforehand.” Nik asserts.
“Oh, yes.” Dom moans, making everyone turn in his direction, confusion etched into all of their eyes.
“Don’t make it weird, Dom.” Conrad goads while laughs float throughout the room.
“I’ve been waiting years for this experience. Everyone else says they’re delicious, and I’ve yet to experience them myself.” Sin pipes up in excitement.
“They are!” All of the guys, including myself, say at once.
The rest of the evening goes by in a flurry. Everyone is so excited about our trip, we leave in just under three weeks. I knowI shouldn’t be as excited as I am about having Harley alone for a week, considering she isn’t truly mine, but I’m ready for it.
Chapter 5
Fake or Not
Harley
My weekend with Collins goes by in a flash, we spent it just as promised–in our pajamas, cuddled up with Precious, and watching Lord of the Rings.
As Sunday rolled around, I found myself not wanting to leave his home. I feel comfortable, safe, and happy in his presence, like I don’t need anyone or anything else when we’re together.
Luckily, I only had to go five nights without him. It’s not like we didn’t talk or text, but being with him is different. He suggested we share one more date before leaving for the Smoky Mountains in a few weeks, so I’m getting myself ready for a dancing date with my boyfriend. I find myself letting my curls be free, slipping on a tight pair of ripped jeans, a black lace corset top, and sneakers. Heels are not made for dancing and that’s what I plan to do tonight.
“Harls! Your man’s here… And he looks scrumptious, better get out here before I steal him for myself.” Sin yells down the hallway.
“Don’t you dare!” I find myself genuinely meaning the words, Collins is mine–fake or not.
“Feisty, I like it.” She purrs back.
“I’ll be there in a second!” I grab my wallet and phone before rushing down the hallway.
Holy shit. Sin was not lying. Collins stands in our entryway wearing black slacks that hug his thighs and a deep grey button-up that’s rolled up his forearms. The veins protruding from those forearms are porn worthy and I want to run my tongue along them… Along with somewhere else on his body.
“You look…” I start to say, but my mouth is too dry to get anything else out.
“You too, Peppermint.” Collins winks, “Ready?”
“To beat off all the women tonight, yep,” I smile mischievously.
