“I’m gonna put the equipment away,” he says, bending to pluck a birdie off the ground. “It all needs to go back to the boathouse. I’ll find you in a bit.”
I go inside to wash the layers of sweat off my body, then change into a loose sundress and brush my wet hair into a ponytail. When I check my phone, I find a missed call from Beau Di Laurentis, quickly tapping his name to call him back.
Rather than hello, Beau answers with, “I need you.”
“What’s wrong?” I ask instantly. “Who do I need to hurt?”
I’m only half kidding. Truth be told, the Golden Boys are my ride or dies, especially Beau. It could’ve gone sideways real fast after we slept together, but to my relief, there’s been no awkwardness between us since that night. Which only affirms that he was the right man for the job. Not only was he gentle and patient, but he also behaved perfectly afterward. Beau’s honestly the best guy I know.
“The rest of our family,” Beau answers. “We’re going to crush them. You and me. The two Bs.”
“I’m sorry. Is this about the badminton tournament?”
“Yeah, word just came down the pipe that it’s—”
“What pipe?” I interrupt with a snort.
“Man Chat. We were just informed it’s mixed pairs. Ergo, I’m claiming you as my partner.”
There’s a buzz in my ear. “Hold on. I’m getting a text.”
“Don’t you dare answer it,” Beau growls. “It’s gonna be AJ.”
I tilt the phone to peer at the screen. Sure enough, it’s a text from AJ Connelly.
AJ
Hey B. I need you to be my partner for the badminton tourney.
“He’s trying to be your partner, isn’t he?” demands Beau. “Tell him he’s too late.”
“I don’t know,” I tease. “He’s got a few pounds of muscle on you.”
“Blake Josephine Logan,” he warns. “Remember who gave you your first orgasm…”
I burst out laughing. “Don’t you dare use that against me in the name ofbadminton.”
His tone takes on a pleading note. “Come on, I asked you first. Say yes.”
“Sure, whatever, yes.”
“Yes! I love you! Thanks, B.”
“You’re welcome. All right, I gotta go prep dinner.”
“Wait, how’s it going in Tahoe? I heard Wyatt’s there.”
“Yeah, he’s up here writing music.”
“You guys hanging out a lot?”
“A little. But you know him. He’s in his own world when it comes to his music. And I’ve been researching a lake haunting. We went out today to look at the tree where my ghost met her secret lover before she drowned herself.”
There’s a beat.
Then Beau sighs. “You are such a raging dork. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Right back at you.”
