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I can’t resist the urge to fuck with him.

Me

Aww. A triple date. That’s so sweet.

Dickhead #1

Fuck you, hockey boy. Meet us at the Broadway Steakhouse at eight Friday night or you can deal with my wife and your sister.

I’ve had my fun with him, so I send back a thumbs up and then call my honey bun.

“Hello, King Stud.” My ego expands each time she calls me that.

“I missed you today,” I groan. Fuck. I have no idea how I’m going to survive the hockey season and trips that take me away from my curvy little soulmate.

“I missed you, too. Hold on for one second.” She talks to someone in the background for a few moments then tells me, “I heard we’re having dinner with both of our sisters and their husbands Friday night.”

“That’s what I was calling about. Dickhead number one just texted me.”

“Please don’t call my brother that in public.”

“He should be used to it by now. I can’t be the only one who calls him that,” I tease my girl, but we both know her brother is growing on me. Slowly. Like a fungus.

“You aren’t pulling the wool over my eyes. I know you’re starting to warm up to Fischer.” Allie laughs, and the sound of her happiness soothes me. Then she tells me, “I have to go. The store is super busy today. The new Slade Gray release is selling like crazy. Don’t worry, I have your copy, and I’ll bring it with me tonight.” I’d totally forgotten all about the book I ordered before meeting Allie.

“Bring your suitcase, too, so you can spend the night.” I try to convince her to sleep over every night, but so far, she’s resisted. Oh well. I’m relentless. I’ll keep trying until I get my honey bun living under my roof.

“I might just do that.” She shocks the shit out of me.

“Don’t tease a desperate man.” I hope she isn’t fucking with me.

“I’m not joking,” she tells me. “I’m tired of staying at my boring apartment when I could stay at your mansion with you. I’m dying to take a long soak in the swimming pool you call a bathtub.”

I can’t wipe the goofy smile off my face. “I’ll pick up bubble bath on my way home.”

“Party at Temper’s place!” Atlas shouts behind me, and I realize those assholes have been eavesdropping on my conversation.

“That’s right. A private goddamn party so fuck off.” I flip him off and head for the door.

“Stingy asshole,” Colter calls behind me, and I realize he’s finally talking to me again. He’s been giving me the silent treatment ever since I had him take credit for the tentacle porn.

“And don’t you forget it.”