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"You forgot full-contact comedy hour," she adds, just as Parker tries to reenact his hit on the boards using Connor as a prop.

Connor shoves him away, laughing. "Get off me, caveman. Save it for practice."

Across the table, Nina and Lizzie are talking about playoff beards and how most of the guys look like castaways.

"Mine’s distinguished," Alex says, stroking his chin. "Rugged. Mysterious."

"Yours looks like a raccoon gave up halfway through," James says.

Everyone bursts out laughing again.

“Don’t worry, babe,” Nina says, grinning. “It’s growing on me.”

“Good,” Alex fires back. “Because it’s definitely growing on me.”

More laughter. More teasing. More of everything that makes this crew a family.

I look around the table, Connor with his arm around Haley, Parker sneaking fries from Grace’s plate, James telling Lizzie a completely fabricated version of tonight’s game, and Mandy beside me, glowing from laughter.

This is a perfect night.

***

She doesn’t even make it two steps into the hotel room before I shut the door behind us and pin her with a look.

“You’ve been teasing me since dinner,” I say, stepping into her space.

Mandy lifts a brow, smug. “You mean breathing? Wearing jeans?”

“Yeah, those jeans and that sexy top,” I growl, brushing the back of my fingers against the curve of her hip, “should be illegal in public.”

She laughs softly, but her breath stops when I lean in, mouth at her ear.

“I spent the entire night imagining what you’re wearing underneath it.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” she breathes, tilting her head like she’s daring me.

I smile, slow and sharp. “Oh, I’m about to find out.”

She backs toward the bed with that little intentional sway in her hips. She knows exactly what she’s doing.

“I don’t remember giving you permission,” she teases.

“Good,” I murmur, stalking after her. “Because I’m not in the mood to ask.”

Her knees hit the edge of the mattress and I step between her legs. My hands find her waist, then slide up her sides, thumbs brushing the edge of her bra beneath that shirt.

“Unless you're too tired,” I say, voice low.

She looks up at me, eyes dark and gleaming. “Not a chance.”

I dip my head and kiss the corner of her mouth, barely. A tease. Her lips part, but I pull back, grinning.

“You always this quiet when you’re turned on?” I murmur.

She narrows her eyes. “What makes you think I'm turned on?”

I grin and lean in close. "You really want me to believe you're not turned on right now?"