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She nods.
He kisses her forehead, mumbling, “Me too.”
“Ricky,” I call out, not wasting a minute. “Change of plans. Take us to my Laguna Beach penthouse, please.”
My lips are streaked with sugar, the inside of my boxers are sticky, my heart is content, and my mind has never been clearer.
Only one thing… “Who has the Jolly Rancher?”
Ethan sticks the candy between his teeth. “Why? You’re not getting it back.”
31
ETHAN
Jax instructs Ricky totake us to his Laguna Beach penthouse, and I’m struck by the reality of having responsibilities. I’d love to remain in this lust haze with them, but unfortunately, I have an entire organization to answer to.
The media doesn’t give a shit about me, or even me and Aurora, they go feral over Jackson O’Reilly, and I dread what the team—or worse,management—will speculate if pictures of us ever surface.
I know exactly what they’ll speculate because I’m thinking it myself. A coach sharing a girl with his captain is both unfathomable and really fucking hot. I’ve never been so hard in my life, which seems to be an objective Aurora surpasses every moment we’re together.
But I need quality time with her—for more than sex. They leave in two days, and I have to spill my guts.
“There’s a lot to discuss.”
“We can do it there.” He waves me off.
“I don’t have clothes.” I admit, it’s a weak argument.
“Borrow some of mine. Today’s a good day for you to take a break for once.” He gives me a pointed stare over Aurora’s head, where she naps on his chest.
I release a long breath. Fuck, I hate when he’s right.
“The team will be fine,” he reassures me with that devilish smile.
“Jesus.” We step into Jackson’s over-the-top cliffside penthouse, and the word slips from my lips, my eyes unsure where to focus.
This is not a penthouse; it’s a mini mansion.
Aurora gazes dreamily out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the infinity pool and the Pacific Ocean. “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it?”
Ridiculous doesn’t even cover it. The view is breathtaking, especially with her in it.
“Why are we moving into my apartment?” I ask no one in particular.
“Because it’s closer to the arena.” Jax shrugs. “We can stay at my downtown penthouse. It has plenty of room.”
I’m curious to know his definition ofplenty.
Aurora shakes her head, the sky creating a stunning backdrop behind her. “No thanks. I won’t go back there.” She turns toward the hallway. “You can live there.”
I’m fond and proud of this new version of her. She expresses her thoughts openly, and not only to me. I’d love her no matter what—oh, fuck, there it is. The actual words.
I can’t even remember what I was thinking. These two have me losing control.
Jax slips his phone from his back pocket. “Not without you,” he yells after her. “I was planning on selling it anyhow.” His fingers move across the screen; no doubt, he’s contacting someone to list the property.
Not sure what to do with myself, I marvel at how the two-story structure is built into the cliff, the entire west side glass. “Who designed this place?”