Page 69 of From the Ashes

“Right.” I wave my hand toward the end of my bed. “Sit.”

I pull his boots off like I’ve done before and set them to the side before moving on to his jeans. “Stand,” I command, staying with one syllable words. He has his button down tucked in and it’s in my way, so I start pulling the fabric out of his waistband and hand it to him to hold.

The only problem is that once it’s in his grip, his stomach is bare and there’s no way to prevent my knuckles from grazing his dark brown happy trail as I work the button free.

His harsh exhale hits my skin and his stomach muscles contract, making his already visible abs pop even more.

I pause to collect myself before sliding his zipper down with a shaking hand. My breathing is ragged and the air around us is charged with so much electricity we might start a fire.

“Phoenix.” My name is a wrecked plea on his lips. “Please stop fighting this. I’m begging you.”

I close my eyes, my hand still resting on his zipper when my phone dings in rapid fire. Blowing out a breath, I pull it from my back pocket.

Jake:

Dylan and I are grabbing the liquor. Anybody want anything out of the ordinary?

Hudson:

Vodka’s fine with me as long as you bring a mixer. I got pizza. Phoe, you good on gas duty?

Knox:

He’s good.

Hudson:

Are Dylan and Walker coming? What does Walker eat on his pizza? Shan and Monica are taking the kids to the aquarium for the day so I’m coming alone.

Phoenix:

Vodka is fine. Walker’s coming per Knox’s demands.

“What do you like on your pizza?” I ask the man in front of me.Rightin front of me since I haven’t taken a step back yet.

“I’m good with anything,” he replies, reaching forward with a tentative hand to hook his left index finger through my belt loop.

Phoenix:

He’ll eat whatever you show up with.

Jake:

Aw, everyone will be paired off! Maybe Knox and Hud can take a wild ride on the gay side.

Dylan:

What happens on the boat, stays on the boat.

Knox:

You two are uninvited.

Hudson:

Are you saying you don’t find me attractive, Knox?

Knox: