Page 43 of Home Town Advantage (Fourth Quarter Fever #1)

TWENTY

SULLEY

“ C heers,” we all shout in unison as we clink champagne glasses. We’re on a flight to Las Vegas. I’ve never been on a private jet before. It’s the most bougie thing I’ve ever done in my life.

The plane is practically like a house. A nice, modern house at that. It has cream-colored leather sofas, a bar, huge recliner chairs, tables, refrigerators, bedrooms, multiple bathrooms that include showers, and nearly ten staff members catering to all our needs.

It’s my friends, our Camels friends, and several other Camels and their wives. I’m doing my best to introduce myself to everyone. It’s overwhelming.

Reagan had asked if her mother and stepfather could hitch a ride with us. Apparently, Reagan and her whole family are already out in Vegas for the big sports weekend. Her mother had an appointment and couldn’t get out until now.

The two of them are a remarkably attractive couple, both with dark hair, and they appear to be in great shape.

I assume they’re in their mid to late fifties but could easily pass for being in their forties.

They’ve been cuddling and kissing in a corner since we took off.

They’re so cute. I wonder if they’re newlyweds.

The group is sitting around a few of the tables, having drinks now that the pilot turned off the seatbelt sign. I decide it’s a good time to introduce myself to Reagan’s mom and stepfather.

I approach her first. “Mrs. Knight?”

She smiles. “Call me Darian, Sulley.” She points to her husband. “And call him Jackson.”

I nod. “Will do. I just wanted to tell you you’re more than welcome to join us.” I point to the rowdy table.

“Thank you, but given the ungodly early hour in the day, we might go back to sleep. And if we start drinking now, we’ll be passed out by noon.”

It’s super early. We wanted to get out there early enough not to miss any of the college basketball games we’ll be watching on television. Layla said every sports bar in Vegas has hundreds of screens, so you don’t miss any of the action.

“Makes sense.” I notice their intertwined fingers. “Did you two recently get married?”

Jackson easily pulls her onto his lap and shakes his head. “Nope. It’s been nearly a decade, but I still see her as my bride.” He softly kisses her lips, and she stares at him lovingly while running her fingers over his scruff.

I can’t help but smile widely at their interaction. They’re adorable.

“Okay, I’ll leave you two to sleep. If you change your mind, I think the drinking games have already begun.”

I point toward my crew, who seem to be opening more bottles of booze. As I make my way back, I notice all eyes on Beau as he announces, “And that is what you call a boner shake.”

Huh? “I was only gone for a minute,” I interrupt. “What in the world did I miss?”

Kennedy answers, “Beau was telling us about something called boner shakes. Apparently, he needs to drink them all the time.”

Beau practically growls. “I don’t like what you’re insinuating, Kennedy.

I drink them for the testosterone. Cholesterol is a building block for testosterone, which helps build muscle.

The crazy boner is an added side effect…

but I don’t need that side effect.” He crosses his arms. “I’m just fine in that department, thank you very much. ”

I’ve never seen Beau get so worked up. I can’t let this go. I need more information. “What’s in a boner shake, Chef Beau?” I joke, “I don’t remember seeing it in your recipe book.”

Layla reads from her phone. “Four eggs, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and water. A man should shake it up and drink it at night. When he wakes in the morning, he’ll supposedly have the biggest boner of his life…and all that other testosterone and muscle building crap too.”

Presley scowls at her. “Did you write down the recipe?”

She nods. “You bet I did. Best boner of your life? Don’t you want to at least try it? I wouldn’t mind being your test subject, precioso.”

He twists his lips. “Hmm. I guess we can give it a go…ya know, for science. To see if I can build more muscle from the testosterone.”

Daylen shakes his head. “I don’t need it. Zero problems in that department for me. I had my first orgy last night,” he proudly announces as he pauses for dramatic effect while the guys hang on every word. “Okay, it was one woman, but she had multiple personalities.”

They all start laughing. Kennedy shakes her head. “You’re such a manwhore. Is there anyone you haven’t had sex with?”

He scoffs. “God forbid I have a hobby.” He stands. “This champagne is going right through me. I need to drain the main vein.”

Kennedy makes a look of disgust. “Stop announcing your trips to the bathroom. It’s disgusting. ”

With his back turned to her, he waves his hand dismissively and yells out, “Be sure to add it to your red flag list. I hope to check off every single one of them this weekend.”

The plane ride took an interesting turn when Darian and Jackson disappeared, only for us to hear them from one of the bedrooms a little while later, clearly having sex. We all got a good laugh out of that.

Limos picked us up from the airport and took us to the Palms Casino.

The hotel is the biggest, most luxurious one I’ve ever seen.

Our suites are incredible. Each has two bedrooms and a spacious living room complete with a kitchen and other amenities.

I’m sharing a suite with Kennedy, Palmer, Shay, and Alyssa.

We gave Shay and Alyssa one bedroom. The three of us are happy to share the other.

The hotel bars are as promised. They’re huge with countless televisions showing every single basketball game. There’s a ton of betting going on, but I’m not wagering my hard-earned money. I’m more than content to sit, drink, and watch the games.

I’ve been in basketball heaven all morning and early afternoon, not missing a single minute of any of the action.

We’ve enjoyed the first few games at the bar, but everyone wants to hit the pool to enjoy the beautiful weather. Apparently, the Circa Hotel in Vegas has huge television screens at its pool. I’m excited to see it.

We’re changing into bathing suits, preparing to convene in the lobby in five minutes to head over to the other hotel’s pool. We had all gone shopping together prior to this trip, which included us indulging in new bathing suits.

Palmer is still in her regular clothing. I look at her. “We need to go. Get changed.”

Her worried eyes meet mine. “I don’t think I can do this. ”

Kennedy and I exchange knowing glances. I thought we had dealt with this at the bathing suit store last week.

I shake my head. “Palmer, we told you, you look beautiful in that suit.” She outright refused to purchase a bikini. She instead bought an elegant one-piece. It’s violet, nearly the same shade as her unique eye color, and it made them shine. We were so excited when she finally decided to buy it.

Kennedy sits down next to Palmer and rubs her back. “Women are meant to have curves. You’re beautiful on the inside and the outside. Do you know how rare that is?”

Tears fill Palmer’s eyes. “It’s so easy for you to say, Kennedy. You’re perfect. You could be on the cover of swimsuit magazines. I just…I can’t walk around next to you. I’ll look like the Jolly Purple Giant.”

In fairness to Palmer, Kennedy does look like a freakin’ Bond girl in her gold bikini. Something about the dark hair, green eyes, and gold bikini makes for a stunning creature. Her being drop-dead gorgeous and having a flawless figure only adds to it. She’s imposingly attractive.

Kennedy straightens her shoulders. “The best thing a woman can wear is confidence. Yes, I look fucking good. That’s because I know I look good.

You are a goddess, Palmer. I see it, Sulley sees it, and,” she pauses for dramatic effect, “I’m pretty sure a certain very large, very smart gentleman also sees it.

He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all day.

Now it’s time for you to see it. To own it.

Do you know how many women would kill to be as tall as you?

I would. I’m jealous as hell of your height.

I feel like a shrimp around you.” She stands and throws her bag over her shoulder.

“In fact, don’t come. It makes me look better if you don’t. ”

A small smile starts to take form on Palmer’s face. She looks at me and I purse my lips. “If I were you, I’d go just to fuck with Kennedy. Make that skinny, short bitch pay.”

Palmer’s grin widens as she reaches into her drawer for the bathing suit. “Okay. I’ll come. Give me two minutes.”

I nod. “Take as long as you need. ”

When she disappears into the bathroom, I bow my head to Kennedy and whisper, “You’re a master manipulator.”

She scoffs. “Pft. I’ve been told that my whole life.”

“You’re also a closet good person.”

She winks. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a rep to protect.”

A few minutes later, we enter the lobby with the entire crew waiting for us. Vance’s eyes practically bend me over and fuck me right here. Christ, he needs to chill out and stop being so damn obvious.

Daylen lets out a loud whistle as his eyes move up and down Kennedy’s body in her barely there cover, which covers exactly none of her gold bikini.

“Our kids would be so good-looking. My eyes. My body. My charisma. My personality. My talent. My intelligence.” He scratches his chin.

“Come to think of it, you’re unnecessary in this genetic equation. ”

We all laugh while Kennedy shakes her head. “I don’t know where you got your looks from, Humblecut, but I hope you kept the receipt.”

Daylen twists his lips. “Don’t bite the hand that fingers you.”

She makes a look of disgust. “Those hairy stubs will never finger me. In fact, there are three places you can stay for free this weekend. In your lane. Out of my business. And over there.Scurry away, cockroach.”

Presley sighs. “If you two are done with your creepy foreplay, the party bus is here to drive us over. Everyone else is already on it.”