Page 33 of Pick Six

“All right. That would be perfect. If she doesn’t mind.”

Violet makes a little happy face and squeezes my arm. “I for one hope this works out because having you at team events and games would make my life.”

“Yeah, well don’t get your hopes up.” I eye her warily as we head out of the store to grab some gelato before going home for the night.

SEVENTEEN

Alex

It’sthe night of the gala and we all agreed to take a car and go together, so I rented one for everyone for the evening. Colt decided to attend last minute after he got word from his publicist he should attend. He’s flying solo like always, so he and Tobias and Tobias’s date are all sitting in the car when we pull up to Ben and Violet’s house to pick them and Harper up.

When I walk up to the door, Ben lets me in and gives me a look.

“What?”

“I hope you’re prepared is all.” He smirks.

“Prepared?” I give him a curious look.

“Here, I love this one. The fragrance is subtle but so good,” Violet’s talking to Harper as they walk into the room, handing her a miniature fragrance bottle out of her purse.

“Oh wow. I love that.”

Harper’s too distracted to notice I’m here and my jaw is about to hit the fucking floor. Because my girl looks fucking stunning. The dress is a dark red that wraps every curve she has perfectly. It dips low over her chest and then sweeps over her arms with two off-the-shoulder straps that seem to be anchored to nothing. How women’s clothing works is a fucking mystery to me, I just appreciate whatever magic they work. Her hips sway in the heels she’s wearing as she walks and then I notice the deep slit up one side that reveals one of her long legs. Yeah, I’m definitely not fucking prepared for this. I’d expected something far more conservative from her, not anything like this.

“Right?” Violet looks up as she asks the question, and she sees me staring and grins.

She elbows Harper gently. Finally, Harper looks up at me and she smiles, one that has a brightness that travels to her eyes as she’s walking over to me and pacing around, making a show of checking me out in my tux.

“Wow. Who knew Xander Xavier could clean up so nicely?”

“I think you’re going to have to fight the other women off,” Violet jokes.

“I think so. Same with this one.” Harper nods to Ben. “Do we need to bring switchblades in our pockets, you think?”

“Or we could wear garters and strap them there? Would make for a more cinematic reveal if we do have to fight.”

“I love it.”

Violet and Harper lean into each other laughing and Ben shakes his head at me.

“Your wife is a bad influence.” I look over at him.

“So I’ve heard, and yet…” He smiles at her.

My eyes drift back to Harper, her dark red dress pooling around her feet and the long swath of her gorgeous skin it reveals. I’m ready to get on my knees right now if she’d let me.

“You look gorgeous. That dress is… Wow.” Because I have no words.

“And it has pockets!” She grins, dipping her hand into the side of the dress to prove it.

“Is that a thing?”

“Yes. You men take them for granted, but they’re amazing.”

“Well, I’m glad your dress has pockets then.” I look her over one more time, trying to figure out where the pockets are when it fits her so well.

“Your dressreally. You paid for it. Thank you by the way.” She leans up and kisses me on the cheek, smiling again as she pulls away.