Page 36

Tina

“W ait. You had unprotected sex all night?”

I really need to make sure we’re in a secluded area before I tell Rosa anything next time. Stacy, who joined us in the stands a few minutes ago, giggles beside me. Since I have firsthand knowledge of her sex life, I’m not as embarrassed as I probably should be at her hearing our conversation. Besides, she couldn’t possibly know who I was with. It could’ve been anyone. But her gaze darts to where Dustin is standing with Colin, Christian, Tucker, and Lucius ringside, returning to me with a twinkle, and I know I haven’t dodged anything.

She smiles. “It’s okay. I totally get it.”

Something tells me Colin isn’t as contrary with her as his brother is with me, though. For example, this morning I was fully prepared to find the dirty dishes from last night waiting for me, but other than my favorite bagel and coffee on the counter, the kitchen was spotless. Even the remnants of my panties were gone. Dustin emerged from the shower just as I was finishing my breakfast and told me he packed bags for us and I had an hour to get ready for our flight home.

Rosa eyes me like she’s looking for visible changes. “So how was it?”

“Rosa.”

“Come on,” she pleads. “Take pity on me. I’ll probably die a virgin.”

I almost spit out my gum, her boldness still surprising me. “Oh, please. You could have any one of these men with a snap of your fingers and we both know it.”

“Right.” With a sweep of one of her hands, she encompasses the entire gym. “Clearly you didn’t get the memo. Apparently, I’m off limits.”

“What?” Stacy and I say at the same time.

“Yep. I cornered Tucker the other day, testing out my theory, and he nearly fled in a panic when I reached for his dick. I finally got him to tell me why every guy at the gym gives me a wide berth.” Stacy and I lean closer. All we need is a bucket of popcorn. Rosa looks less entertained. “ Someone told them I was not to be touched.”

We all turn our attention to the man in question. The second we do, Lucius turns his head slightly like he senses he’s the topic of our conversation.

I slap her thigh three times to get her attention away from him. One did the trick, but it didn’t seem to convey the right amount of urgency. “You know what this means, though, right?” I roll my eyes when she stares back, clueless. Looks like Denialville has another resident. “He totally wants you for himself.”

She shakes her head so hard the bleachers teeter beneath us. “He doesn’t want me. He’s made that pretty clear.”

“Men,” we all say together and resume staring at the guys again.

Dustin is bare-chested and drawing a crowd—mostly of the female variety. I can’t say I blame them. His pecs alone should be added to the wonders of the world. I sit up straighter when I notice the jump rope in his hand. “What is he doing?” The first notes of “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent begin playing. The women squeal, proving they aren’t as clueless as me.

“This,” Rosa says, smiling like she has a secret she can’t wait for me to learn, “is his warm-up.”

It’s certainly warming me up, I think, as I watch the nylon rope whip through the air, over and around Dustin’s head and under his feet. He switches hands so fast it’s hard to follow, or maybe it’s the way his muscles flex with each jump distracting me. His abs are rock solid, and I remember the smooth ridges beneath my greedy hands. He bobs his head to the music while his lips move as he sings the suggestive words—showboating to the extreme. And everyone is eating it up. Especially me. “Wow,” I breathe.

Rosa bumps my shoulder. “Just think, his mouth was all over your—”

I cover her lips with my hand and feel her grin against my skin. Dustin finishes with a flourish. Sweaty and confident, he tosses the rope to Lucius and waits. “Now what’s he doing?”

She slaps my palm away, grinning. “You’ll see.”

A line forms in front of Dustin, and to my surprise, the first lady pulls the neckline of her top down, exposing the top swell of her breast. She hands Dustin a pen and there’s no mistaking the starstruck hopeful look in her eyes. Jealousy brews in my stomach, a thick bubbling poison. It burns a path to my chest, spreading to my limbs until my fingers curl into fists. Dustin, while signing the woman’s boob, finds me in the stands. Our eyes lock and he winks. Winks! The jerk. I rise, about to start a fight of my own, when Rosa puts a firm hand on my leg. “Save it, girlfriend.” Once I settle back on my rump, she adds, “You’ll need it later.”

“Not to mention”—I count the women in line—“I’m outnumbered like ten to one.”

Stacy harrumphs. “Like there’s ever been a competition.” Stacy stands, announcing, “I’m going to get something to drink. Would either of you want one?”

Rosa perks up. “Oh, I’d love a soda, please.” Stacy waves off Rosa’s money before disappearing into the crowd of people I swear weren’t here a moment ago.

“When did all these people get here?” I ask.

Rosa laughs. “That’s what happens when you have tunnel vision.”

“Whatever. I missed all of this pre-bout stuff the last time I watched him fight, that’s all.”

“Whatever you say.”