EthanI lifted my leg and shook it like a dog might. "That feels good. Scratch my belly and move lower?""Gross." She popped me and sat back. "Spill, Ethan. I know you've been struggling with something since she signed the papers. What happened?""I already told you, D. Shit. The story doesn't change. She came over for a conversation, I did as you asked and played gentleman. It sucked to not let her see the real me, but obviously they prefer the mask." I put another balloon to my lips, blowing hard."I don't believe you." She reached out and gripped the balloon, pulling it hard. My hard work deflated before me, and I picked up another and pulled it tight between my fingers before releasing it and laughing as she squealed."Look, she wanted something to happen between us, and I sure as fuck did too." I shrugged. "But, you were right. I need to respect her as my co-worker and not give in to the animalistic urge I have to see how far I can press my-""Okay." Deza stood up and lifted her

RileyHow ready I was for a different life. I wasn't sure the life that Ethan lived was necessarily the one I was after, but one where I didn't have to search for change in the bottom of my car for gas or a loaf of bread at the store would be righteous. To have people pawing at me and worshiping the ground I walked on sounded horrid, but I would take that any day for a paycheck capable of pulling me out of poverty.Charlotte's phone sent me to voice-mail, and I growled loudly and called Jace instead. He answered on the first ring."Hey, baby girl. What's up? Need me?" The laughter in the background told me quickly that he wasn't alone."I'm stuck on the side of the road off Vance and Timmons. Can you come give me a ride or are you too busy?" I kept my tone light. Jace was a good guy with a healthy lust for women – all women. He didn't deserve my shit, and after us being friends with benefits since our senior year in high school, he didn't much put up with it either."I'm good. Just le

EthanThere was almost a flood of relief inside of me that Riley seemed back to being her old self. Having her upset with me, or tense in my presence in a way that wasn’t cheeky, was unnerving, and we’d just met. I liked our relationship the way it was. If she were willing to get over the small mishaps we had the week before, I could too. I’d even let the idea of her testing me go. It was a far better answer than thinking I had hurt her pride. Hell had no fury like a woman scorned. Even they would agree with that."So you have a way with the ladies as well?" Jace asked and crossed his arms over his chest. I hated how quickly I was to judge him, but the poor guy didn't stand a chance with me. He was standing too close to the woman I wanted wrapped around me later that night. He had something I wanted - badly, and I wasn't too used to that."Naw... I give them what they want from time to time and go about my merry way." I shrugged and pointed toward the drink table. "Jade, there're bott

RileyI rolled my eyes at Ethan's antics. He was too cute for his own good, but the sad part was that he was more than aware of it, and taken."I'm going to have his children. I've decided." Charlotte let out a girlie sigh next to me.Jace picked up a plate. "I don't see what the hype is all about. He seems like a regular dude with a little bit of make-up and a fruity-ass haircut."My need to defend Ethan roared to life, but I pushed it back down. He didn't need to be defended, and I'd never seen Jace get upset or jealous over another guy. It was almost humorous."Don't be a hater," I mumbled and pressed my shoulder against his as we moved down the buffet."Why would I be hating on him? He just has everything in the world that any man could possibly want, and then some. The fucker has the perfect life." Jace rolled his shoulders and sighed."Well, he doesn't have me." I was only teasing, but the look on Jace's face said that he didn't have me either. Not that I was the end all be all.

EthanBitch. Man she was such a bitch. A bitch I wanted groaning my name and begging for more of what only I could give her."Dude, really?" Deza moved to stand in front of me as she wiped at her eyes. She'd been crying."What?" I reached out and brushed my hands over her shoulders before looking behind her for Darren. I was going to whoop his ass if he hurt her. "Where is he?""No. We're good." She rested her hands on my chest. "His mom had a heart attack and isn't doing too well.""What were you getting onto me for?" I turned my attention back to her, grateful that she was okay. I didn't have many people in my life that I'd defend, but Deza was one of them. Something told me that Riley was soon to join the crew."Your dick is halfway up your stomach. Are you seriously thinking that no one is going to notice that?"I glanced down and released her before tugging my shirt out of my pants and rolled my shoulders. "Better?""Yeah." She patted my chest and glanced over her shoulder. "What