Knot So Lucky (Destination Love, #1)(45)
There’s just something about that drawl of TJ’s and the cockiness of his smile that wins me over without him saying a word. Plus, if memory serves—and it does, over and over in all my dreams—TJ’s a real, real good time.
My tongue darts out, drawing my lip between my teeth as Nate butts in.
“Or would you rather stay here, alone, watching…”
His eyes flick to the TV, where I’ve been watching The Hangover again for the millionth time on mute. I chuckle and shake my head.
“Nah, I’ve seen it. My only question is, you said you brought me a snack…” I cock my head. “So, what am I supposed to do with these doughnuts?”
Nate thunders laughter as TJ bends down, rushing me, making me squeal as he lifts me in the air.
“Girl, we’re gonna have so much fun today.”
I’m all smiles, hands pressed to TJ’s shoulders as he slowly lowers me before Nate throws down the gauntlet. He motions to my cell on the table.
“Hey, make sure you let daddy know.”
The moment my feet hit the ground, I walk toward the couch, shove my feet into my flip-flops, and grab my purse and cell before I stare them down.
“Come on now, Nate…I am the daddy.”
“So, what exactly are we supposed to get here?”
Nate’s looking around, confused even though I already explained it. TJ takes my hand and lifts it above my head, twirling me around as we walk down the aisle of clothes at the Goodwill. I laugh and turn to Nate.
“I’m going to explain this again, but this time, try to listen instead of looking at my boobs.”
Nate shrugs noncommittally. “No promises.”
But he still manages to steal another smile from me as I forge ahead.
“Okay, so, what we’re doing is this: each of us is going to take turns walking down the aisle. When you hear the word stop, whatever your hand is on is what you’re going to wear. And we’re going to keep doing that until we have a completed outfit.”
“And why are we doing this again?” Nate half-heartedly complains, and for the life of me, I can’t explain why it’s attractive, but it is.
It’s like the grumpier he seems, the more I want to fuck him into submission. Maybe I really am the daddy.
TJ throws his arms in the air.
“Jesus Christ. You don’t listen for shit. I hope you’re paying attention to play calls better than this. We can’t just be out in the city looking like ourselves if we’re playing tourist for the day. We gotta play the part. And baby girl’s only got a duffel full of clothes to choose from. Shit’s limited.”
I motion my hand to TJ, giving an enthusiastic “Exactly” as my voice morphs into a terrible Swedish accent. “I’m Greta, and I’m from Sweden.”
TJ picks up a Boston Red Sox hat, but it’s kid-sized. That doesn’t stop him from trying to cram it on his head as he adds, “And I’m Matty from Boston. Go, Red Sox.”
Nate’s looking at the two of us like we’re aliens, but then his brow relaxes as he grabs a plaid scarf and wraps it around his neck, giving the worst Scottish accent I’ve ever heard.
“Well, little wee lass, let’s get ourselves some outfits.”
TJ claps his hands together, dropping character as I do a celebratory dance, prompting Nate to smush my face with his hand.
“Shut up… Okay, who goes first?”
“You,” I snark, shoving his hand away.
Nate walks to the end of the aisle and puts his hand over his eyes, waiting as TJ motions to give me a piggyback.
“Ready?” I call out as I jump up, now able to see above the world.
Nate nods, but TJ turns his head my way, and I’m suddenly reminded of the night we met. When his face was so close to mine before he kissed my cheek.
“Déjà vu,” he whispers.
I grin and shiver, feeling his whiskers tickle my face.
“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.”
TJ turns away, but his words leave a lasting imprint.
“Maybe we can do that some more because I can think of a few things I’d like to relive.”
Dirty, filthy, horny butterflies erupt in my stomach, not the sweet kind most girls get when they vibe with someone. No, the bitches in my tummy have a bottle of Jack in one hand, and the other is holding a stripper pole as they flutter around in a circle. Because any déjà vu coming from that night will require me finding myself in very dirty situations.
“Go,” rings out from TJ, and I smile because that felt like the kickoff to a game…one where my kitty gets to be the field.
twenty
“I can already feel the vomit giving me a salute like, see ya soon, fucker.”
crew
TJ: *video loading
A smile grows on my face because Eleanor’s dancing in the fucking Caesar’s Palace fountain, wearing a boa, cowboy hat, and a T-shirt that says, “If you like my meatballs, you’ll love my sausage.” All with the Friends theme playing in the background.
What the hell are they doing?
I’m laser focused on the video, listening to them and trying not to laugh.