“Is that a no?”
I ease off him and grab my clothes from the floor as he watches me with heavy-lidded eyes. “It’s a ‘Get your ass in gear so we can hurry.’”
He smiles, broadly, the effect of it nearly taking my breath. “Yes, darling.”
Chapter 25
GRAHAM
Having a bachelor party a month after being married is a bit unorthodox, but we’re at the Baller, a private membership club for professional athletes, and they serve a mean burger and have great beer.
Technically, it really isn’t a bachelor party. We’re here for a reason.
The waitress brings another round of tequila shots, and I discreetly push mine over in Cas’s direction. I need my wits about me. There’s a special guest arriving soon, and I want to be fully aware. Just the thought of seeing him makes my hands clench. Zero alcohol for me.
We’re inside one of the private rooms as Jasper chews on a french fry and gives me a baleful look from across the table. He nudges his head in the direction of Jane, Ciara, and Babs. “When I suggested we have a bachelor party, I didn’t know girls we knew would be invited. I was expecting hot strippers, not bookworms.”
“Sorry to disappoint,” I murmur. “I’m not into strippers.”
Jane flips him off. “We can hear you, meathead.”
Jasper uses both hands to return her salute. “I meant for you to hear, Miss Model.”
“Settle down, children. No squabbles,” Brody says as he swirls his martini, takes a deep sip, then stands and glances around the room. “Welcome, everyone, especially the ladies we have present tonight. Ciara and Mason, it’s great to see you outside the bar. The time has now arrived for us to offer our dear friend and brother, Graham, marriage advice. If you aren’t married, any good old-fashioned relationship tidbits will do. Let’s help him out, yes?”
After Brody sits, River Tate stands. The best wide receiver on the team, he came to the franchise married to his college sweetheart. He was the one who recommended Dr. Moreau, and we’ve become close. “I’ll go first. Never use the bathroom with the door open. Once you do, there’s no mystery left. There’s nothing more eye-opening than watching your loved one drop a deuce.” He grins. “Of course, I have two kids, and you wouldn’t believe the diapers I’ve changed. Pureed pears, man, don’t feed them to your baby. Turns them into shitting machines.”
“Here, here!” Brody says. “I concur! Not about the baby food, but the other. Cas and I have separate bathrooms for a reason. Namely, his bombs are death fumes.” He kisses Cas. “It’s okay, baby. I love you anyway.”
Jasper blows out a breath. “I’ve been in a few, okay several, relationships. My main piece of advice is, if a girl wants an argument, just strip. Usually, my beautiful body halts everything. Also, angry sex is the best.”
He leans in, a serious look on his face. “Also. Dude. I’ve got four sisters. Trust me when I tell you to keep track of her cycle so you can be ready with cuddles. And buy tampons for her so she doesn’t have to. Might wanna get some candy. I buy out the Walgreens for my sisters.”
“She might need her pig,” Jane says.
Brody blanches. “God, don’t tell me she has a pig and a cat?”
Andrew laughs. “Not a real pig. Wilbur, from Charlotte’s Web. He’s our stuffed animal that we share.”
“Oh.” Brody shrugs. “There’s a story there, I guess.”
Andrew does a fist bump with Jasper. “I’ve bought my share of tampons.”
I exhale. “Let’s move on from menstrual cycles.”
“All right then, say yes more than you say no,” Jasper replies. “And don’t act disgusted if she burps or farts. It’s gross, but don’t let her know. It’s fine if you do those things. It’s manly.”
“So manly,” I reply dryly.
My mind drifts. I left her at home tonight, curled up on the couch with a book.
Being stealthy, I sneak my phone under the table and text her. What are you wearing?
She sends me a pic of herself in kitty PJ pants and a tank top.
Sexy.
Having fun yet? she asks.
Hmm, it’s nice to see River outside of football, and I don’t know Mason very well, but I’ve clocked the narrowed looks he sends me. He doesn’t trust me. Maybe after tonight, he will.
I need to know when your period is so I can be prepared with chocolate.
There’s a pause, and she sends, I enjoy champagne on my period.