Page 136 of The Dixon Rule

“Hey, beautiful,” he says easily, wrapping his arm around my waist. His dark-green eyes narrow in appreciation as they roam my gown-clad body.

Wyatt has sex eyes. He always manages to look seductive, even when he’s not flirting.

“Hey, hottie,” I respond as I rest both palms on his broad shoulders.

It’s a shame that Gigi has a strict hands-off rule when it comes to her brother. When I met her freshman year, she made that stance clear. Her exact words were, “Unless you can see yourself marrying him, you will not be going to bed with him.”

I could’ve tested that rule over the years, but despite the obvious chemistry between us, Wyatt and I never went there. Because while I might have fun with him for a night, I absolutely cannot see myself marrying him. He’s too laid-back. Not only would I eat him alive but I suspect his go-with-the-flow attitude would eventually drive me up the wall.

Wyatt and I get to dance for all of one minute before Shane cuts in.

“Are you going to pee on me now to mark your territory?” I mock as I loop my arms around his neck.

Shane cups my ass to bring me flush against his body. We’re not dancing so much as standing there with our bodies pressed together.

“So you and Wyatt Graham,” he starts.

“What about us?” I play dumb.

“Did you ever sleep with him?”

I raise a brow at him. “What would you do if I said yes?”

Shane grinds his lower body against mine, his chin dropping onto my shoulder so he can whisper in my ear. “I’d take you home and drill you so hard that you won’t remember a time when my dick wasn’t in you.”

Jesus.

I swallow the sudden rush of moisture that fills my mouth.

“So did you?” He searches my face.

“No,” I admit. Then, just to rile him up, I add, “But maybe I should. Maybe I’ll go home with him tonight.”

A growl sounds in my ear.

“What?” I say innocently.

Shane skims his hand up my bare arm, lightly grazing the side of my breast, and cups my cheek with his palm. His fingertips tease the side of my jaw.

“No man is allowed to touch you but me, Dixon.” His voice is low. Thick with desire. “And if one tries, I’ll rip his fucking hands off.”

A hot shiver rolls through me. It’s strange, because earlier I was thinking how unattractive Percy’s possessiveness was, how the behavior led to our breakup. And yet Shane’s growly threat doesn’t make me bat an eye. Lindley doesn’t scare me.

But the way I’m starting to feel about him does.

To: [email protected]

Re: Inappropriate Noises

Brenda,

I would like to lodge a formal complaint against my upstairs neighbors, Red Birch residents 2A and 2B. I am citing the noise ordinances outlined in Section 3 Paragraph 2 of the Meadow Hill Homeowners’ Handbook.

In the last two weeks, I have heard noises in the form of vocal expression (moaning, whimpering) inappropriate language (expletives such as “fuck” and “goddamn”), and structural disturbances (loud thumping against walls, excessive bedspring squeaking).

As per S3 P2, the recourse for such conduct should result in a fine, as I’m sure you are aware. Please address in the next HOA meeting. I am available most evenings and weekends if you would like to discuss further.

Sincerely,

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