Page 14 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“I was there last night. We played cards and swapped books.” I smiled. I loved Pearl Pierce more than life itself. That woman had saved me, just like her grandson had.

“Yeah, she told me you were there. She loves your visits.”

“There’s a wait for a table, King. So if you want to keep this one, you need to follow me over now and get your order in, or I’m giving it away,” Midge hissed, walking up out of nowhere.

“Calm your horses, Midge. We’re going there now,” he said, and Cutler waved and followed Midge toward their table, but Kingston paused as he watched them step away.

He leaned down and whispered in my ear, his lips grazing my skin and causing goose bumps to spread down my arms. “Don’t be afraid of the dick, Dandelion. It’s my favorite piece of equipment.”

He pulled a golden dandelion out of the pocket of his tee, like it was nothing out of the ordinary to have it there, and he placed it behind my ear like some sort of freaking magician.

A sexy, hot magician.

This guy could take his show on the road.

I’d buy tickets every time.

Every. Single. Time.

I just stared up at him, and he chuckled before walking away.

What the hell was that?

Ruby pushed my soda toward me and raised a brow. “You look a little parched.”

I let out a breath that I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding.

“What did he say?” Demi asked with wide eyes.

“Nothing. Just a little inside joke about the renovation.” I sure as hell wasn’t about to tell them what he’d said. That would just make everyone think there was more going on than there was.

Demi and Peyton nodded, but Ruby didn’t look like she was buying it. She studied me for a few seconds before reaching for her sandwich.

“Well, I’m here to say that Kingston Pierce would make any girl enter her dick era. Because I’m guessing that boy is packing a punch in those pants.” Peyton crossed her arms over her chest.

Demi spewed soda all over the table. Ruby rolled her eyes and shook her head with disgust. And I tried desperately to hide my smile.

Because I had a flashback to a few weeks ago when he’d been pressed up against my backside, and I got a front-row seat to what he was packing.

And Kingston Pierce was definitely packing a punch.

four

Kingston

“What’s goingon with you and Selena?” River asked, as we looked out at the water from the dock. There were several chairs on the wood structure, and he and I had just gotten out of the water.

“Nothing, really. It’s casual. She heard you were having a barbecue and asked if she could come.” I shrugged, my eyes moving to where Saylor and Coach Assmunch were sharing a raft. They were awfully cozy lately. The guy just rubbed me wrong. I didn’t know why Hayes wasn’t asking more questions about this guy.

Must I be the one to do everything?

“You’ve been out with her a couple of times, huh?” my brother pressed.

“What is this? An episode ofThe Bachelor?” I barked out a laugh. “Yeah, dude. I do take women out now and then. I’m not a barbarian.”

“She seems really… invested. I was just checking in to see if you felt the same. Because from where I’m sitting, you seem to be watching Saylor a lot more than the woman you brought here today.”

“For fuck’s sake. Of course, I am. Do none of you see that this guy is a total player? He’s putting on this fake Australian bullshit charm, and he’s wearing a goddamn Speedo for a bathing suit. Am I the only person who sees how crazy this is? I can’t believe Hayes isn’t concerned.”

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