Page 16 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“I do like my trunks a lot. And I don’t know if they make those small suits like Coach has with little dinosaurs on them.”

“We can look into it if it’s something you want to try out,” River said, a wicked grin on his face.

“I’d just need to make sure my sea monster fits inside that kind of suit, right, Uncle King?”

“Correct. You need to keep your sea monster real safe.”

“Seriously? You called it a sea monster?” Ruby whispered so only I’d hear. Cutler had moved on to asking my brother questions about the meat he was going to cook.

“What? That’s what I called it when I was young.”

She shook her head and glanced over to make sure River was deep in conversation with Cutler. “So, Selena’s nice.”

“Yeah. She’s really nice. Great girl.”

She raised a brow before turning back and chopping cucumbers like she was a damn sous chef. “What’s your deal with Coach?”

“I told you. I’m not a fan. I don’t trust him.”

“That’s not like you, King. Do you know something that we don’t?” There was concern in her voice now, and I knew she and Saylor were close. Of course, she’d want to protect her friend.

“That’s the surprising thing. You all see what I see, yet none of you have a problem with him?”

She shook her head and smiled before leaning in again and whispering. “You sure you aren’t just jealous?”

I gasped dramatically, because theatrics were kind of my thing. “I don’t get jealous. But I am protective, and I trust my gut.”

“All right. Just don’t be so hard on the guy. He likes her, and she seems like she likes him. She deserves that, you know?”

My chest squeezed. Was I being a total dick? Had I misread the guy?

Am I fucking jealous?

“I’ll try harder. How about that?”

“That would be nice. At least give him a chance. It’s not all that serious, but I think she’s enjoying things right now.”

I took a long pull from my bottle and glanced out the window. Saylor was wearing a pink bikini, her golden skin impossible not to stare at. Her perky tits, which would fit perfectly in the palms of my hands, had my mouth watering. My gaze moved down to her flat stomach and toned, lean legs, settling at the apex of her thighs.

Good Christ. I am losing it.

I quickly shifted to look at Selena. My date. She was gorgeous. Why the fuck wasn’t I scanning her body? She was curvy and voluptuous and sexy as hell.

Why couldn’t I keep my attention there?

Right where it belonged.

It was probably my history with Saylor that made things so complicated. Our connection.

And, of course, I was attracted to her. That was completely normal. She was hot. It didn’t mean anything.

“You all right?” Ruby studied me as she tossed the veggies into the bowl.

“Of course. I’m great.” I kissed her cheek and followed my brother and Cutler out to the grill, and we got to work.

Country music played in the background, and I took it all in. The sun was still shining, and the lake glistened in the distance. Romeo, Nash, Hayes, Slade, Bobby, Coach Junk-on-display, Demi, Saylor, Selena, and Peyton were all playing football out in the yard. They called Cutler over, and I high-fived him before he jogged over to the group.

River and I moved the cooked meat to the platter just as they finished the game. Everyone helped Ruby carry the food out to the big table that I’d built for my brother as a housewarming gift years ago when he’d purchased this place. The two matching benches made it so we could all sit together.

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