Page 23 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

Dandelion

What can I say… I’m good under pressure.

You should have been a surgeon. You missed your calling.

Dandelion

Very funny. Pulling the stinger out of your groin is hardly rocket science, but thank you. I hope Selena wasn’t upset that you didn’t have her do the honors.

Nah. She’s got those long, pointy fingernails, so I don’t think having her next to my junk with a sharp edge is a good idea.

Dandelion

Fair point. Feel free to call me for all surgical needs around your junk.

Dandelion

Oh, God. That didn’t sound right. Sorry.

I chuckled. She was so damn cute.

So damn off-limits.

Are you still with Coach?

I shouldn’t ask, because it was none of my business. But I was curious.

Dandelion

Yeah. He convinced me to come sit out on the water under the stars for a bit. He just ran to use the restroom inside. But I’ll be heading home soon. I’m pretty tired.

Yeah, I hear you. I’m beat, too.

Dandelion

Hey, can I ask you a question?

Of course. Anything.

Dandelion

The dandelion tattoo. What’s the story there?

Fuck. I knew this would come up. I was glad she didn’t ask in the bathroom when I was under duress. I’d probably have confessed the whole sappy truth.

No story. It was supposed to be a rose but came out looking more like a weed, so I call it a dandelion.

Dandelion

Ohhh… that’s why Nash called it a weed.

Well, you can’t make a wish on a weed, so a dandelion sounds a lot cooler.

Dandelion

That makes sense. And you’re feeling okay?

You worried about me, Dandelion?

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