Page 65 of Ten Hammers

I cap the marker and gesture at the board, then tap number three. But the look that boy is giving me. I wonder if he can read my thoughts. All I can think about is the sex with Gavin. And I don’t regret my decision to be with him at all. I won’t regret my decision at all.

I sigh. “Max.”

“I’m just going to point out, that this whole Winnie’s Favorite Hammer thing wouldn’t even be happening if my brothers hadn’t gotten all in their feels and demanded to know what was going on between you and me. I wasn’t allowed to keep our private business private, so it’s a little bit hypocritical that they want that respect themselves now.”

He has a point. Also we both know if Gavin and I hadn’t had sex, I would just tell him Gavin and I hadn’t had sex. If it was any of the other Hammers, I would probably gently reiterate that it’s not any of their business. But this is Max.

Max, who’d been the one who introduced me to both the wonderful words of dry humping and getting eaten out. Max, who I’d actually discussed losing my virginity to. Max, who’d wanted my first time to be special… and with him.

I feel a surge of affection for him. I press my lips together for a second and then say, quietly, “Yeah, Max, Gav and I had sex.”

He gives me a wordless nod. Then after a minute, he says, “Well. Work to do.”

“Max,” I close the distance between us, “are you mad?”

He shakes his head, but his Adam’s apple is working, his jaw is clenched. I move in to hug him and he flinches.

“Max, it’s obvious you’re mad. Just say so. You’re allowed to feel what you feel, but you have to be honest with me about it, okay? I can’t stand you being upset and not telling me.”

I can’t stand the thought of this coming between me and Max. Or me and any of the guys. Or any of the guys and each other.

Tears prick my eyes and Max looks at me, his gaze going soft.

“Hey,” he reaches out and touches my elbow. “I just always thought it would be you and me, you know? That we were going to take things to the next level. That it was going to be us. But as long as you’re happy, I’ll get over it.”

Impulsively, I say, “Max, if you want me to call the whole thing off, I will.”

WHAT??!

But it’s Max. I say what I say. Do I mean it? I don’t know.

He leans forward and presses his lips to mine, sweetly, almost chaste.

“I don’t,” he says. “It was just a moment of petty jealousy, I swear. I thought I was going to be your first. But I mean, hey, I still might be the last, right?” He gives me a wink and I honestly can’t tell if he’s still bothered or truly shaking it off that quickly. “If I’m the right guy, you’ll choose me in the end, no matter how many other guys are vying for your attention. But your happiness is the most important thing, Win.”

I could tell him that now that I’ve had it, I’m 100% pro-sex and will definitely be wanting more, but… I have a feeling gushing about how great Gav is in bed would not make this situation any better. So instead, I forget the smoothie-making, grab the bananas, and go across the street with Max to ‘round up the fellas and have a little heart-to-heart-to-heart-to-heart-to… oh, fuck it.

“Hey,” I call upon entering. “Can I get everybody in the living room for a minute?”

When everyone is assembled, I say, “Raise your hand if you’re wondering if I had sex with Gavin last night.”

It takes a minute, but all the hands go up except Gavin’s. He looks like he might want to back slowly out of the room.

I nod. Then I look at Gav. “Do you mind if I tell them what did–or didn’t–happen?”

“Can you give me a couple minutes to hide all the sledgehammers first?” he says, half-jokingly. Then he says, “Whatever you want to do, Pooh Bear.”

“Winnie,” Jack begins. “You do not have to–”

“I had sex with Gavin last night,” I tuck some hair behind my ear.

“Well, okay then,” Jack says. “Now that everybody’s aware, can we get back to work?”

Unlike Max, he doesn’t seem bothered. Just… not shocked. Maybe it’s because he’s the oldest and therefore most mature. Or maybe because he’s the natural peacemaker and if he lets on that he’s bothered, the others will follow suit?

“No,” I say. “You may not.” I glance at Max. “You mind if I tell them what spurred me to call this team meeting?”

He shakes his head.

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