Page 176 of Sin Bin

Delighted, he laughed and grabbed her in a fierce bear hug, making her laugh as he kissed her hair and then gave her a big smacking kiss on the lips.

“Thank you, baby,” he breathed excitedly. “Holy shit, this is amazing!”

She laughed, stroking his cheek. “Why don’t you try them on?”

Grinning from ear to ear, he put the gloves on and punched his padded fists together, then feinted and jabbed the air, thick muscles flexing. He looked so sexy and strong. But it was his boyish delight that tugged at her heartstrings and made her smile a mile wide.

“Look at you,” she cooed teasingly. “You’re a natural, Bruiser. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

“You know it, baby,” he said with a cocky grin.

She smiled as he moved in front of her, cupped the back of her head with his gloved hand and kissed her sweetly, then long and deep.

She was trembling by the time he lifted his head and whispered tenderly, “Thank you so much for the incredible birthday gift.”

Her heart melted into a puddle. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it. And I’m gonna show you just how much.” He tugged the gloves off and dropped them on the bed, then picked her up in his arms and carried her to the shower.

Since the team had a free day to enjoy the hedonistic delights of Sin City, many players planned to spend the day drinking and gambling in the casinos, trying their luck with the slot machines or at poker tables. Hunter, Dmitri and a few other adrenaline junkies were hanging out at the racetrack.

When Logan and Meadow came downstairs after breakfast, the other couples were already gathered in the lobby.

Jess took one look at them and squealed excitedly, “Oh-em-gee! You guys fucked last night, didn’t you?”

Meadow’s face burned as several heads around the lobby swiveled in their direction. The girls threw exasperated glares at Jess while the guys bit back grins. Even Logan could barely hide his amusement.

Blushing to the roots of her hair, Meadow walked up to Jess, took her by the arm and steered her away from the group. “I realize that you have no filter. Shocking outbursts are your thing. I get it. But last night was the most beautiful night of my life, and I won’t let you cheapen it with your crass shock jock antics. So give it a rest.” With that, she thrust her nose in the air and walked off, leaving Jess standing there openmouthed.

The others burst out laughing.

Ten minutes later, they were standing around mapping out the day’s itinerary when Thiago Cervantes strolled into the lobby. Dressed in a white suit with a black silk shirt, he had shiny dark hair and a crooked nose that had obviously been broken several times.

Logan glanced over at him and did a double take.

“Oh shit.” He shot a glance at Meadow, then looked back at the approaching man and whispered incredulously, “No fucking way.”

The stunned look on his face was priceless, drawing laughter from everyone.

“What’s up, my man?” Thiago Cervantes walked right up to Logan, pumped his hand and pulled him close for a one-armed hug. “Good to meet you, Bruiser. A nickname after my own heart. And you’ve got a killer left hook to back it up.”

Logan beamed at him. “It’s a real honor to meet you, Mr. Cervantes. I’ve been a big fan since I was a kid.”

“So I heard,” Thiago said with a conspiratorial wink at Meadow. “Please call me Thiago. You make me feel old when you call me Mr. Cervantes, and I haven’t been retired that long.”

Logan’s grin stretched wider. “Thank you so much for the autographed gloves. They’re awesome, and I really appreciate what you wrote.”

Thiago’s dark eyes twinkled. “I wore those gloves the first time I fought Perez.” He chuckled as Logan’s eyes widened in awe. “As you probably recall, I knocked him out in the fifth round. I hope the gloves bring you good luck. Not that you really need it. I’ve seen you play. You and your teammates are absolute beasts.”

“Thanks, man.” Grinning from ear to ear, Logan proceeded to introduce everyone to his childhood hero. Thiago went around the circle shaking hands and winking at the girls. Bianca flagged someone down to take a group picture. Nelson, ever the sports reporter, scored a phone interview with Thiago.

A few hockey fans wandered over and asked the guys for an autograph. Logan obliged them before pulling Thiago aside for a private conversation. The two men lapsed into Spanish, talking and laughing like old friends.

Bianca and Nadia sidled up to Meadow. “Girl, you pulled off the ultimate surprise. Look how happy you’ve made Logan. He’s like a little boy on Christmas morning.”

“I know,” Nadia agreed with a warm laugh. “And to think she was worried about him not liking her gift.”

“Right?” Bianca grinned at Meadow. “Don’t be surprised if that man lures you into a wedding chapel before the end of the day!”

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