Page 52 of Raise 'Em Up

“Okay…?”

“I wanted you to have the best date with all of us. It's our first date, including Trev,” I say with a pout.

Smiling, she steps closer to me and gives me a quick kiss. “Donny, I don't need perfection. Just you guys.”

Nodding, I take her hand and we continue back to the Cheer house. The limo is still waiting, and when Rylee sees it, plus all her men beside it, waiting for her, her eyes sparkle.

“Give me ten minutes and I'll be ready,” she says with a squeal, then rushes off.

Len moves closer to me, lowering his voice. “Are you better now?”

I nod and purse my lips. Tipping my head back, I look up at the evening sky. I wanted to be on the ocean at sunset, and I think we may still make it in time.

Colt and Teo climb into the car as the rest of us wait for Rylee.

Serenity and Alex leave the house, laughing and giving us a wave as they head toward his car.

“So, what are we doing tonight?” Rylee asks a few minutes later.

I shake my head and give her a wink. “It’s a surprise.”

Rolling her eyes, she climbs into the limo, sitting next to Len and Teo.

Closing my eyes, I say a small prayer that tonight goes well.

“I think that was the most delicious thing I have ever eaten.” Rylee moans, sitting back and placing her hands over her stomach, looking at the view.

The guys and I rented out the dining room at Beachside Sensations. I wanted to have a table out on the beach, but Teo said the seagulls would bother us.

“So, what’s up next?” Rylee asks, her eyes gleaming.

“Well, we all know how much you love the pier, so we figured we’d play some games and do some rides. Then we have a suite at the Surf,” Colt says.

“Oh, you guys spoil me. Let’s go.”

We spend the rest of the night competing until Rylee’s arms are overfilled with cheap stuffed animal prizes, and then we grab some dessert before heading back to the hotel.

I surprised everyone with swimsuits and Rylee laughed, making a joke about group sex, but I don’t think we are at that point yet. But spending the rest of the night in the hot tub, and then cuddled together on the large bed was perfect.

She was right. We didn’t need strawberries. Just each other.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“What's he doing here?” Mateo grumbles as we walk through campus toward the cheer gym.

We all turn and glare at Mateo. “Really?” I raise a brow.

“I don’t mean it like that.” He sighs. “Sorry, I just found out I’m not doing well in one of my classes. I only meant that he never comes to practices.”

“He’s here because we haven’t seen each other all week.” I lace my fingers through Trevor’s. “If it wasn’t for the competition coming up, I’d skip practice to see him.”

“No skipping,” Colt grumbles and I grin.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You know, what you all do is pretty damn impressive,” Trevor says. “No way I’d be able to hold someone over my head.”

“I’m sure you could,” Lennox says. “Just gotta work out.” He shows off his muscles and we all laugh.

---