Page 110 of Dirty Temptation

“EVERYONE BE QUIET!” Ward cries as he stands in front of the wall-sized TV with the remote in his hand.

“He looks more nervous than me.” Levi grins.

“Says the guy who owes Dad a Turkish rug from all his pacing today.” I shoot him a smirk.

Today is draft day for the NFL and the entire family is here. There is a mix of confidence and nerves as we await the announcement.

Oh and there’s a media crew here. They’re making a documentary on my brother. The fact he’s a Montgomery added extra interest in his journey to becoming pro.

We hope.

He’s had a standout year in his last college year.

“I think I’m more nervous,” Molly says next to me as she tucks her feet under her.

The truth is, no one is more nervous than Levi.

This is his future.

He’s been pegged to be picked in the first round, and so his manager and three of his best friends are also packed into the living room.

Kyler, Aaron, and Patrick.

“Here we go,” Dad says, shooting a look toward Levi. “Proud of you no matter what, son.”

“I’m going to throw up,” Bella says, biting her fingernails.

“Shhh,” Levi orders everyone, his eyes glued to the screen.

“In this year’s first pick for the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Levi Montgomery. Quarterback. Philadelphia.”

The room erupts.

Levi leaps off the sofa and throws his arms in the air, screaming.

Knox and I tackle him.

“Jesus I should have moved the antiques.” I hear Dad cry, but his voice is thick with emotion and joy.

Levi rips away from us and faces him as Dad yanks him hard up against his chest. Bella leans against my arm and Knox wraps his arms around both of us.

Montgomery pride fills me as I stand with my siblings watching my brother become a pro football player.

“So proud of you, son. So fucking proud.” Ward holds both sides of his head.

Christ.

I’ve cried more times in the past six months than I’ve ever done in my whole life.

Well, except when Mom died.

“Damn.” I brush my elbow against my cheek to stop the leak.

His friends and manager tackle him next as someone turns on some music and the room is filled with the sounds of champagne popping.

Molly slips under my arm and smiles. “You must be so damn proud of your little brother.”

I snort. “He’s hardly little. I might be six foot three, but Levi has an inch on me and a whole lot more muscle.”

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