Page 68 of Power Play

I spin in his hold, wanting to see him while we talk. “Are all professional athletes friends with each other? Is there some cool club you’re a part of where you need a password to enter? Something like,douche canoe? Orbig bucks millionaires?”

His laugh shakes my chest. “Shockingly, no. Some of us share the same agent. A lot of people run in the same circles. I try to be cordial enough with everyone I meet, but I’m not buddies with them. I did go to college with Colton Clark who plays basketball in Orlando.”

“That guy is a phenom.”

“No kidding. He’s younger than me, but we’ve done a few promo things for the school.”

“Who’s the most famous person you have in your phone?”

“You think very highly of me. I told you I’m boring, Piper.”

“Come on. There has to be someone impressive.”

“I might have Ella Wright’s number. Or, her publicist’s number, at least. Maybe I deleted it.”

“You’ve talked to the world’sbiggestpop star?How?”

“Charity event a couple years ago. Nice woman. Catchy music, too.”

“And here I was thinking I was cool because you and I have texted a few times. Then you go and one-up me with the biggest flex of all time.” I huff. “Let me go back into my hole of being a nobody.”

“You’re very cool, Blondie. And definitely a somebody.”

“You changed nicknames on me.” I touch his chest and trace the outline of his muscles. “What happened to Pipsqueak?”

“Dunno.” Liam shrugs and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “I don’t want you to think I’m insulting your size or calling you meek. Figured I could switch it up.”

“If you were five-foot-six with a small dick, I’d probably be offended. Given you’re a giant with a massive cock, I’ll allow it.”

He bursts out laughing, and it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. I want to bottle it up so I can listen to it again. I want to tell him all the jokes in the world so I can see his mouth split into a wide grin.

“Wow. That made my whole day.”

“More than the orgasm?”

“It’s pretty close.”

“I didn’t know complimenting your dick would be a game changer, but I’m glad I could help.”

“It’s not about complimenting my dick. Which, thank you, by the way.” He pulls back a bit and takes my chin between his fingers. “It’s because you’re getting more sure of yourself. Two weeks ago, you wouldn’t have said that to me. Now look at you: you’re a dick stroker.”

“If only. Someone won’t let me stroke anything yet.”

“What was that saying about patience being a virtue you mentioned earlier?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Am I taking up too much of your time? Pico must miss you.”

“Doubt it. I bet he’s grateful to get rid of me.”

“No way. You’re probably the best cat dad out there.”

“The highest accolade I could have, to be honest. Fuck the Stanley Cup.”

A yawn escapes me. “I’m going to close my eyes. You wore me out.”

Liam rests his hand on my hip and squeezes. “Sweet dreams, Piper.”

My muscles relax and my limbs get heavy. Sleep threatens to overtake me, and just as I’m slipping into unconsciousness, I dream Liam kisses my forehead.

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