Page 39 of Alluring

Alexis sat fidgeting in the front seat of the SUV as Jack drove them to Mase's house for a BBQ. She knew he was a star quarterback, knew the type of crowd that would be attending, knew they were friends of Jacks, and knew she wouldn't fit in.

Jack took her hand a gave it a squeeze. "Relax. You're going to have fun. I told you it's just some friends hanging around the pool and having a BBQ."

Alexis wasn't about to share what was on her mind but when she looked at him, she saw he expected some response. "Okay."

He gave her a smile and brought her palm to his lips for a kiss.

They soon pulled into a set of gates and drove up a long driveway. Alexis looked around. From what she could see, the property appeared vast. The house (mansion?) sitting on it immense. Jack stopped in front of a set of steep stairs that led to a massive set of double doors.

"Shit," Jack said, opening his door.

"What?" Alexis asked, looking around, spying a small group of men, some with cameras, standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Media. Let's get inside." Jack handed his keys to the valet then made his way around, opening Alexis's door and helping her out.

He took her hand, and they quickly walked up the stairs accompanied by flashing lights and shouted questions. The most prevalent one asking Jack, who the girl he was with was.

They entered the house, and Alexis looked around in amazement when they walked through an enormous living room, featuring light-colored furniture, an entertainment center, and a full bar. Two sets of sliding doors led to the backyard where muffled sounds of merriment could be heard.

Jack slid one of the doors open giving her hand a tug to pull her through. "Come on, beautiful. Let's go find Mase."

At least a hundred people were standing around, laying on big fluffy lounge chairs, or swimming in one of the three swimming pools. Skimpy swimsuits of every style and color were on display, and Alexis was now doubly happy she had purchased the royal-blue bikini she had on under her shorts and tank top when she had gone shopping with Jack's mom.

The men were muscular and fit and all so big (indicating that most were probably football players). The women were beautiful and shapely with perfectly styled hair and make-up. Alexis imagined they would all fit in perfectly at a party at the playboy mansion.

As they made their way though the throng, with his air of superiority and masculine confidence, Jack fit right in with these people, and however dowdy she felt, she couldn't help but feel proud at having Jack on her arm.

Women smiled at him, most knew him by name. Men shook his hand or slapped him on the back in greeting. And through it all, Alexis looked around in a daze and felt for the first time in Jack's presence, truly insignificant.

"Jack!"

Jack turned at the sound of his name, searching through the crowd. They made their way to Mason who stood in front of a large BBQ with smoke billowing around him. He was shirtless in akiss the chefapron, and his tan skin bulged with muscles. With his big, white smile, he looked like he could grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, and probably has.

"Look who showed up." Mase gave a manly arm to neck hug to the guy standing next to him.

Alexis's eyes widen at the sight of Gage Hunter. She recognized him from his music videos and album covers. He had black hair that fell to his shoulders and startling blue eyes. He was as tall as Jack and Mace, but leaner. His muscles well toned, just not as big as Jack and definitely not as big as Mase.

Jack stepped over a gave him a hug. "Good to see you, Gage." He wrapped his arm back around Alexis's waist. "Gage, this is my girlfriend, Alexis."

"It's nice to meet you, Alexis," Gage said, holding out his hand.

"Whoa ... whoa ... whoa." Mase slapped Gage's hand with the spatula he was holding. "You're not allowed to touch her, man. Jack will have a shit hemorrhage."

Jack laughed, "I just don't want you to touch her. You're a pig."

"Hey, now. Is it my fault all the ladies throw themselves at my feet?" He turned to Alexis, his arms held wide. "Is it my fault I'm a sex god?"

Alexis was still reeling from being introduced as Jack's girlfriend. She knew he'd said it to her sister but to say it in front of his friends had a different impact. She realized they were temporarily living together and that probably technically made her his girlfriend, but to say it out loud made the title feel more ... meaningful.

They were all looking at her, and she realized she never answered Mase. "Um ... no?"

Jack laughed and kissed her temple while giving her waist a squeeze. "Don't worry Mase. You haven't lost your charm. Alexis is just blinded by my superior good looks and insurmountable charm."

Alexis leaned back and gave Jack a squinted eye stare. "And here I thought it was because of your large piles of money and your manly prowess," she said facetiously, causing the men to laugh.

"What's up with all the paparazzi?" Jack asked, nodding his head to the front of the house.

Mase leaned over and pulled a few beers from the cooler he stood next to. "They showed up about an hour ago. So long as they stay out front, I'm okay with it, but if security catches them trying to sneak back here, I'll call the cops." He handed a beer to Gage then Jack. Alexis shook her head when he offered one to her. He shrugged. "You can get wine or a mixed drink at the bar," he said, indicating to his left where two bartenders served drinks.

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