Page 26 of A Little Complicated

It’s always been this way with Maverick. He’s unpredictable. Charged. Like a storm. Archer’s the calm. And one issomuch more dangerous than the other.

Pulling my free hand from his very hot, very naked chest, I shy away from him and ask, “So…any idea how we’re going to be able to get off this pillow without losing?”

He blinks away the heat in his eyes and looks over my shoulder, scanning the ground for a safe haven. “I might have one idea.”

“Oh?”

“Depends on if I’m feeling generous or not.”

“You haven’t decided?” I question, forcing a laugh.

“I mean, I’malwaysgenerous.” He smirks. “Give me a sec.”

He studies our options, and I do the same.

There’s exactly one path to the barstool leading to the kitchen table and granite island. All the drinks have been set on the ground. Which is great unless you fall on them. Yeah, that would hurt. But still. There’s a lot of open counter space in the kitchen. If we want to win, we need to get there.

“We’re gonna need a truce if we wanna win this,” he mutters.

“Okay?” I lift one shoulder. “Truce.”

With a soft bob of his head, he prods, “Do you trust me?”

It’s a dangerous question, especially considering everything we’ve gone through, and I find myself shaking my head. “Not in the slightest, but in this circumstance? Sure, why not?”

Amusement tugs at the corners of his full lips as he stares down at me, noting, “Someone’s feeling sassy.”

“I learned from the best.”

“Mm-hmm.” He leans closer, his breath kissing the shell of my ear. “I’d say I should smack your ass, but since it isn’t my job anymore…” I gulp, and he pulls away from me. “Be a good little monkey and climb on my back.”

My brows bunch. “What?”

“I’m gonna turn around, and you’re gonna climb on my back.” He shifts slightly from left to right, attempting to change position.

Friction sparks from his movements and burns my bare skin, but I ignore it as I try not to fall on my ass and lose the game. “Stop moving,” I order. “You’ll knock me off.”

He stops almost instantly and scrubs his hand over his face. “Fine. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Uh, what if I…” I swallow, the words getting lost on my tongue.

“What if you what?”

“Here.” I grab onto his shoulder with my good hand, preparing to wrap my legs around his waist when his hand finds my thigh, and he squeezes.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love it when a girl wraps her legs around my waist, but when it’s my brother’s girlfriend?” He tsks. “I gotta draw the line somewhere, right?”

My eyes narrow. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Aw, come on, Goose. You think I don’t notice the way your cheeks are flushed? I bet if I slipped my hand—”

“Will you shut up?” I seethe. “If we want to win, this is the way to do it.”

He scoffs and looks at the barstool a few feet away. “You really think I can make the jump while carrying you?”

“Well, for starters, I’m pretty sure you were the one who suggested you carry me in the first place. And second, is the infamous Maverick Buchanan questioning himself?” I shake my head and shove himjusthard enough so he doesn’t lose his footing but still feels my amusement. “Come on. You can do anything.”

“Fine. But only because Griff and Everett are dicks when they win these things.” With a deep breath, he grabs my thighs and lifts me up. I use my free hand to hold onto his shoulder and jump. Once my legs are wrapped around his waist, I burrow my head into his neck, holding on tight and attempting to help meld our centers of gravity into one so it’s easier for him to stick the landing. His arms are like a vice as he holds me close, readying himself for the inevitable order from Reeves to start the next round.

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