Page 33 of Hook Up

Did I pay for these strippers? Absolutely, along with the suites and booze and various amenities. However, I never intended for them to land on my doorstep.

Literally.

“What’s up, man?” I ask, forcing a smile.

“Bachelor party,” is Greg’s only answer as they waltz past me into the suite, a bevy of beauties and liquor bottles in tow.

“Why did you bring them here?” I question, my face scrunched in disgust. “I have plans tonight.”

“I know you have plans—with me. It’s my bachelor party, and it’s set to go down in history as the greatest one known to man, thanks to you. These women are gorgeous.” Greg shoots me a smirk, downing a shot as a slight blonde grinds against him.

“I’m glad. Enjoy them. But, can you move the festivities to your suite?”

His grin widens as he wags a finger under my nose. “These must be important plans. Wouldn’t happen to be with my sister?”

Christ, don’t let Greg start with me now, especially since he’s been in his cups. “If I say it’s none of your business, will you let it lie?”

“So, itismy sister. Dude, you can’t abandon me at my bachelor party. That’s breaking bro code or something.”

Greg has a point, and I do feel bad jumping ship, but here’s the thing. I hate strip clubs and strippers. Nothing personal, but they don’t do it for me. Still, under normal circumstances, I would suck it up and play along since it is Greg’s night.

But these aren’t normal circumstances. The woman I’ve been in love with for decades is literally down the hall from me, and I’ll be damned if some body shots get in the way of that. “I get that, but all your buddies are here. Look at them, having a great time. Wrecking my suite.”

Greg rolls his eyes, but he’s biting back a grin. Just like his sister—a total marshmallow. That’s one of the many things I love about the Hammond clan, with the exception of their father. I’d like to punch him in the mouth for abandoning his family. “Man, you’ve got it bad. I thought it was just some Vegas fling, but you still have a thing for my sister.”

“That’s an understatement,” I mutter, wincing as a groomsman knocks a lamp off the side table. “Look, finish up and then head for the club. I rented out the entire VIP area for you guys.”

“You’ll meet us there later, right?”

“Sure,” I lie, although I know Greg can see through my falsehood. No matter, though. Within an hour, he will have forgotten I ever existed. Hey, endless lap dances can do that to a man.

Closing the door to my suite and offering a silent prayer that the men don’t causetoomuch damage, I phone Mike to ensure he’s ready with the limo. The last thing I need is those guys driving anywhere.

But a smile replaces any frustration when Greer’s door comes into view.

Showtime.

My smile fades when Michelle swings open the door to Greer’s suite, a wide smile coloring her features. “Hello, handsome.”

“Hi. Greer here?”

“She’s in the bathroom getting ready. We convinced her to come out with us tonight.” She drags one manicured nail down the front of my shirt. “I’d love to convince you to tag along, too.”

I force a laugh as I squeeze past her. I have one destination and it sure as hell isn’t a strip club. The bathroom door is ajar, and I catch sight of Greer in the mirror.

Keeping my hands to myself issonot happening.

Her long dark hair is swept up, and her dress is cut low in the back, dipping down to highlight those fantastic hips. I shift, adjusting myself and wondering how long we have to stay clothed.

“Holy hell, but you’re gorgeous.”

Greer smiles at me in the mirror. “I can say the same for you. How did your conversation go?”

“Mandi is furious, but I couldn’t care less. My buddy is going to babysit my house and ensure she’s out by Sunday.” With a shrug, I shoot off my goofy grin. “See? All settled.”

“How’s the bachelor party?”

“Strippers have taken over my suite.”

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