Page 38 of Playing for Keeps

Duke’s fist is prone to knock again when I yank open the door. Before he speaks, he takes in the sight of Val in boxers.

“Why is he here?” my dad asks, forcing me to back up so he can enter. “You two shouldn’t be hanging out until this thing is a done deal.”

“I have staked my claim upon this woman,” Val says and rests his hand on my shoulder. “She belongs to me now. The ceremony and legal stuff are only formalities.”

“Sure, skippy,” Duke growls, moving around me so he can reach Val. “I don’t want you getting what you want and running out on our deal.”

Val sighs deeply, almost revealing a temper. I’m startled when he shuffles his fine ass out of my apartment door.

“You’re scaring him away,” I whine to Duke.

“He’s a grown-ass man. You need to see him clearly.”

“So do you. He isn’t one of your club guys. He didn’t grow up unloved and desperately seeking a mentor. His family raised him to be confident, not stupid. You’re misreading what you’re seeing.”

Duke’s cranky reply shorts out when Val returns with a bag in his hand. I knew the sexy beast wasn’t leaving since he’d want his pants if he was riding back to Tumbling Rock. Still, I’m startled when he kneels in front of me and shoves his hand into the bag. He removes a ring box and opens it.

“Lola McGraw, I knew instantly that you were my dream girl. If your dad had offered Clover instead of you, I would have said no to his deal despite knowing I’d make an awesome president. It had to be you.”

“That’s not the reason you gave when we met,” Duke mutters.

I flash a dark frown at my father. “You’re interrupting a beautiful moment here. Zip it.”

Duke rolls his eyes as Val slides the ring on my finger. I kneel in front of him and share his smile.

“I knew you were special, too. I’m glad you’re the one who took the deal.”

Val slides a second ring on his finger. “This is so women will know I’m a taken man.”

His sincerity makes me tear up. Then, he reveals a box with a jeweled butterfly necklace inside.

“You told me that night how you loved butterflies. You said your dad gave you a butterfly figurine or stuffed animal for your birthday each year. Even drunk and horny that night, I was listening.”

“Val,” I say, going gooey inside.

After the necklace hangs from my neck, I kiss him. Val smiles softly, knowing he’s got me on the hook. Our gazes flash upward to Duke who stares at Val like he’s looking like a goddamn alien.

“If you’re going to be skulking around my town, I might as well take you on a ride one day,” Duke grumbles at Val.

“Killing me won’t fix your problems,” Val says and stands up. “Plus, you’ll miss out on the stellar grandkids we plan to give you.”

As Val tugs me to my feet, I smile at my dad. “They’ll either be utterly gorgeous or the weirdest fucking looking kids in the entire state. I feel like this much hotness can only go two possible ways.”

Val kisses me while Duke patiently checks his phone. I climb into Val’s arms and wrap my legs around his hips. His boxers slide precariously close to revealing his mighty shlong.

I’m in the process of giving Val a hickey when my father’s patience wears out.

Duke mutters, “Enough.”

“Sir?” Val asks, seeming dazed as I continue sucking at his neck. “Did you want to stay for dinner?”

“It’s two in the afternoon.”

“What’s your point?”

“Didn’t you eat at the diner a few hours ago?”

“Yes, sir. Very much so, sir. Just a little more and I ought to be properly marked, sir.”

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