Page 82 of Playing for Keeps

“I don’t remember that.”

“You were too busy making out with Bullet to notice my sexy yet submissive behavior.”

“Exactly. If you were too busy sucking face with your wife, you wouldn’t care if I was planning to drown Edith at your wedding.”

Val smiles at me. “She isn’t wrong. I feel like we aren’t being grossly inappropriate enough to prove our love to our guests.”

“Are you suggesting we roll around on the floor?” I ask and study the area while my father inches away from what’s about to be overly affectionate for his tastes. “I don’t want to mess up my dress.”

“What if I pin you against the wall and dry hump your baby maker? That ought to keep your dress safe while also making the correct point to our guests.”

Emmett leans in closer to share, “I don’t want to see any of that. Maybe save it for the homestead’s reception when I can watch the game while you shame the family.”

Val studies his father and then looks at me. “He’s emotionally fragile. We might have to give him this one.”

“No,” I insist and tug Val toward a wall. “Emmett can use the restroom for a few minutes while we make a spectacle. That’s the benefit of being a future club president. You bow to no one.”

Val grins at my pushiness. “The moment we met, I knew I’d never enjoy another woman. I should have been horrified by my monogamy-filled future, but I was mostly excited to see what you’d do next.”

His words hit me hard. In the back of my mind, I still worry about the family curse. It’s been a part of my life for far longer than Val has. Yet, each time I feel unsteady, he sets me right again.

The wedding is great. Our families get along, and Kerrie keeps saying she forgot how much fun West Virginia can be. Meanwhile, the club guys drink OG Peepaw Zeb’s moonshine until they’re absolutely wasted. Many end up bunking at the hotel overnight because they’re too buzzed to get home.

Over the next few days, Val and I hide in my apartment. We only leave for food and long rides around our two towns. As soon as we finish up, we’re back in our safe space where no one can interrupt our naked fun.

A few days later, we’re lured by Poppy to the homestead for a family party. I invite Duke, Clover, and Grandma Erin to ensure they feel included in my new extended family.

“Your sister had a false alarm earlier today,” Poppy explains to us when Val asks why they’re having a party. “We are celebrating to distract me from how I’ve been deprived of a grandchild.”

While Poppy levels a hopeful gaze at me as if I might announce a pregnancy, Val changes the subject.

“We’re putting the final touches on our house selection,” Val tells his father. “Soon, we’ll spend more time here.”

Poppy’s lips pout immediately. “More time? Why won’t you live here full-time? Lola’s apartment is tiny.”

“I like Lola’s apartment,” Val says and hugs me. “It’s where I first explored the wonderland that is her body.”

Emmett scowls at his son. “I’ll allow that kind of talk because you are newlyweds, but I’d prefer if you knocked it off.”

“I’ll try, Pa, but this woman makes me nuts,” Val says, dipping me back and planting a wet kiss on my lips.

After we don’t let up for a minute, Emmett announces he’s too old for this shit and walks away. Poppy wanders off in a different direction.

Val and I finally pry our lips apart long enough to make our rounds. We find Grandma Erin chilling with Christine and Jared. Clover is hanging out with her newest friend, Zelda. Alexis’s cousin is also “uninterested in swapping bodily fluids.” Thanks to the homestead women, my sister has come out of her shell.

Standing away from everyone, Duke nurses a beer and a bad mood. Val and I decide to tag-team my dad. Duke sees us coming and looks ready to run. Instead, he remains very still as we approach.

“Are people hassling you?” Val asks Duke. “I can put in a good word for you if you want, sir.”

Duke wants so badly to barf irritation at Val, yet he’s starting to realize pushback only feeds Val’s drama.

“I am happy,” Duke says, sounding almost robotic. “This is a fine party. I am enjoying myself. Thank you for stopping by. See you later.”

Hugging Duke, I ask, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Why are you over here alone?” I ask and gesture at where Emmett now sits with Court and Donovan. “The big boys are having their own little party. Why not join them?”

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