Page 55 of Both Sides Now

“What the hell is a stag do?” I ask, slipping an arm around Calli’s waist. Hey, we’re supposed to be dating. I need to act the part. Easiest damn part I’ve ever played.

“A night of tits and ass.”

“Correction,” Jane interrupts. “I don’t like her. I love her. I’m keeping her.”

“I’ll fight you for her,” I jest with my cousin, dropping a kiss on Calli’s hair when she leans against my chest, her fingers twisting around my belt loop to hold me close.

Don’t worry, beautiful. I’m not going anywhere.

Meeting my cousin’s gaze, I bite back a smile when she offers me a thumbs up.

Oh yes, she approves of my choice.

How could she not?

“Nonsense,” Calli interjects. “Plenty of me to go around. Is there anything I can do to help with the festivities? I’m ridiculously anal-retentive, which comes in handy with event planning.”

Jane’s grin widens until she resembles the joker, before shooting me a knowing look. “You’ve donemorethan your part. I never thought I’d see the day when Keegan had a girlfriend.”

I glare at my cousin. Not in the mood to traverse this path of my past conquests. “I’ve had lots of girlfriends, Jane.”

“No. You’ve had lots of floozies. Tremendous difference.”

I roll my eyes, eager to end this conversation. “Where’s Mom?”

“Where do you think? With my mom, sampling every variety of champagne at the bar. I’m off, but I’ll see you later, Callista. The spa retreat starts at seven.”

“Can’t wait.” Calli grins up at me after Jane struts off. “I like your family. Those I’ve met, anyway.”

“To think you were worried about fitting in. Joking with my cousin about tits and ass not three minutes into the conversation.”

An adorable flush crawls up her face. “Sorry. Too cheeky?”

I slide my hand down, cupping her ass, my gaze intent on her face. “No. Just the right amount.”

She swats my hand away, but her eyes sparkle with amusement. “You’d better behave. The weekend is just beginning. Have to save some of your libido for the myriad of strippers about to parade through your life.”

I carry our bags to the elevator, but I can’t resist my next question.

“I’d rather save my libido for that lacy lingerie you promised. Or did you chicken out and leave it at home?”

Callista steps back, sliding her blouse over just far enough for me to catch a glimpse of her purple satin bra.

All I can say is if I’m getting hard looking at her bra strap, I don’t stand a chance when she strips down.

“I always make good on my threats.” She offers me another smile, but this one oozes sensuality.

I lean down, my lips grazing her ear. “And I, always make good on mine.”

“What a gorgeous room,”Callista gushes as she walks around our suite and takes in all the details, a glass of champagne in her hand. Taittinger flows like water here, and my date wastes no time in sampling the wares.

She’s not lying about the resort. My cousin spared no expense on his wedding, mostly because his future wife demands elegance and luxury.

But this place outshines all the reception sites I’ve seen and in my years, I’ve attended my share of weddings.

My gaze lands on the king-sized bed, and I realize sleeping arrangements might be an issue. Granted, after our sensual teasing in the lobby, sleep is the last thing I want to do with Calli.

Might as well address the elephant in the room.

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