Page 108 of The Stud

Respect swiftly joins the graciousness as he taps back. “Ferda.”

Guess Joey is just like Cap.

Always willing to do what’s best for the boys, no matter the cost.

Without another glance to the displeased groupie, Tanner slides past the Alexeyevs to properly greet me.

His brewskie free hand winds around the nape of my neck.

Yanks me forward so that our open mouths can collide.

Rolls his tongue around and around and around until I can’t determine if the buzz, I’m starting to get is from him or the booze.

Then – and only then – does he pull back and gently rest his forehead against mine, “You’re such a fucking beauty in my number, Ducky.”

“You were such a fucking beauty in the barn tonight, Hamster Boy.” I give the edge of his sweater a small tug. “Totally earned those stats.”

“I appreciate that.” He delivers a loving stroke with his thumb. “And I appreciate even more that you put a bloody ribbon in your hair for me.”

“This issogoddamn girly.” Giggles are accompanied by me leaning backwards to point at the foreign object. “This shit had me thinkingtwiceabout being a Slayer.”

“Seriously?” Chortles shake his entire frame. “A hair accessory is all it takes for you to reconsider our relationship?”

“Asparklyhair accessory,” I sassily correct and snake his brew into my possession. “It’s a sacrifice that’s almost too big to make.”

“Noted for future contract negotiations.” Additional laughter leaves us both prior to me having a sip of his beverage. “Want me to grab you something from the bar?”

“Nah…” Another gulp is taken. “Yours’ll do.”

“Of course it will,” leaves him in a chuckle form. “Want to dance with me while we wait for the countdown?”

“Think we could get the DJ to play Shakira?”

“You mean the woman I got you concert tickets for as birthday gift?” Tanner slips his fingers between mine. “Likely.”

“You got me concert tickets to see Shakira?!”

“InDoctenn.” he informs during his leading us away from the roped section.

“In another fucking country?!”

“Post-season.” Tanner tugs me a bit closer. “I thought we could turn it into a romantic getaway.” Our eyes briefly meet, allowing him to see the depth of awe pumping through me. “I could show you where I often spent my summers. Where my father grew up. Introduce you to gran – the spry old beaut that she is. And of course, take you to the pub that has the best pepperoncini wings on the entire planet.”

“That shouldn’t even be a wing flavor.”

“Proofyou’ve never had them.”

Giggling on another sip is all that I’m capable of.

“I would have waited to show you all the booking information until tomorrow –your actual birthday– but you just had to go and bring her up today.”

It’s impossible not to let my head fall back on another giggle, “Oh, okay. So, this ismyfault.”

“Clearly.” More mirth meanders through his expression. “You’re the one who can’t go twenty-four hours without mentioning the bloody broadskie.”

“Says the bro who is probably single handedly responsible for keeping Sean Connery’s memory alive.”

“He was fucking brilliant in everything!”

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