Page 17 of The Stud

However, we got past it.

We can get past this.

“It’s been hard enough gettin’ everyone to forget the fact that I’ve got tits instead of testies and that the thing in my ear is an aid and not a cuff.” Her headshake is small yet painful. “I don’t need more reasons to stick out like a fucking bender.”

“You’re a fucking beauty, Hoss.”

Her mouth immediately cracks open in silent objection.

“And fuck the boys if they can’t see that.”

For the first time –ever –I see the shit I’ve been working so hard to fucking see.

Belief.

Ignoring the snow that shit kicks up in the pit of my stomach takes a Bench Boss in the sky miracle only made easier by her quiet pleading, “I’mtrusting youto keep your mouth shut about this, Tanner.”

“I will if you keep calling me Tanner.”

The twitched glare is sprinkled with a bit of amusement.

“When the boysaren’taround,” I slyly add, wanting something else that’s just between us.

Something that can bejustours.

“When it’sjust us.”

“It’s never just us.”

“When it’spracticallyjust us.”

“Fine.”

“Andif you let me call you Arden.”

“Too much,” she swiftly surrenders and prepares to storm away. “I’ll just take the L and tell ‘em myself.”

“Wait.Wait.Wait.Wait.Wait,” clumsily comes out of my mouth, cutting off her movements. “Just the Tanner thing is plenty.”

Hoss victoriously smirks and lifts her cup towards mine for clinking. “Deal.”

“Deal.” I tap mine against hers and quickly down the mixture to assist in hiding my grin.

Because I wanna fucking grin.

And gloat.

And stick tap myself for the major gino.

Gettinganywherewith Arden Hoss is like being dubbed top of the conference, which is why gettingeverywherewith her will feel like winning the fucking Cup.

And I’ve never wantedanythingthis bad in my life.

Not even the actual cup.

“Well?” purrs Audrey too close to my ear. “Is it for you?”

Rather than reply to her I keep my gaze locked with the twin I’ve always been after. “I wouldn’t mind drinking it with my one and only first thing in the morning.”

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