Page 42 of One Pucking Destiny

“How should I be acting, Ari?” I turn to face her.

She blows out a breath and runs her hands along her bare legs above her knees. “I don’t know, like your normal happy self.”

“Ari, I just got a chocolate chip cookie tattooed next to my junk. Please forgive me if I’m not jumping forjoy. But I promise you, I’m not mad. I’m just…” My sentence trails off. “I’m just tired, is all. I didn’t sleep well last night. No big deal.”

She nods in acceptance, and I turn back toward the window. It wasn’t a total lie. I could use a nap.

As soon as the car drops us off, the cheers of the guys can be heard from the pool. They’re entirely too obnoxious, and it makes me smile.

“At least they’re happy about this.” I grin.

“That they are,” Ari agrees as we make our way to the backyard.

“Let’s see it!” Jaden cheers.

As I stand at the edge of the pool, all eyes are on me. Most of the group is in the pool while a few lie on lounge chairs outside of the water.

“Alright, listen up. I’m going to show you once…” Cheers erupt. “But then you’ll never see it again because it’s in a location you probably shouldn’t be checking out. Got it? So open those eyes, boys, because this is your one and only peep show.”

I pull the waistband of my shorts down, careful to keep the goods covered as I flash the tattoo. The team erupts in a fit of laughter, their joy, palpable.

“This is the best day of my life,” Max says.

“I can’t believe you really did it,” Cade states.

“There’s an actual chocolate cookie by your dick, man. You’re going to have to explain that every timeyou have sex with a new chick.” Beckett shakes his head.

“Believe me. I’ve thought of that,” I answer Beckett before I scan the group. “Have you seen enough? Good.” I pull my shorts back into place. “Hope it was as good for you as it was for me.” I retreat.

Gunner intercepts before I reach the bar and hands me a beer. “That’s the stupidest shit I’ve ever seen. I thought you might need this.”

I take a swig of the beer. “Thanks.”

He puts a hand on my shoulder. “You know, in the future, saying no is an option.”

“Great advice. Next time someone wants to tattoo a dessert next to my junk, I’ll think twice about it.” I roll my eyes.

He half chuckles and walks back toward the row of lounge chairs.

I think I remember the guy at the tattoo parlor saying something about avoiding swimming pools for a while. Then again, maybe the chlorine will wash the ink away, erasing this mistake.

I’m not in the mood to swim, so I grab a few beers and head to my room. My brain is having a hard time making sense of anything right now. At this point, a nap is probably best.

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

ARI

Bash went up to his room hours ago and hasn’t been back. The group dynamic is different without him. I didn’t realize how much light he brought until it was missing.

I move a piece of cornbread around my plate, lost in thought. Everyone around me is gushing over another fantastic catered meal, but all I can taste is the sourness of guilt, and it doesn’t sit well.

“You had quite the eventful day.” Mom sets a full plate of food on the table and takes a seat beside me.

“I know. It was crazy.”

“Marcela’s polvorones were a nice treat.” She grins. “She would be so proud to know her recipeshave been passed down.”

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