Page 127 of Playboy

I look pointedly at the clock on the wall—the clock with hands that don’t move; it’s merely decorative, but I want to make a point. “The baby shower that starts in six hours?”

When Daniel left for morning skate, I figured I had at least an hour to lie on the couch before he returned and cuddled me. Sex and cuddles—now, that sounds like the perfect way to celebrate a book release.

Being accosted by a friend at eight a.m. and bullied into getting ready for a baby shower? Not so much.

“Come on, I’ve got strict instructions to keep you on schedule. Daniel said to tell youdon’t fight it.” Her last few words come out frighteningly deep.

Head tilted, I study her. Her blue hair is up in a ponytail, and she isn’t wearing a stitch of makeup. It’s cold out, but the woman is bundled up like she’s ready to head out into the wild for a week.

“Why are you here?”

The smile that splits her face is the manic one that means she’s up to something. “Because Daniel knows I’m the only one crazy enough to drag his baby mama out of her cozy apartment for his surprise.”

I roll my eyes. Old habits die hard, I guess. Acting unimpressed by the things this man does for me is my go-to response—a defense mechanism, if you will—but inside, I’m bubbling with elation that could make even my pregnant whalelike figure take flight. “Why would I leave this apartment? It’s twenty degrees out.”

“It’s seven degrees, actually, but who’s counting?” She wraps her arms around herself and shivers dramatically.

“Me. I’m counting. Why are we going outside? How about you take off that jacket and snuggle under this blanket with me? We can discuss how to make your man come without coming.”

She narrows her eyes at me, but she toes off her boots and hangs her jacket on the hook by the door. “Why would I want him to come without me?”

I toss back the blanket and pat the spot beside me. “Not him without you. Both of you, together, without the mess.”

She licks her lips, eyes flashing. “But what if I like it messy?”

“Oh, you’ll get there, hunny. But if he comes without ejaculating, then you can just keep fucking.”

“Oh my god, you are evil.” She taps her phone screen. “You’re trying to use my love for sex to keep me from dragging you out into the cold, aren’t you?”

Head dropped back, I cackle. “Is it working?”

She plops down on the cushion and pulls her feet up. “Obviously. But you’ve got ten minutes. Then we’re heading to the spa. Daniel told me to get here early. Our appointment isn’t until nine.”

My chest warms. The man knows me so well. And the spa? God, I love him.

The technician grindsa knuckle into the ball of my foot, pulling a totally inappropriate groan from me. My feet are like sausages these days, and though Daniel is in the thick of hockey season, he massages them religiously on the nights he’s home. Elvira’s fingers aren’t quite as big or warm, but she’s working some magic right now.

“Yes, right there. You’re doing so good.”

Millie gags. “Every time you talk, all I can imagine is you talking my brother through another orgasm.”

Sara giggles. “She told me all about how he does it without ejaculating. I’m determined to try this magic.”

The horrified look on Millie’s face is gold. “Why in god’s name would anyone want to come without ejaculating?”

While the women working on our feet snicker, the two older women who are getting their hair set gawk in disgust.

I shrug. Eh. It’s sex. Surely the old biddies were getting some back in the sixties. Everyone was having sex in the sixties.

“Do you like having multiple orgasms, Ava?” She chose a seat at the other end of the row of chairs—probably to get as far away from our loud mouths as she could—so I have to shout.

When she walked in, I literally squealed. I didn’t think she’d come. She’s barely left Beckham’s side since giving birth four weeks ago. War was very excited to bring him to morning skate today, so he encouraged her to get out of the house.

From the sound of things, the guys all brought their kids—babies wrapped in carriers and little ones in skates and everything. Shit. I hope to god there are no pictures. If I see evidence, I’ll lose my street cred and break down in crocodile tears. Just thinking about it has my nipples tingling and my tear ducts opening.

Ava’s red hair curtains her face. The woman is seriously pretending she doesn’t know us.

“Come on, my pretty, pretty princess,” I tease. “Tell us all about the orgasms your husband gives you on the daily.”

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