Page 75 of Playboy

My heart thumps with anticipation, but my brain won’t stop spinning. “How will I get her to agree to go away with me, though?”

“You ask,” War says, his blue eyes more piercing than ever. “You’re Daniel Fucking Hall. You ask, and if she says no, you beg.”

Brooks chokes out a laugh. “Yeah, I have a feeling Hannah would love to see you on your knees.”

“Ew!” Millie groans and flops back against her husband.

“And with that, I’m out.” Noah stands, shaking his head. “If you get on your knees, just please don’t be loud.” He shudders.

Millie groans again. “Hannah’s the loud one.”

“Please stop.” Noah roughs a hand through his dark hair.

She giggles. “Oh, I love having someone new to taunt. Hannah’s always taunting me.”

“Okay, Peaches. We’re going to bed.” Gavin picks my sister up and heads down the hall. Over his shoulder, he calls, “Brooks, you got Vivi?”

“I got her,” he calls. Then, to me, he says, “Go get your girl.”

Back in my quiet apartment,I lie in bed and stare at the phone. It’s now or never, right?

Me: How was your bath?

Dream Girl: I would have preferred one with jets, but the warm water felt good.

Me: Hmm, so you prefer hotel rooms with jacuzzi tubs?

Dream Girl: that sounds dirty.

Dream Girl: But also, yes.

Me: lol. You up for another adventure?

Dream Girl: Tonight?

Me: No. (Though I’d gladly venture over to your apartment right now if you said yes.) I’m talking about next week. I heard you have a few days off.

Dream Girl: Yeah, for the all-star break

With a steadying breath,I type the next message, and then I go for it.

Me: Come away with me.

Dream Girl: Huh?

Me: A road trip. I’ve always wanted to go on one.

Dream Girl: You have?

Me: Yeah, what about you?

Dream Girl: It’s on my bucket list, actually.

Satisfaction courses through my veins.Bingo.

Me: That same bucket list that included sex on a baseball field?

Dream Girl: I can’t tell you all my secrets.

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