Page 116 of Seduction in Spades

EPILOGUE

“My birthday was threeweeks ago. There’s no need for this.” I roll my eyes at the chocolate monstrosity Ryder brings out from the kitchen. He even stuck two sparklers in it like I’m a fucking child.

We’ve filled up a corner booth in a private section ofRed, and are stuffed from prime rib, scallops, and roasted asparagus.

“Now that you’re pussy whipped, no offense, Avery. We love you dearly.” Ryder lifts Avery’s hand and kisses her knuckles.

I swat his head and inch my other hand up Avery’s naked thigh. She wore the dress I picked out, and if she followed my directions, she’s not wearing anything underneath.

“My offer still stands. When you get tired of old and ugly, think about the romantic breakfast in bed I made you up in the mountains. Imagine waking to that every morning instead of Sealy’s fugly mug.”

“Fuck off, Ry.” My pinky is a centimeter from reaching her center when she places her hand over mine, gently moving it down her leg.

Sexual tension radiates off her body, and I don’t even try to hide my smirk. Riling Avery up is one of my favorite things to do.

“Not in front of the lady. As I was saying, now that you’re besotted with the lovely Miss Braxton, it’s even more challenging to get quality time with my dearest best friend.”

It’s true. Since the morning Avery admitted her feelings for me, we’ve been inseparable. We spend most nights at her place since I’ve been working long hours again. I try not to wake her when I slide under the covers and wrap my arms around her, but she lights right up and insists on making love.

I can’t say no to her.

“Even if Nolan is run over by a truck tonight, my sister is not going out with you, dickhead. Ever.”

“Ouch.” Ryder covers his heart with his hand and gestures to me. “Blow out your candles, lover boy. And make your wish count.”

I slide my hand up Avery’s thigh again and give it a squeeze. “Maybe I’ll make one for you since mine has already been granted.”

“Fuck. I just threw up in my mouth,” Trey groans across from me.

“Aw, I think it’s romantic.” Nora leans her head on Drake’s shoulder.

“Change of plans. Ryder gets laid on the regular. I’ll make a special wish for you, Trey.” I give him a smirk and blow out the candles.

“Have you dated anyone since you’ve been in Boston?” Avery asks Trey. Her hand is no longer pushing mine away, but I feel her quads tighten as she clenches her legs together.

I hold back my laugh at both Braxton siblings. Avery, for trying to appear nonchalant even though she’s dripping for me, and Trey, who hates being the center of attention.

He glares at her, then directs his irritability my way. Trey doesn’t crack.

Ryder comes up behind him and rubs his shoulders. “The scowl and tattoos scare all the lovely ladies away. The only ones who want Shrek are all beastly.”

“That’s not nice,” Avery scolds.

“Would you want to set your best friend up with his surly ass?”

“I think if my brother had a nice lady friend, he wouldn’t be a surly ass.”

“Enough,” Trey bites.

I don’t even try to hold back my laugh.

Drake points his fork at my plate. “You going to eat that or let it sit there all night? Nora wants a bite. Chocolate makes her horny. Give her the damn cake.”

“My woman doesn’t need chocolate to put her in the mood.” I remove my hand from her leg and drape my arm across Avery’s shoulder, pulling her into my side.

---