Page 72 of Seduction in Spades

When Nolan leaves, Samantha squirms off her husband’s lap. “I’m sorry, Avery. The kids and their friends are used to our antics. I assume you’ve met Ryder?”

“I have. I’m guessing he got all his training from your husband.”

Pete barks out a laugh. “Ryder’s a good kid. Can’t wait to meet the lady who can finally tame him.”

“Tame? Such a romantic.” Samantha rolls her eyes. “Please tell me my son has more romance and charm than his father.”

I’m saved from responding when Nolan makes all sorts of dramatic noises carrying in my overnight bag and his duffle. “Mom,” he groans from the living room.

Pete and I finish our ice cream at the same time, and Samantha takes our bowls from us, taking them to the kitchen sink.

“You two must be tired after working all day and traveling. We’ll let you two get settled in for the night.”

“I’m not such bad company, am I, Avery?”

“You’re much less grumpy than your son, and an absolute charmer.”

“I’m not grumpy,” Nolan grumps from the doorway.

I’d much rather be on the receiving end of Pete’s flirting and witness the banter with his wife than go upstairs with Nolan.

“Serena’s room isn’t made up right now. I have sewing projects and the grandkids’ art projects strewn all over.” She raises a brow at Nolan. “I wish I knew you were bringing afriend.”

“We’re good, Mom.”

My stomach churns with nervous energy. “Thank you for the ice cream. It hit the spot.”

“Would you like a glass of water, or I can make you tea to bring upstairs?”

“I’ll take care of her.” Nolan cups my elbow and guides me toward the living room.

“Good night, Mr. and Mrs. Jones.”

“That’s not our—we’re family here. It’s Pete and Samantha,” Nolan’s father says to my retreating back.

The warmth in my cheeks is partly from how accepting they are of me, and partly from going up to Nolan’s childhood bedroom.

He pushes open a door and I step inside. A full-size bed made up with a navy and white striped comforter is pushed up against the wall. There’s a small gray rug on the hardwood floor next to the bed, and a long dresser cluttered with trophies and pictures.

I pick up one with a gold football on top and read the plaque.MVP.Another with a baseball has a similar plaque.Record Career Home Runs 42.I see a picture of Nolan in his football jersey and pick it up.

“That’s when Ryder threw me the game-winning touchdown. We won states.”

“You both played football together?”

“And baseball. He played basketball in the winter, and I wrestled. Other than the winter season, we were inseparable.”

I envy that kind of relationship. A soulmate from childhood. Someone who knows you inside and out. Someone to have inside jokes with. Who gets you. I set the picture back on the dresser and look up at our reflection in the mirror.

Nolan is tall and strong behind me, his gaze focused on my neck. I can feel his body heat through our layers, even without him touching me. He looks up to the mirror, and our eyes lock. I bite my lower lip and move away.

“I can sleep on the couch after your parents go to bed.”

“You’renotsleeping on the couch,” he growls.

“You’re too big to sleep on it.”

“Avery.” He sits on the bed and rests his elbows on his thighs. “We’ve had sex multiple times and even stayed the night together. Why are you so against us sleeping together tonight?”

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