Page 77 of Jilted

“Beautiful place. What about it?”

“They sometimes do weddings. I was thinking… since your team is here anyway, maybe they could stay an extra day or two and cover it for the magazine for a future spread.”

“It’s funny you should say that. Because when I was there with your mom, I asked her to marry me again.”

“Weren’t you still married to wife number three?”

Dad sighed. “That’s why she said no.”

I laughed. “And probably why you’re on marriage number four.”

“You make a good point.” Dad chuckled. “But sure, if the team doesn’t mind staying, I think it would make a great story.”

I grinned and met Sloane’s eyes. “I don’t think they’ll mind an extra night or two.”

“You run it past them and tell them to let Bill Winkler know what they decide. He runs the magazine division.”

I wiggled my eyebrows. “I’ll definitely run it past them. Thanks, Dad. Talk to you soon.” I hung up and tossed my phone over my shoulder with a shit-eating grin.

Sloane shook her head. “I’m terrified by how quickly you came up with that story.”

I weaved my fingers with hers. “Will you stay and have dinner with me? We can go back to the park tomorrow or the next day and do a shoot.”

She bit her lip. “What about Elijah?”

“Obviously he’ll have to stay, too. But I’m not taking him to dinner. I want you all to myself.”

Sloane rolled her eyes, but I saw a smile. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Thank you.”

“But first, you need to make me some coffee. I’ve been up for hours and I’m dying.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I stood, tugging her up with me. “Come on. I’ll start it brewing and then take a quick shower, if you don’t mind.”

“Okay.”

I led Sloane out to the kitchen and lifted her onto the counternext to the coffee maker. “I’m going to make it. But I’m also going to show you how.” I winked. “So you can make it if you’re up before me on our next sleepover.”

A little while later, I was in the shower. I wasn’t sure if it was the hot water pelting my shoulders or the fact that Sloane was most likely going to be staying that cured my hangover. But I came out feeling like a new man. I started to get dressed, but then thought better of it and kept just the towel wrapped around my waist. (And I might’ve done a few dozen push-ups in the bathroom, because you can never look too good.)

Sloane was sitting in the living room with her coffee when I walked out. Her eyes followed the drops of water still running down my chest. She swallowed, and my dick twitched in response—it really did have a mind of its own. Sloane noticed.

I didn’t have to look down to know there was an outline now—a nice, thick one. I fucking loved seeing her eyes all over me, seeing how I affected her. But there was a fine line between showing off and being a giant asshole, so I poured a coffee and excused myself to get dressed. When I came back, Sloane was standing at the windows, looking out at London. I walked up behind her.

“This view is incredible,” she said.

“I can’t complain.”

“How long have you lived here?”

“About five years. My first place was a one-bedroom. I needed somewhere bigger since Lucas stays over a lot. And this is closer to his school. I’m going to guess I didn’t offer you a tour last night?”

She smiled. “You passed out on the drive home. You’re lucky you made it to the bedroom.”

I nodded. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”

Down the hall, I opened the door to my office first. It was filled with team pictures, a shitload of trophies and plaques, and the usual equipment—laptop, printer, scanner. Next, I showed her Lucas’s room. It was a mess, but at least the bed was sort of made.

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