Page 26 of Irresistible Temptation

Lennie went on to say that her next step is to cut Asher off from sex, which meant Kennedy, Asher’s sister, chimed in with her own reply, a gagging emoji, and proceeded to threaten to leave the group chat. Winnie simply statedten out of ten don’t recommend, you’ll both be miserable, and orgasms are contagious, my friend. I didn’t really know how to reply at first, but then finally came up with,I don’t know about you, but there is no way I could hold out for an hour, let alone a day.There were mutual responses all agreeing, and Lennie finally let it go due to the fact that Asher, while being a pain in her ass, did it out of love.

“I do love you,” I reply, reaching up to kiss the underside of his jaw. Tysen dips down and snags my lips with his, then turns it into a light make-out session, soft and slow, playful yet passionate. When we pull apart, my nerves are calmer than before.

“I’m going to drown Jagger’s ass in his big fancy pool,” Tysen says when a high-pitched, two-note whistle, the kind that turns heads, carries through the daze of our kiss. I look up to where the noise came from and see Jagger standing on his porch, hands holding the wood balustrade.

“Let’s enjoy our time before you do that, okay?” I pat his chest, and we make our way toward what Tysen calls the jokester of the group. I’ve seen a picture in Tysen’s living room of the large group. Putting names to faces really helped with coming to the cookout, yet still, I’m worried that they won’t think I’m enough for Tysen. And part of that is on me not feeling like this is real. My pinch-me moments keep happening, and I’m not sure they’ll ever stop.

“Damn, she’s a beauty. I’m not sure how all of these ugly mugs keep bringing nothing but sheer perfection into their lives,” Jagger says as a way of hello, pulling me into a hug, and I see the wink he sends my way.

“One day, brother, one day.” Tysen pulls me back into his firm body.

“Nope, not happening. I’ll just keep pissing everyone off. It’s more fun that way,” Jagger replies.

“Alright, boys, I’ve got girls to meet and food to devour. Jagger, it’s nice to meet you, and I hear you have a killer outdoor space.” My confidence boosts a bit now that I’ve met one of the many others to come.

“They’re chomping at the bit to meet you, and Samuel is singing your praises, not that it’s necessary. Tysen wouldn’t go as far as he did to find you even though you landed on his jet. Fate loves the fearless.” My eyes drift from Jagger’s to Tysen’s. He shrugs his shoulders and mouths, “Later.” We follow him inside. The open floor plan allows you to see the living room, kitchen, and amazing view of his massive backyard.

“Finally, she’s here,” Samuel says, capturing everyone’s attention. He has never in his life met a stranger. I’m bombarded by hugs from the women first, Lennie, Kenny, and Winnie, and yes, I’m now the fourth in this group with a similar ending in my name. That was one way to start the conversation when the group text messages started. Thankfully, Lennie helps a girl out and goes through introductions with the men, starting with Asher before going down the line with Trent, Johnny, Matthew, Jude, Crew, and Luke, whom I’ve already met.

Once that’s done, Tysen brings me in closer with arm wrapping around my waist, head dipping until his mouth is at my ear, “You good while I chat with the guys?” He checks on me once things have settled down. The girls and I are making room for the food I brought while we all take bites in between.

“Yep, I’m going to eat something, chat for a little bit, probably put my bathing suit on, and head that way.” I noticed the girls already have theirs on, and so does Samuel. “Hey, where are Sebastian and Briar?” I ask, realization hitting me all of a sudden.

“They’re in the pool. Once they’re in, getting them out is impossible. We all become their snack bitches,” Winnie says with laughter.

“I’m not even sure they get out enough to use the bathroom, so, you know, maybe stay five or so feet away from them when you’re in the pool,” Kennedy gives me solid advice, to which we all burst out laughing together over.

“See you outside, babe. Bring the sunscreen out. I hear when you’re pregnant, your skin has a higher tendency to burn.” I notice Trent and Johnny both kept a watchful eye when we went through our introductions, so it makes sense that they didn’t get out.

“Tysen Vaughn, I’m going to throw away every last book you bought and steal your phone from doing more research.” I do the air quotes on the wordresearch.These men are getting completely out of hand with knowing this and that.

“Good luck. Did you forget what Luke’s occupation is?” He drops a kiss to the crown of my head and ambles his tall-bodied self to where the guys are.

“Men, am I right?” Lennie says, popping a chip with salsa in her mouth.

“You’d be complaining if they didn’t care and, honey, what I would give to have a man as hot as these men are and care a tenth of what they do,” Samuel says, bringing two glasses from the pitcher of what he calls summer cup mocktails. It’s filled with cucumbers, mint, frozen red berries, sparkling lemonade, and ice.

“Why do you and Tysen always have to be right, dang it,” I say with a pout.

“Because we’re cut from the same cloth, honey. Now, are you ready to put on your bathing suit and dip your toes in the pool?” I take my cup from him, noticing we all have different colors to differentiate which is whose. How very Samuel like, a hostess with the mostess, even when it’s not his home.

“Yep, I sure am.” I take a sip of the refreshing concoction and know this will be a repeat drink item for myself.

“Oh, that reminds me. Momma Katherine and my sister, Minnie, are coming down this month and are hosting a baby shower. I want you both there. No gift necessary, just bring yourselves.” Lennie looks up from her phone to make the announcement. “Sorry, pregnancy brain has me forgetting nine times out of ten, and the text I just received from what I call my adopted mom sent me a reminder.”

“I’ll be there, but I’m not coming empty handed, so someone please share the registry link,” I tell her.

“Ditto to what Maci said,” Samuel replies just as the door to the back patio opens and Jagger walks through, keys in his hand and a look I can’t decipher written on his face.

“Oh shit,” Kennedy murmurs quietly.

“Hey, Jag, want me to ride with you?” Winnie offers. From what Tysen told me, those two have a bond like that of a brother and sister. She moves toward him even though he walks at a pace that’s hard for her to keep up with; one stride is two of hers easily.

“Nah, Win, heading out for a bit. I’ll be back. Love you.” He stops, and she almost slams into him. Luckily, he steadies her with hands on the sides of her arms and drops a kiss to her forehead.

“I’m here, though, okay?” Jagger nods before taking off.

“I fear we have missed something, something big,” Samuel says beneath his breath.

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