Page 63 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“If I build a bike park or develop more of the mountain, I’d need help planning the layout of the new features. Is that something you’re qualified to do?” I ask Deacon.

“I’ve never built a bike park, but I’ve got the right training,” he stutters, looking around the table like he’s waiting for the punchline. “Are you doing that?”

“I’ll build more ski runs as long as Maddox can help me convince the board and get the new development permitted.” It’s a gamble to say that before I’ve got the green light for any of my plans, though I’m hoping my admission earns me some goodwill. “And I’m willing to explore a bike park.”

“Don’t put that on me.” Maddox shakes his head, eyes wide with panic. “I have no sway with your board much less the agencies you have to apply to.”

“You have more sway than you think considering you’re the author of the environmental report. All you have to do is defend your conclusions,” I assure him with a warm smile. “And if the board agreeswith my vision, I’m going to need a lot of local resources to pull it off, including contractors, environmentalists, and landscapers.” I nod toward Cade, Maddox and Deacon in turn.

“You’re doing it again, man.” Deacon shakes his head. “You fill my head with crazy ideas and I’m gonna go pull my application from Lennon thinking I don’t need a second job.”

“What application?” Cade and Ryder exclaim in unison.

“Lennon needs more help now that Sloan’s cut back his hours, and I need more money to stay here.” He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, although the crease in his forehead says he doesn’t love the idea of working at Murphy’s.

“You’re too easily distracted by a pretty face to make a good server.” Ryder shifts his head from side to side.

“I know, right?” Deacon agrees. “But I gotta do what I gotta do.”

“Working for Lennon is actually fun.” Sloan tries to reassure him with a friendly look. “He’s a great boss and there are a lot of nice perks, including good food.”

“I know, it’s just not the job I envisioned for myself.” Deacon returns his smile.

“Don’t change plans yet, but I should be getting word about my proposed changes in a few weeks. We can talk more after that,” I tell Deacon.

“Hey, that’d be great. Thanks.” He lifts his glass to mine and clinks them together loudly.

The group changes topics to the next big community event, the Fourth of July parade, and who’s bringing what to the parties afterward. I try to follow the conversation, though the appreciative gleam in Sloan’s eyes, and the way his fingers lightly circle the inside of my thigh, make that damn near impossible. If I’d known making nicewith his friends would get him to look at me like this, I’d have done it a lot sooner.

Damn I want to kiss him. Can I do that here?

“Hot pussies, three o’clock.” I look up in time to see Ryder elbowing Deacon, who covertly directs his gaze toward the bar.

“That’s my cue.” Deacon stands with a predatory grin on his face. “Catch you guys later.”

The two of them stalk toward the bar under the admiring gaze of a pair of busty women as Cade shakes his head with a heavy sigh.

“You aren’t proud of your protégés?” Maddox casts a wicked grin in his direction.

“I’m never gonna live that down, am I?” He snatches his husband’s hand and kisses his knuckles.

“Where’s the fun in that?” He waggles her eyebrows at him.

Their open show of affection has me itching to get Sloan home,now. Before I can suggest it, Cade turns to us with an apologetic look.

“If you don’t want to witness some truly cringe-worthy pickup lines, I suggest we call it a night,” he says.

“Way ahead of you.” I reach for my wallet and drop a few bills on the table, waving away his attempt to do the same.

“Seriously, man. You don’t have to pay for us,” he protests.

“I won’t always, but you guys gave me some ideas for the resort. Buying your drinks is the least I can do.”

“Okay, thanks.” Cade holds out his fist just as I extend my hand. We awkwardly mimic each other before finally making fists at the same time and bumping them together, and I shake Maddox’s hand just before Cade slings an arm over his shoulders and heads toward the door. Watching them go, I have another pang of envy over their innocent yet public display.

Fuck it.

I take Sloan’s hand in mine and pull him to me, planting a soft kiss on his lips in full view of anyone watching. Then I lead him outside knowing the entire town will be referring to him as mine by morning. If they spot the goofy grin on my face, they’ll know I’m damn happy about it, too.

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