Page 123 of Second-Rate Superstar

Pressing my lips against the shell of her ear, I replied, “Not a stereotype, but there’s an unspoken rule that you don’t look at another man’s junk.”

Dakota pulled back enough to shoot me with a doubtful expression. “Yeah, and I’m sure no one’s eyes have ever wandered . . . Especially if someone caught a glint of silver.”

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I shook my head. “I can honestly say I’ve never been tempted. But to answer your question, Cal and I were never on the team at the same time. He retired at the end of last season before I signed my contract. So, no, I didn’t know. And I’ll probably never be able to look at the man the same way ever again.”

Her giggles were music to my ears, and I pulled her close as the plane taxied down the runway in preparation for takeoff. Peeking around to the other couples fully absorbed in each other as the crew prepared the cabin, I couldn’t help but feel joy. Everyone had found the one person who not only complemented them perfectly but brought out the best in them, myself included.

Life couldn’t get any better than this. Of that, I was convinced.

Landing in Puerto Rico, we were shuttled to a dock where the yacht,Shine Brighter, awaited our arrival. According to Jaxon, this was the same boat they’d chartered a year ago.

The sun had set long ago, but the crew was ready to greet us with champagne before escorting us to our cabins. Even though the party size had doubled from the last trip, they assured us that there were still plenty of empty cabins.

In this group, Dakota and I were hands down the furthest down the line in terms of seniority, so we were likely assigned the sixth-bestroom available. But when the steward opened the door, I was shocked at the size of our cabin.

Easily larger than either of our bedrooms back home, it had a queen-sized bed in the middle, a large glass window along the exterior wall, and an ensuite bathroom. It would be a long time before I could afford anything like this trip myself, so I was going to enjoy it with my girl.

There would come a time when I could spoil her rotten, but knowing her, she would hate that. Simple gestures and soft-spoken words of love made her come alive. No matter how my career evolved, we would be rich in the love we shared.

Changing out of our travel clothes, we met with the rest of the group for dinner beneath the stars. The chatter was lively, and it was noted more than once how peaceful it was without constant interruption from children. I knew they all loved their kids, but there were no days off from being a parent. I was learning so much from my brother, his wife, and their friends about how to make time for your relationship.

They had found the perfect balance. I would definitely be taking notes for the future.

Even though I was preoccupied with the open displays of love surrounding us, I noticed Dakota shifting restlessly in her seat beside me throughout dinner. Leaning over, I asked, “You okay?”

Tugging her lips between her teeth, her blue eyes darkened, and she shook her head slightly.

Concerned, I slid my chair closer to hers. “What is it? Do you want to go back to the room?”

Dropping her gaze, she whispered, “Being under the stars has me thinking of us by the lake.”

That was all I needed to hear. I stood so quickly that my chair toppled behind me, and everyone stopped talking to stare.

Dakota bit back a smile beside me, but Jaxon raised an eyebrow. “Everything all right?”

My mind raced, trying to find a way to play this off so I didn’t look like a lunatic or, more accurately, like I couldn’t wait to tear Dakota’s dress off with my teeth. Stretching both arms over my head, I let out a loud yawn. “Yeah, just tired. Long day. Think we’re gonna turn in.”

Hannah snickered. “Sure. Turning in early tosleep.” The ladies laughed in response, and Dakota’s cheeks turned bright red.

“Uh-huh.” I nodded, pulling back Dakota’s chair and helping her up.

“Night, everyone,” she said, her eyes trained on the floor.

There was a chorus of “good nights,” and I tugged her toward the doors leading to the yacht’s interior. Just as we reached them, Hannah called out, “Dakota, don’t forget to take Baby Braxton’s virginity tonight!”

I stopped dead in my tracks. Spinning around slowly, I faced the group. Every head was turned in our direction.

“Not sure that’s possible, Hannah.”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Of course, it is. I took Cal’s.”

I gawked at her before sliding my gaze to Cal, who merely rolled his eyes at her latest antics. “Excuse me?”

Hannah narrowed her eyes. “Oh no. Don’t tell me you let some Minnesotan lake hussy pop your cherry.”

“That’s not any of your business.”

All eyes volleyed between me and Hannah, watching our exchange. Dakota’s body vibrated by my side, and a brief glance betrayed that she was holding back laughter.

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