Page 63 of Second-Rate Superstar

“Team Braxton wins!” I roared, setting Dakota down.

Knox and Beau grumbled but congratulated us, as the good sports their dads had raised them to be. They then headed off, leaving their sticks behind. From the corner of my eye, I saw Amelia and Jameson lead Charlie from the room.

Dakota’s panting filled the air, and I crawled closer, giving her my full attention.

“Did you really think you could beat me?” I taunted, caging her in from above.

Eyes full of fire, she spat back, “I almost did.”

“Almost doesn’t count.” Hovering over her prone form, I dipped my head, teasing the curve of her neck with my nose. She gasped, and I bit back a groan at how incredible she smelled.

Her swallow was audible, but somehow, she managed to force out, breathless, “I’ll get you next time.”

Placing my lips right beside her ear, I whispered, “Is that so?”

“Uh-huh.” The words flew out on a moan.

Pressing my luck, I pulled back enough to be rewarded with the sight of her, stunningly flushed, lost to the connection we shared—the one she’d fought at every turn. My hand skated up her side where her sweater had ridden up, and her bare skin was hot, searing into the flesh of my palm. Instead of drawing away as I expected, Dakota arched into my touch, seeking more contact.

My cock throbbed, hard behind the zipper of my fly, demanding action. He wouldn’t get any—not here, not now—but I didn’t intend to walk away from this opportunity empty-handed.

Dakota’s lips were parted, silently begging me to taste them.

Don’t mind if I do.

Dropping my forehead to hers, I willed my racing heart to calm down. I’d never been this nervous to kiss a girl in my life. Not even the very first time. This was special.Shewas special. And I knew there would be no going back once I claimed her lips with mine.

Working up the nerve, I was a breath away from stealing that first sweet taste when Natalie’s voice called from a distance, “Dinner’s ready!”

And just like that, the trance was broken. Dakota scrambled out from beneath me, rising on shaky legs and pressing the back of her hand to her lips, no doubt feeling the shadow of what almost was our first kiss right there.

Thanks a lot, sis.

Chapter 15

Braxton

Seated around the massivedining room table overflowing with food, with our plates full, everyone in attendance dug into the feast before us. Conversations were hushed between bites, but eventually, bellies grew full, and the more animated chatter resumed.

Dakota spoke to our hosts. “The meal was delicious. Thank you so much for having me.”

Remembering what she’d shared with me at the soup kitchen about money being tight growing up and not having the luxury of a Thanksgiving dinner, I gave her knee a reassuring squeeze under the table.

Natalie was as gracious as ever in her reply. “It’s our pleasure.” Her eyes skimmed those gathered, and a smile lit up her face. “It truly warms my heart to see this house filled with love and laughter.”

“I’ll drink to that!” Hannah cheered, raising her glass.

Jaxon pulled Natalie close and kissed her temple. His unending love for her was a constant inspiration. Things with Dakota were new—undefined, even—but I hoped someday I would find a love like theirs. One built on mutual respect, selflessness, and a deep-seated need to see the other happy.

Amy was seated across the table a few seats to our right, with Nate held over her shoulder as she gently patted his back. “Natalie tells us you’re a writer, Dakota.”

Dakota ducked her head. “Yes, ma’am.”

Biting back a smile, Amy’s green eyes sparkled. “Ma’am is my mother-in-law.”

That response brought a round of laughter from around the table. A quick peek at Dakota showed her cheeks turning bright pink. That had my grip tightening on her knee and my free fist clenching. I knew Amy was only teasing, but it twisted my gut seeing my girl embarrassed.

“I didn’t quite catch your last name earlier,” Amy remarked. “I might not be the avid reader that Natalie is, but it’s quite an accomplishment to be published, and I’d love to read your work.”

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