Page 120 of Second-Rate Superstar
We both laughed out loud. He was back to being the funny, flirty Braxton that I loved. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the sexy, animalistic version of Braxton, too, but that wasn’t the foundation our relationship was built on. It was the every-day, the companionship, that would see us through long-term.
Braxton was quickly becoming my best friend. How had I gotten so lucky?
“Babe?” There was a knock on my bedroom door, and Braxton pushed it open with one hand covering his eyes. “Let me know if it’s safe. I know how much you love to watch porn while you’re working.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t keep the smile from my face. “What? You’re afraid of porn? After the way you’ve been defiling me for weeks?”
That signature smirk pulled at his lips, and he lowered his hand. Stepping closer, he leaned down to kiss me softly. “You never know. I’ve given you a taste, and you might be craving more. Next thing you know, I catch you watching full-on gang bangs. Or double penetration. Going down the porn rabbit hole can be very dangerous.”
A snort flew out my nose. “Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”
“Well, since you won’t let me read your books, I have to garner inspiration elsewhere.” He pointed a finger at me. “But don’t get any ideas. Noother men for you, young lady. If you need a second dick, it’ll have to be silicone, but that can be arranged.”
Slightly shocked but mildly intrigued, I nodded, musing, “Good to know.”
Braxton propped his hip against my desk. “I wanted to pop over before practice to see if you have a valid passport.”
My brows drew down. “Why do I need a passport?”
“It’s a yes or no question, Dakota.” He pretended to be annoyed, but the smile on his face told a different story.
“Yes. Now tell me why you’re asking.”
He flashed me with a dazzling grin. “How would you feel about escaping the Connecticut cold and spending a few days soaking up the sun in the Caribbean?”
Leaning back in my chair, I stared at him. “I wasn’t aware there were hockey teams down there.”
“I’ve taught you well. You’re correct, there are not. But the All-Pro Break is coming up, and the guys—and by guys, I mean Cal, Jaxon, and Benji—have a yacht chartered. I guess some of them did it last year, too. They asked if I would come, and of course, you’re invited.”
It sounded amazing. If only I didn’t have a book launch in less than a month.
Hiding my disappointment that the timing couldn’t be worse, I said, “I would love to go.” Braxton’s face lit up, but I cut him off before he got his hopes up. “But it’s crunch time for the book. I have too much work to do and can’t afford to take any time off.”
The smile slipped from his face, and he nodded in understanding. “Guess I have to bring out the big guns.”
“What?”
“It’s supposed to be a secret, but I trust you with my life.”
Oh my God, he was infuriating. “Are you going to talk in circles all day, or are you going to tell me?”
“From what I understand, there most likely will be a wedding while we are down there.”
“Who is getting married?” I ran through the list of possible candidates in my head.
“If I had to guess? Either Benji and Liv or Cal and Hannah. I wasn’t given any specifics. They’re keeping it close to the vest.”
I held up my hand. “Wait. You don’t even know? I feel like if Liv or Hannah were engaged, we’d know about it. We see them all the time.”
A corner of his lips turned up. “It’s a surprise.”
My eyes widened. “A surprise wedding? That’s kinda ballsy. Don’t most women spend the better part of a year planning?” Not that I would know. Bristol was my only girlfriend, and I didn’t have the advantage of a large family and weddings to attend growing up.
“It’s going to be a proposal with the wedding add-on being optional, is my understanding.”
I gaped at him. “And you seriously don’t know who?”
“My money is on Cal and Hannah. The kids aren’t coming, and Benji’s already got something public planned for Liv this week, so I doubt it’s them.”
