Page 21 of Players and Pages
"Yeah. He’s one my bestie's twins. Sorry for running off, but I didn't want him to wake his sister," I answered. No matter how hard I was trying to play it cool, I was failing.
“Her friend’s twins,” Jackson repeated in a quiet whisper. His eyes were more stunning in person, a gorgeous dark green. Between that and the dimples, I had to force myself to look away. My brain was fried enough.
Cy nodded before he leaned forward again, nearly climbing over the counter. “You smell incredible, peach. I think we’re mates. No, I know we are.”
I didn’t disagree, but I also couldn’t find the words to confirm it, either. Instead, I was quiet, watching all three of them with wide eyes.
When Griff moved, I froze, muscles locking up but my eyes tracking his steps as he walked carefully around the counter like I was a cornered animal ready to freak out and bolt.
Honestly, how did Taryn think leaving me with the twins was a good idea? My hands were shaking so badly that I had to tighten my grip, making Liam fussy all over again.
I knew why. This way I couldn’t run. I’d never abandon them.
Taryn and Bea stepped into view then. One look at my face and they were moving quickly, Taryn scooping up her baby and Bea giving me an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, girl. We thought we had time, didn’t mean to leave you with the babies and mates,” she said quickly.
Liar.
I glared at them both but was relieved they came back when they did.
Then Griff was there, dropping to his knees in front of me. I blinked down at him, eyes scanning over his face. He was tan from his time in the sun but his hair was wild and free right now,the wavy, brown locks hanging into his eyes and so soft I had to curl my fingers so I didn’t run my hands through it.
Midnight blue eyes watched me just as intensely.
“You’re gorgeous,” he husked, voice holding more gravel than I realized. “Can we take you for coffee or dinner, a walk, even?”
Words still weren’t coming, so I simply nodded. Despite having to cover the shop temporarily, it was my day off.
Griff stood, holding out a large palm to me. There wasn’t even a thought in passing before I found my palm resting in his. His skin was warm and calloused against my hands and I found it oddly comforting as he helped me to my feet.
Even when I shook like a leaf he just tightened his grip in a soothing way. He didn’t let go of my fingers, simply shifting to intertwine our fingers as he led me around the counter and toward the front door.
Somewhere in my mind I registered my friends saying something to me but I was still trying to get a grip on myself.
Then I was in the sunshine outside, all three crowding around me as Griff released my hand. My eyes widened as they stepped forward, a wall of muscle and sexy ball players.
This couldn’t be real. I’d been watching their games, drooling over their muscles, and now they were calling me their mate?!
Definitely a dream.
Jackson smiled down at me, those dimples flashing and his shaggy, shoulder length hair blowing in the breeze.
“Not fair,” I sputtered out, the first real words I’d said in the last ten minutes. “The dimples.”
It wasn’t exactly eloquent, but at least I got words out. His dimples only deepened at my words and a soft laugh echoed out of him, surrounding me and burrowing into my chest, warming me from the inside out.
“Ugh, and a nice laugh, too, pretty boy?” Now I was in full, no filter, mode. Kill. Me. Now.
Jackson leaned in, his forehead touching mine for just a moment, both of us trying to get it together it seemed.
Did I really affect them the same? His cheeks were red now and his scent deepened. Fresh sandalwood, cypress that was deep and woodsy, and a hint of fresh air that rounded it out.
My omega surged forward, nearly making me press my lips to his but I held back and simply breathed him in over and over again. Fuck, he smelled so damn good. Sweet, tart, and all alpha.
Mine.I’d never felt so drawn to anyone before. This was insane, but it felt so right.
“Pretty boy?” he asked, shaking his head slightly. His hair tickled my cheeks, scent-marking me in a way that had my omega ready to purr.
