Page 59 of The Biggest Secret
“Fellas.” I nod my head then give my sister a quick kiss. Acknowledging Farrah and Britt, I take my seat on the other side of CJ.
“You’re late.”Jackson raises a brow while wearing a shit eating grin on his face.
“Dinner isn’t even served yet. We didn’t miss anything.”
“Cocktail hour was nice.” He’s still staring me down.
“We hadcocktail hour at home.”
“Adam!” Chelsea admonishes me.
Chuckling, I lay my hand on her thigh and squeeze. She places her hand over mine and moves her chair a tiny bit closer to me. Like there is still too much distance and we just aren’t having it anymore. She looks at me and I lean over to whisper in her ear.
“You’re the most gorgeous woman at this table.” I watch as her lips turn up into a sweet smile.
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Casanova.”
“Will it get you dripping off my face?” Her eyes flare, a slight blush blooms on her cheeks.
She licks her lips, and I notice the pulse in her neck thrum. “One can only hope.” Then she reaches for her champagne and downs it in one gulp.
I’ve got her flustered, and I love it. I study her a moment longer until I notice my sister giving me a sly smile from across the table. I hold her gaze and lift my drink in cheers to her before taking a sip. She does the same then dips her head towards Jackson’s and whispers something to him. His eyes connect with mine and he winks.
I mouth ‘Fuck you’ to him which only makes him chuckle.
“So, CJ, are you and my nephew all settled into the kingdom or what?”
I reach out and smack Billy upside the head.
“Bro! Damn! I’m just asking how she likes it over at AAA Stadium.”
“You’re such an asshole, Billy.”
“I’m happy for you, Adam. Really.” He leans in and with a faux whisper, “Does she call you daddy in bed?”
“William John!” Francesca chastises, and Adley slaps the table breaking out into laughter.
“No. Fucking. Way.” She breathes out the words in between hysterics as we watch her die of laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“Please tell me your initials are not BJ!” She can barely get the words out. I sit and smirk as Chelsea lays her forehead on my shoulder, giggling to herself.
“It’s WJ. Not BJ.”
“Nope, I heard it. Your name is Billy. Middle name John. That makes you BJ,” Adley croons. “Oh, this is classic, and it’s going in my next book. With every dad joke you tell, I’m writing a blow job joke with your name on it.”
We’re all having a good laugh at Billy’s expense, and he’s a good sport, going along with it. Nothing seems to rile him up.
He reaches out and grabs Adley’s chair, yanking it closer to him. He lowers his voice, but I hear it loud and clear. “You won’t be laughing when I’m coming down your throat later.”
I feel Chelsea tense next to me, her round eyes meeting mine as we look at each other, wondering if we really heard what we think we did. I roll my lips in to keep quiet, but there’s no mistaking the purr that comes from Adley. Chelsea Jo’s eyes get larger. “Oh, my god.” I give her a wink and take a sip of my scotch, shaking my head.
Those two together could be dangerous. He’s gasoline and she’s the match. I saw it years ago, and it only seems to be hotter between them now. I just hope Billy is mindful of his actions. She's already been burned once. My brother doesn’t need to be the second man to do it to her. Well, third if you want to count her toxic father.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you all tonight as we celebrate some fantastic coaches! And to you, Coaches, I’d like to take this opportunity now to congratulate all of you on your winning seasons!” The President of the Coaches Association begins his speech and videos of the seasons represented by the teams tonight play in the background. Sitting here, I’m overcome with emotion. I’m surrounded by my girlfriend, my brothers and my sister, who looks at my best friend with pride and love.
My life has come full circle, and I was not prepared for the happiness it’s brought. I didn’t arrive at it easily, it was more like a crash landing, but I’ll take it.
