Page 21 of All In

The ceiling is high, with a copper fan and fairy lights lining the space. A big, light tan sofa, oversized chairs, and a smaller fire pit table create a different area next to the beach’s steps. The rain is coming down hard now, making us seem hidden, cut off from the rest of the world.

Chloe sits down at the far end of the table before throwing a chip at her brother sitting next to me. “So, what’s the plan tonight, guys? Sabrina texted that she wouldn’t be down until tomorrow. Do you guys have anybody else coming?”

I pull my phone from my pocket to see if Darby texted again, but he hasn’t.

Brady picks up the thrown chip and pops it in his mouth. “I think a few of the guys from the team are coming. Not sure if they are stopping by tonight or not.”

Leaning his forearms on the table, he smiles devilishly at his sister. “Want to play cards?”

Before Chloe gets a chance to answer, Murphy does. He throws both hands out in front of him, gesturing wildly. “You guys fucking suck when you play cards. No, nope, no freaking way. I don’t want to be stuck in the middle of another Ryan family fight over who cheated.”

It’s hard not to laugh at Murphy’s description.

A few different options are tossed out before Bash offers up beer pong, and we all agree.

Murph gets a beer, and Chloe tries to grab it from him. He holds it above her head, so she can’t reach it. “I think Momma Ryan would have a stroke if she saw what we are about to do on her table. What do you think?”

Chloe throws her napkin on her now empty paper plate and glares at Murphy. “Well, how about we try not telling my mother that we used her ridiculously expensive table for beer pong. Then, there is no need for her to stroke out. Now, what are the teams? And, don’t you dare try saying guys against girls. I love you, Nat, but your aim sucks. She may need your help, Brady. Teach her how to throw.”

I can’t even say anything because she’s right. My aim does suck. We were trying to throw popcorn in our mouths last night, and I got more on the couch and floor than in my mouth. This is why I leave the sports to my brothers.

I don’t mention that I’ve never played beer pong before or that I really don’t like beer.

Brady places his arm on the back of my chair and pulls it closer to his. He leans into me, giving the illusion we are plotting. “What do you say? You and me against these guys?” I look up, meeting his whiskey eyes. They look gold in the warm light of the porch. WouldOh God, yes, please, be a good answer?

I somehow doubt it.

Chloe has claimed Bash as her partner, and Murphy and Cooper are clearing the table, so that leaves us.

Tilting my head slightly, I act like I have to think about my answer. “Sure, QB. You might want to show me what I’m doing, though. I’ve never played this before.”

There is no mistaking the nearly pained look on Brady’s face right then. “Oh, Nat. There are so many things I want to show you.”

What the fuck?

Did he just say that?

“Well, I’ll have to judge your skills first. A girl needs to decide if you’re a worthy teacher.”

Two can play at this game. I might seem naïve, but I’m not. I might not be the most experienced girl, but I did grow up with two brothers and have spent my life in and out of locker rooms.

Naive left the building a long time ago.

12

Brady

Igive up. I don’t think I can fight it anymore. Natalie is beautiful and funny. She laughs at everyone’s jokes, has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, gets along with all of the guys, and my sister, and knows more about football than any girl I have ever met.

She looks hotter in a pair of shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt than most girls do with a full face of makeup.

We are about to finish our latest turn at beer pong. Natalie is standing in front of me, ball in hand. My hands are on her hips as I help her get in position. There is no fucking way she doesn’t know what she is doing when that delicious ass grazes my cock for the millionth time tonight.

She turns her head slightly, looking up at me from underneath those long lashes, and smiles. There is no way that she isn’t doing that shit on purpose.

We’ve been playing beer pong for the last hour or so. The beer is flowing freely, and everyone is having a good time.

I’ve found out that Nat is not a fan of beer, so, being the gentleman that I am, I’ve spent most of our turns drinking both of our beers, so I know she’s still sober. I’ve noticed Cooper hasn’t looked very happy when I touch his sister, and his sister is tough not to want to touch.

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