Page 42 of Captivating Mr. Second Chance

“So? I like to have fun. And besides, this is for work. Right, Ethan?”

Ethan perked up, smiling at her, and the rest of the guys went back to eating and shuffling cards, except for Ethan, who skimmed his fingertips down the back of her calf.

“You look nice,” he said quietly as his hand journeyed back up her leg on the next stroke. Awfully adventurous when everybody sat mere inches away.

She stepped back and stuck out her foot, modeling the boots. “Like these? I got them last weekend.”

He ran his hand through his hair, lips pursing, undoubtedly holding back whatever he wanted to say. By the time his studious gaze traveled up her body to meet her eyes, they were narrowed and dark. “They’re very nice.”

He readjusted his glasses, and it had a Superman kind of effect, where Laney could swear he could see through her clothes. Especially when the corner of his mouth quirked up. “You boys have fun now.”

“More than you,” Seth said to her back.

Dean didn’t glance up from his cards. “Don’t be dumb.”

“I won’t.”

Then she closed the door on Ethan’s lingering stare and stepped out into the chilly night air, helping to cool her heated skin. She was dangerously close to being caught in their little cat-and-mouse game, her rapid heartbeat evidence of how much she enjoyed being hunted by Ethan. But there was no way she could allow herself to give in, and she ran to her car like her ass was on fire. The farther away from Ethan, the better.

Fifteen minutes later, she arrived at Seraphina’s house, where she could see a group of women through the big bay window. The hostess answered the door with a bright smile, as usual. “Laney! I’m so glad you came…or maybe I should sayyouwill be glad youcame.”

“Huh?”

Seraphina only laughed and raised her glass of wine higher, ushering Laney inside and to the back of the house. A dozen women were spread throughout the kitchen and living room, drinking wine and eating charcuterie. Laney’s favorite things. After a few minutes of introductions, a woman named Maylin lifted her hands to the group. “Should we get started?”

“What is this?” Laney whispered to the woman next to her, noting boxes in the living room. “Pampered Chef party or something?”

“No.” She sniffed a laugh, covering it with the side of her hand. “Didn’t Seraphina tell you? It’s a sex toy party.”

“What?” Laney’s booming voice carried across the whole house, and the entire party shot their heads to her. She offered a chagrined smile. “I just need to…” She grabbed her cell phone from her purse. “…make a quick call.”

They all headed into the living room, and Laney could barely contain her glee as she took a good look at the different pink and pastel boxes, a few stacks of what appeared to be lotions. Small pouches containing suspiciously largethings.

ALERT. ALERT.She texted the girls.I am at a sex toy party with a bunch of moms. What does everyone want for Christmas?

Gem was the first to answer.Is there an online catalogue?

Bronte sent a couple of laughing emojis.What’s it like? I never even knew that was a thing.

How did you get roped into that?Sam asked.

Trying to make connections for the fundraiser.

WHAT A CONNECTION, Gem messaged.

I thought it was supposed to be a family affair, Bronte added, and Laney rolled her eyes.

Do you want a sex toy or not, Bronte?

A minute later, she responded.Yes.

And the other girls threw up some skulls.

Look out for covertly wrapped packages from your sex Santa Claus.Then Laney tucked her phone away and took a seat in the living room, right on time for the clitoral stimulation segment of the party.

* * *

Nadir had already leftby the time Laney arrived home, her eyes bright.

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