“Where are we going?” Jax looks from Maverick to me.
“Out of here.” One corner of Maverick’s mouth raises. That sounds like the best idea he’s had in years–skip town and leave everything behind.
“Do you want to go to the casino?” Jax arches his eyebrows.
“No, we’re leaving town. It’s simple.” Maverick’s face lights up. “We’ll hire someone to run the business. We don’t need to work our asses off. Why did we do all of this if we weren’t going to enjoy life?”
He’s right. We’ve all been through a lot. The pressures of success. The paparazzi. The women who always want something.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Jax gapes at Maverick like he’s wearing a dress and sporting high heels.
I raise my whiskey glass. “I think it’s a great idea.”
Jax smacks his fist on the table. “What are you guys talking about?”
“Switching cities,” August says.
“Going incognito.” Hunter stands and shoves his hands into his pockets.
Maverick smiles. “Being regular everyday guys who no one knows.”
Fantastic. With every word, the idea sounds even better. “Fuck, yes.” I smile. “I’m on board. I could use some time where no one’s seen my ass.” Why didn’t I think of this sooner?
“The beach?”
“The heartland.” August stands and places his hands on his hips. “Kansas City. It’s in the middle of nowhere. We can blend in and lead normal lives without the paparazzi, celebrities, and influencers watching every move. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a coffee for once and not have cameras blinding your eyes?”
“Kansas City?” Jax sputters. “No fucking way.”
“You can stay behind,” Hunter says and turns to August. “You’re on. Let’s do this.”
“This is stupid.” Jax stomps across the floor, turns on his heel, and trudges back to the poker table. “I’m going to be a fireman.”
“You don’t know one end of a hose from another.” Hunter waggles his eyebrows to get a rise out of him.
“The fuck I don’t.” Jax glares. “I know how to use my hose. It’ll be a great way to get the ladies.”
Maverick puffs on his cigar, blowing out the woodsy scent across the table. “No extravagant living. We’re normal guys.”
“That’s stupid.” Jax looks like his head is going to explode. He loves the easy life more than any of us. “I’ve got an idea. The only way to salvage this shitshow is if we bet on who can get a woman quicker. We’ll make it a game.”
“Sure.” August shrugs. “Why not?”
“Whatever.” I straighten my suit jacket. There is no way in hell I’m dating anyone. I might become a priest at this point. My father’s parents would love that. Returning to my Italian roots. No matter what happens, I’m not allowing another woman to betray me.
“We’ll each chip in 100k to the first one of us who can get a woman without using our money or resources.” Jax presses his lips together as he finally jumps onboard with the rest of us.
This is perfect. I yank my cell phone out of my pocket and send a message to Jagger.
Me: I’m moving to KC.
Only a couple of seconds pass before Jagger responds.
Jagger: I’m not asking questions in case it causes you to change your mind. I’d love to have you around.
Me: Good. I’ll call you and fill you in.
Chapter One