Page 2 of Indecent Ventures

“Look at you being a grown-up, Collin. Following through on something for once.”

“Screw you. I’m thirty-four. Iama grown-up.”

“In age, not maturity.”

“I’m giving you the finger.” I’m literally giving the finger to my phone right now.

“Exactly. Back at you. What are you up to tonight? Ash and I are hanging at home with the kids. You’re welcome to come over.”

“As enticing as a Saturday night with you, your wife, and kids sounds, I have other plans.”

“What’s her name? Or is it names?”

“It’s not a date. It’s Reagan’s birthday party.”

“Have you told Carter that you’re in love with his wife?”

“Fuck you. I’m not in love with her.”

“Sure.”

“I’m not.” God, I hope I’m not. I’d be an asshole friend if I was. “I just want a woman exactly like her.”

“Hot?”

“It’s not just that she’s hot,” which she is.

“Great body?”

“Yeah, yeah. That too. But it’s everything. Her personality, her brashness, her lack of filter, her intelligence, her confidence. I dig all of that. It’s so unique to find those things in a singular woman.”

“Well, keep the stallion in the corral. Carter’s project is huge money for us. Don’t fuck it up.”

“It has nothing to do with the money. Carter is my best friend. He’s like a brother to me. I like him better than I like all of you. I would never want to jeopardize that. I hate myself for being attracted to his wife. I’ll get over my crush. It’s not like I would ever act on it.”

“Good. Behave tonight.”

I can’t help but smile. “Never. There’s no fun in being well-behaved.”

We hang up and I head home to shower and get dressed. I’m in a black suit and a blue button-down shirt that matches my eyes. No tie. I’m sure every other man will be in a tie. It’s just not my style.

I brush the top of my hair back. The sides are short and don’t need to be brushed. The top is a little longer. My face is clean shaven. I look damn good. Eat your heart out, ladies.

I arrive at the hotel. It’s in an older, famous Philadelphia hotel. I look up at the giant chandelier in the lobby. I wonder what kind of crane they needed to get that sucker in here. I don’t envy that crew.

I make my way to the ballroom. The party is in full swing. Carter must have dropped a bundle on this. Several bars, crazy décor, a band, lighting, and an endless supply of upscale food. There must be over three-hundred people here. Everyone loves Reagan. What’s not to love? Ugh. Stop, Collin.

Carter and Reagan see me and immediately make their way over. Reagan looks gorgeous. She’s tall, probably about five feet, eight inches. Closer to six feet when in heels. She’s got wavy, natural blonde hair, the most expressive blue eyes, huge breasts, and a flawless curvy figure. She’s all woman. A perfect woman. She’s wearing a blue, strapless dress that hugs her figure and makes my heart race.

I’m six feet, three inches, but Carter probably has an inch or so on me, and a good amount of muscle. I’m muscular, but he’s a giant. Admittedly, they’re a good-looking couple.

He smiles and gives me a big hug. “Finally. I was afraid you weren’t coming.”

I lean over and kiss Reagan’s cheek. “I wouldn’t miss a party for the future Mrs. Fitz.”

Carter narrows his eyes at me, but I simply grin. I turn to Reagan. “You look beautiful. Happy birthday.”

“You’re making my husband jealous.” She licks her lips. “Keep doing it. I like when he goes all alpha possessive on me.”

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