Page 153 of Pucking Wild

“I know people are curious about us,” he says more gently. “But there’s no reason to be. We’re just four people living our lives. We’ve chosen to live them together. Who we are to each other, and how we live, is no one’s business but our own.”

“Well, and Tess’s,” I tease. “Seeing as you entertain her in your bed. What’s the deal with you two?” I add, glancing his way again.

That earns me a glance back. “Who?”

“You and Tess. Is it a friends thing? A coworkers thing?”

His mouth sets in a firm line. “Are you threatened by me, Langley?”

It’s my turn to shrug. “I think any man with two cents worth of sense would feel threatened by you—as an athlete, as a man, likely as a lover. I’ve seen the heat you pack,” I add. “I bet you keep your partners well satisfied.”

“I’ve heard no complaints,” he replies.

“And Tess?” I say again.

“She is my wife’s closest friend, which must make her my friend. I will care for her and protect her as I would Rachel.”

“But you don’t…with Tess, you’ve never…”

“The only woman I have been with in the last four years is my wife,” he admits.

“But…you’ve only been with Doc for like half a year,” I reply. “So, you—oooh,” I say, eyes wide. “You were celibate for three freaking years? How…why? Mars, you could have anyone you want. You’re like Jason Momoa-level hot. You could literally have anyone.”

“I’m picky,” he says with a shrug.

His confession doesn’t surprise me. “Yeah, I am too, actually,” I admit. “How did you know Doc was the one?”

He turns, glaring at me. “Did I not just say I don’t discuss my partners? I spoke English, yes?”

I huff. “Jeez, it was just a question. Could you not just person with me for like three minutes? I promise, I’ll jump out while the truck is still moving if it’ll make you feel better.”

Then he shocks the hell out of me by laughing. It’s deep and baritone, coming from his chest. His shoulders shake with it.

“What’s so funny?” I say, eyes wide.

“Rakas said something similar to me once,” he says. “On the plane. She threatened to jump out the side without a parachute.”

I smirk. I can practically hear Doc’s voice saying the words. “So, how did you know she’s the one?” I ask again.

He considers for a moment. “It was her eyes,” he says at last. “She doesn’t look, she sees. From the first moment we met, she saw me. She saw what I was hiding, she saw what I needed. She sees me.”

I nod, my mind wandering to Tess. I think of the way she is when all her defenses are down—when she’s naked in my arms, or right on the edge of sleep. I think of our natural give and take, the easy flow of our conversations, the comfort of our silences.

“How did you know Tess was the one?” he asks, breaking my concentration.

I go still, heart racing. “Umm…I don’t—I never said—”

“Relax,” he says with a soft chuckle. “She’s not here, Langley. It’s just me.”

“What makes you think I think she’s the one?” I parry, glancing his way.

He glares at me. “Just answer the question.”

He already knows half my secrets, why not know this one too? “It was her laugh,” I admit. “That’s what hooked me at first. And then I saw her face, and I watched the sound come out of her mouth. She was standing in the surf, the ocean a bright blue behind her. She wore those big sunglasses and the red bikini…” I sigh, rubbing my chest. “She laughs with her whole body.”

“I’ve noticed,” Mars replies.

“She doesn’t laugh enough,” I add.

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