Page 36 of The Husband Game

XOXO – Charlie

Oh, he was good. “Lots of plans for our home, huh?”

“Mm-hmm.” Charlie smirked up at him. “Aren’t you excited?”

“I can hardly contain myself.”

Charlie grinned. “What do you say we take a few cute selfies, then go meet our guests, cuddle bunny?”

Oh, so it was going to be like that, was it?

“Anything for you, kitten.”

“You take the photos. Your arms are longer.”

Charlie popped up off the bench and sidled close.

Dustin fumbled for his phone and cleared his throat. “Uhh, sure.”

He wrapped an arm around Charlie, watching on the screen as he tilted his head to get the best angle. Dustin snapped a few pictures, trying to relax and smile as Charlie posed for a few shots, eventually pressing his lips to Dustin’s cheek.

His body was warm against Dustin’s and he fit perfectly under his arm. At one point he rested a hand on Dustin’s chest, flaunting the massive diamond on his finger.

“How’s that?” Dustin asked when he felt like they had a few good options. He lowered the camera to show Charlie the shots.

“Ehh, you look a little constipated, but you’ll loosen up with practice.”

Dustin sputtered, but he let Charlie grab his hand and tug him out of the room. “Okay, let’s do this.”

Dustin smiled. “I’m ready if you are.”

A group of people mingled near the wet bar, laughing and talking. Matty was already there, holding someone’s baby and making goofy faces.

In the melee of noise and conversation, Dustin picked out Dominic Olson, flying solo as usual; Jordan Stokes and his girlfriend; Anton Makarov and his family; Colton Yates and his girlfriend; and a few others.

It appeared nearly everyone on the team who was still in town had come. Dustin wasn’t surprised. His phone had been blowing up with messages from people, curious to learn more about Charlie and their whirlwind wedding.

“What did you all do, take a bus here?” Dustin called out with a grin as he stopped on the bottom step. Everyone stilled, quieting as they turned to face the stairs, staring at Charlie with unabashed curiosity.

Dustin guided Charlie in front of him, wrapping his arms around his waist and pulling him close.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my gorgeous new husband, Charlie Monaghan.”

Someone whistled—probably Yates—and Charlie waved. Dustin hid a smile against Charlie’s hair.

“Charlie, this is my team and their families.”

“Hello, team and families,” Charlie said in a chipper voice. “It’s lovely to meet you all!”

And then people descended, wanting to congratulate them.

Charlie put on a good show as he was introduced to everyone. He accepted the hugs and congratulations, cooed over babies, and did it all with a friendly warm grace Dustin admired.

Of course, he was no stranger to being in the public eye.

“Okay, everyone, let’s give Charlie a break before you scare him off,” Dustin joked after a while. “Matty, I think it’s time for you to fire up the grill, yeah?”

“Finally!” Matty hollered and made a beeline for the refrigerator in the nearby kitchenette to pull out the burgers.

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