Page 33 of Thoroughly Pucked

I am floored by his unexpected thoughtfulness. “But I should be giving you guys a gift.” I sweep out an arm, indicating the plush travel. “For this. For hanging out with me.”

Dev’s lips curve into a sexy grin, the kind a man gives before he leans in and kisses a woman possessively. But then, his smile shifts, turns broader. Friendlier. “Like I said, you’re our friend now too.”

Still, this is above and beyond friendship. “Well, Ilike it. And don’t think you can escape from my friendship clutches now, or my hairstylist ones. I fully expect you to show up for those cuts on the house,” I say, then swivel my gaze to Ledger. “How did you know I liked that chocolate?”

Ledger glances out the window, then back at me, his expression is sheepish. “I just remembered it from one of Garrett’s parties.”

I smile, a rush of warmth sliding over my skin like last night. Or maybe…I feel even warmer. “I do like chocolate with caramel.A lot. My favorite chocolate shop in the city is Elodie’s. I go there far too often. They know my name. They sayHi, Aubreywhen the bell chimes and I go in. They give me this tray with a couple of my favorite chocolates with caramel and I swear they melt in my mouth.”

Ledger’s blue eyes sparkle as he holds my gaze. “Sounds delicious.”

“Bet they taste…incredible,” Dev adds, not looking away from me either.

I feel both their eyes on me. That warmth rolls down my chest, heading toward my belly. They’re looking at me like they’re enjoying those images a lot. Like they’re imagining the taste of the chocolate…on my lips.

And I’m picturing…my hands in their hair.

Impulsively, I undo my seatbelt, then scoot next to Ledger, wedging myself by his side in his comfy seat, hip to hip. The press of his strong body is a little distracting. So is his scent, like nighttime and the starlit ocean. But I’m a hairstylist on a mission. I take afortifying sip of my bubbly, then set the glass in his hand.

He takes it, giving me a quizzical look.

“Just hold it. I have an idea for your hair,” I explain, staring at his dark locks, slicked back and neatly combed. I’m pretty sure there’s just enough length for my plans. My fingers tingle with excitement. I can’t wait to see if this works. “Can I?”

Ledger huffs out a breath, then nods a little unsteadily. “Yes.” It sounds like a grunt.

I set one hand on his left shoulder, angling him near to me. There are only inches between us, but I’m used to being close to people. It’s part of my job.

I run my fingers through the front of his hair, tousling it, and he tenses, drawing a sharp inhale.

“Is this okay?” I ask, concerned.

He doesn’t answer with words. Just a curt nod that’s a clearyes. I keep going, running my fingers a little more roughly through his locks, mussing them up on top. Just as I suspected. Hedoeshave enough length to give him some height and volume. With some product I could really do something trendy. But I can still make a difference with my fingers. I play with his hair. A minute later, I lean back, appraising his new style.

Ledger meets my gaze with expectant eyes. “How is it?”

I’m motionless for a few seconds as wild ideas flash through my mind. Of Dev telling me to touch Ledger then asking how it is. Then of Ledger demanding I kiss Dev.

Do they like that? Watching a woman be kissed? Seeing a woman get turned on?

I gulp, trying to cover up my sudden breathlessness at touching my travel companion and thinking about him in new ways.

Wait. Make thatbothof them.

My brain flips faster through those images now, picturing Ledger pulling me all the way onto his lap, then sliding those big hands down my arms. To Dev getting in on the act, coasting a hand over my leg. One man dusting his lips on this side of my neck, the other man kissing the other side of me.

A double kiss. I shudder.

Snap out of it.

Clearly, I have too many besties banging two dudes. Just because it happened to them doesn’t mean it’ll happen to me.

I’m saved by the bell when Sterling arrives holding a gleaming silver tray. Four pieces of mouth-watering chocolate adorn a plate, next to a stack of fresh linen napkins. “From my favorite place,” I say, amazed as I recognize the chocolates.

“Good,” Ledger says.

“Enjoy,” Dev adds.

The craving in me intensifies. I return to my seat, where Sterling places the tray on a side table.

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