Dirty (Unexpected Lovers #3) - J.B. Heller Page 0,16

smiles and says, “Next weekend. Why? What’s the plan?”

I glance down the hall, making sure both Lennon’s and Bates’ doors are still closed, then I round the loveseat to sit on the couch. “Okay, so I’ve been dropping in on her randomly at work a lot, and since Bates moved in here, I’ve been around all the fucking time, right? I’m just going to be up in her face as much as humanly possible until she gives in.”

Emory frowns, deep creases forming between her brows. “Mm-kay. What’s that got to do with me moving out?”

Now, it’s my turn to smile as I tell them about my three-step plan.

“That should do it, I reckon,” Sebastian says, nodding.

Emory’s rubbing her baby bump, a thoughtful expression on her face. “It might just work. I can see her getting over the fact that you’re her client if you make the appropriate promises regarding your business relationship. You and I are both aware of how she feels about her career. But what about Bates? How do you plan to deal with that little roadblock?”

“Bates and I have been friends forever. He knows I’ve never been a player or treated a woman with anything but respect. Shouldn’t that be enough?” I ask. “This has nothing to do with our friendship.”

Sebastian pipes up again. “Dude, bro code states you can’t do your bro’s sister.”

I wave him off. “Yeah, if all you want is a one-and-done situation. But that’s not what this is.”

“Are you sure? How do you know your attraction to her isn’t because she’s, like, the forbidden fruit or something?” Emory asks.

Hmm. To admit we’ve already slept together or to keep my mouth shut since Lennon obviously hasn’t told her girl that we did the dirty?

But I don’t get a chance to respond. My obvious pause has Emory’s eyes narrowing with suspicion. “You two already boned, didn’t you?!” she whisper-hisses.

My eyes widen, and I shrug helplessly. “I—fuck—maybe . . .”

Her smile lights her entire face. “Oh my God, when? Where? Was it love at first orgasm?”

A bubble of shocked laughter erupts from me. “Love at first orgasm? Is that even a thing?”

“Oh yeah,” she says seriously. “Definitely.”

“Right, well, I’ll take your word for it.” Taking a deep breath, I launch into the story of how Len and I ended up sleeping together. By the end of it, I’m drained. Fighting for Lennon is fucking hard and tiring. But I know, without a doubt, that she’s worth it, and I’m up for the challenge.

Emory is practically bouncing in her seat. “This would make an epic romance novel,” she says, then her hand flies out, whacking Sebastian in the chest. “You should write it!”

He rubs at the spot. “Yeah, babe, I’ll get right on it. After the other hundred ideas you have for me.”

“So, you guys think this will work?” I ask, genuinely wanting their opinions.

“I’m an advocate for love, so I vote yes,” Emory says.

Sebastian tugs her closer and brushes a kiss to her temple then says, “Yeah, man, I mean, her walls are bound to start fracturing soon with you up in her space, reminding her you’re not going anywhere.”

I nod my agreement. “Right? How much longer can she resist me? I’m a fucking catch.” I grin and push to my feet. “Alright, I’m really leaving this time. Thanks for the chat.”

“Keep me posted,” Emory calls to my back when I head for the door.

“Will do,” I assure her as I leave.

Once inside the elevator, I let my head rest on the mirrored wall behind me, thinking about what Lennon said tonight. It wasn’t an admittance, per se, but it wasn’t denial either. So, I guess that’s progress.

I stop by the packaging store on my way home and pick up a stack of moving boxes and a few rolls of tape. If Emory’s moving out next weekend, I’d better get cracking on the packing.

“Beers at yours tonight?” Bates asks as we shower after a grueling practice on Wednesday night.

“Sure.” I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to put step three into action, and this is it. Emory will be moving out in a few days, and my lease will officially be up in just over a week.

I finish scrubbing down, then I rinse off and grab my towel.

Back at my locker, I’m pulling my shirt over my head when I overhear Jonesy talking to some of the other guys about Bates’ fuck-hot sister. My jaw clenches, and my fist curls.

“The fuck did you just say?” I