Protecting Her - Alexis Noelle Page 0,30

my soul sista, and you know I like to let loose given the occasion.”

“What’s the occasion?” I ask, hoping that it isn’t anyone’s birthday and I don’t look like a jerk for not knowing.

Lacey and Jules look at each other. “Um, it’s Saturday,” They both say, laughing at their identical response.

I really like these girls. Growing up in the business I did, it was hard to find friends that weren’t in it to get something from you.

“Nice distraction Sam, but I still want to know how our favorite man whore is doing.”

Jules passes me a margarita as her and Lacey take their seats across from me. I take a sip of the drink, needing the liquid courage. “It’s actually been going great. He is so amazing.” It isn’t lost on me that I sound like a love struck teenager gushing about her crush. I haven’t had anyone to talk to about Hunter and I’m taking advantage. “He is always by my side and he does the most thoughtful things for me. The other night I had a really rough day and when we got back to the room, I immediately jumped in the shower. I came out and he had candles lit all over the room. He spent almost an hour giving me a massage with the oil he had bought. It was so incredible. He has opened up to me and I’ve told him things I never tell anyone. I’ve never known anyone like him.” They are both staring at me, mouths hanging open. “What?”

“Holy shit. I can’t believe the slug is in love,” Lacey blurts out.

Jules nods her head in agreement. “Never thought I would see the day. Honestly, I thought his dick would fall off before he stopped sleeping with randoms.” I grimace at the mention of him having sex with other girls. I’m more than aware of his past sexcapades but hearing and talking about them is not something I want. “Shit, sorry. I’m already a margarita deep and my common sense is the first thing to go.”

“It’s okay. I don’t think he loves me, though. It’s too soon.” I try to cover up the disappointment in my voice as I say he doesn’t share my feelings.

“Girl, Brian and I knew each other for a week before I knew he was it for me. We faced obstacles, and were apart for years, but none of it mattered. Love isn’t something that works on a clock. It’s either there or it isn’t. You can’t force it, you can’t wish it, you can only feel it. Once you do, it will take a hold of you and never let go.”

I try to absorb what she is saying. I know how I feel about Hunter but I can’t let myself think he loves me until I hear it from him. It will only get my hopes up. I nod my head, taking another long drink of my margarita.

“What about you Lacey?” She looks over at me before rolling her eyes.

“No thank you in that department. Divorce will make you a bitter bitch. After my asshole ex, I would rather just maintain a relationship with my BOB.” We all erupt in laughter.

Brian walks into the kitchen. “You girls going to hide in here all day or you going to join the rest of us?”

Jules walks over and gives him a hug. Lacey leans in close to me. “Let’s get out of here before they start…doing that.” I look over and they are now making out hardcore. Lacey and I head outside, giggling.

I walk out to see Hunter standing in the yard with the other boys. I smile as I take in how relaxed and happy he looks.

“Oh Jesus,” I hear Lacey groan next to me.

I look at her in confusion. “What?”

“You love him.”

I can feel a blush spread up my cheeks as Hunter walks toward me.

He wraps his hands around my waist and pulls me close to him. “Hey, beautiful.”

My body starts to hum with a need for him. As I lean into him, I look over at Lacey.

She takes another sip of her margarita. “Lord help us all.”

I laugh as Lacey walks toward the other guys.

“What’s so funny?”

“Just an inside joke, slug.” I wink at him and his grip tightens on me.

He lowers his mouth to my ear, “Call me that again and I’ll go so slow tonight you will be begging me to make you come for hours with no release.”

A chill runs through me as I look