Provoke_ A Seaside Pictures Novella (Seaside Pictures #3.7) - Rachel Van Dyken Page 0,19

Because I’m pretty sure you were staring mighty hard for the last three minutes while I pretended to be asleep.”

“Ass!” I threw my pillow at him but lost my balance and went tumbling off the couch, landing directly on top of him.

“That’s better. Why didn’t I think of that?” he whispered, running his hands down my back and clenching my ass. I could feel his erection through the blanket, and I was one hundred percent hating my job at the moment.

Wasn’t there a song called Sexual Healing? I mean if a song’s been made about it, it must be true, right?

I groaned and laid my head on his chest. “I’m pretty sure if my boss knew I was straddling you, I’d be fired.”

“And I’m pretty sure if you stopped, I would fire you. So…that leaves us with you, straddling me and giving me my favorite good morning hug.”

I squeezed a biceps muscle. “You’re impossible.”

“Thank you.” He kissed the top of my head. “So, what torture do you have in store for me today? More glitter dicks? Another eulogy—that was cold, by the way—or are you finally changing your ways, leaving your uptight pantsuits at home and ready for some fun?”

I yawned. “I’ll make you a deal. Participate today, and later, we’ll do something fun.”

“Fun of the sexual variety, or fun like video games? I’m a guy. You gotta make it pretty black and white because my brain is definitely not thinking about Donkey Kong. Then again…”

I burst out laughing and lifted my head. “I promise it’s going to be fun, and it will also be a learning experience. As to the rest of it, play your cards right and you may just get to hold my hand.”

“Holy shit, really?” He beamed. “For longer than five seconds? I’ve waited my whole life for this moment.”

“Cute.”

“Hey, you’re the one offering up the big incentives. I’m just reacting like any normal red-blooded man would.” I could have sworn he thrust his hips against me.

I narrowed my eyes.

“What?” he said innocently.

“You moved.”

“Prove it.” He winked.

“See? Impossible.”

“It’s why you like me.” He grinned. “Now, as much as I’m enjoying the slow torture of feeling your thighs wrapped around my body, I need to get up and make us breakfast.”

“Your breakfast cooking skills are quite impressive.”

He just shrugged as I slowly peeled myself off his body, angry that I had to do it in the first place.

He moved to a sitting position. “I helped my mom once my dad left. Funny story, the minute I started working with Adrenaline, Dad called to tell me he was proud. And then he asked for a loan.” He sighed. “Good guy, my dad. How’s that for shit parenting?”

“I hope you told him to go to hell,” I added with clenched teeth.

Braden winked. “I like your spunk, Coach.”

“Ah, back to that again.”

“Maybe I like to provoke you.”

“Clearly.” I yawned and then stared down at his vision board. “You added another picture?”

“Yup.” His chest seemed to pop out. “After you fell asleep snoring and drooling all over the place—”

I threw a pillow at him.

“—I thought of something. I realized that even if I couldn’t perform, I really enjoy writing, putting my thoughts on paper. Maybe one day I can compose for film or TV. Or maybe even get crazy and write strictly for other people.” He pointed to the cut-out picture of Frozen. “That was all I had to work with around here. But you gotta admit, Let it Go earned millions in royalties, and it makes people happy.”

I bit my lip to keep from smiling too widely. “Yes, I especially like the fact that it’s next to the glitter dick.”

He gasped. “Did my coach just say ‘dick?’ And here I thought you were so prim and proper. You’re just hiding beneath that calm, cool exterior of professionalism. Hurry up, say it again.”

“You’re too much in the morning.” I shook my head. “Coffee?”

“Yeah, about that,” He stood and offered me his hand. “Why don’t I Door Dash us some shit? I know a place that has scones that make you orgasm on the spot—consider yourself warned. I know you have plans for us, but there’s no rush, and you’re probably sore.”

“Orgasming scones?” I repeated.

“I’m so glad you fixated on my favorite part.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes. “Coffee first, then we can work on the vision board. Remember a picture or inspiration a day. And yes, you have to talk about it. And yes, I’m going to start pushing you more