I’m just a model after all. Can I get a Blue Moon and a Guinness, please?”
“Coming right up.” Billie went to fill the drinks order.
“Did I just hear that you’re a model?” Cowboy asked as he sidled up to Zev.
“Underwear model. Calvin Klein mostly, but some Ralph Lauren, Polo, you know, the ones with extra room in the crotch,” Zev said as Billie set the drinks in front of him.
“Lucky Carly,” Billie said, openly checking out his body as he pulled out his wallet and tossed cash on the bar.
“I’m the lucky one,” Zev said. He handed Carly her beer as Dare walked into the bar, heading directly for them. “Here you go, babe.”
“Thanks.” She flashed a hell of a sexy smile at Zev, then a softer one at Dare, and said, “Hi. You finally made it in.”
“Hey, sugar. You good?” Dare asked.
“Always,” she said, and turned back to her conversation with the girls.
Cowboy took a swig of his beer, his steely gaze fixed on Zev as he said, “What makes you think you’re man enough for her?”
Dare arched a brow, eyeing Zev with amusement in his eyes.
Carly spun around, glowered at Cowboy. “Did you seriously just ask him if he’s man enough for me?”
“Damn right I did,” Cowboy said. “Models aren’t known for being rugged, and we need to know he can protect you.”
Carly looked curiously at Zev. “Models?”
Zev held her gaze, and a second later he saw the spark of understanding light up her features. That’s right, sweetheart, it’s story time.
“You’re a model and a treasure hunter?” Quinn asked excitedly. “I bet that’s so fun. No wonder you’re so fit.”
“I bet he knows tons of hot guys,” Birdie chimed in, earning scowls from her brothers.
“Modeling is a rough gig,” Zev said, enjoying the smirk on Carly’s beautiful face. “You know, posing for long periods, staying in shape, and all that. But it has its benefits, and yeah, I know most of the A-listers.”
“He modeled with the Sports Illustrated models in Tanzania last winter, right, Zev?” Carly said, falling right into their old storytelling days.
“I sure did, and not one of them was as hot as you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
“She’s so lucky,” Quinn said.
Cowboy made a disgruntled noise and said, “I’m still waiting for my answer.”
“Trust me, Cowboy, Zev is all man,” Carly said arrogantly.
“I’m with Carly,” Birdie said. “Just look at him.”
“It’s okay, girls. I get it. These guys are boot-wearing, hat-tipping, hardworking men. They just want to make sure this pretty boy can handle anything that comes my way. I respect that.” Zev cocked a grin and said, “Try to keep up, boys, because I’m only going to say this once. I free dive, deep-sea dive, base jump, skydive, and I’ve climbed the Andes. Twice. I dove off the cliffs at Devil’s Canyon, trekked through deserts, sailed through the stormiest of seas, and surfed forty-foot waves.” He took a drink and said, “Oh yeah, I also revived a guy who had drowned in Portugal. I’m pretty sure I’m man enough for Carly.”
Cutter and Cowboy exchanged a look that clearly said damn…
“Pretty impressive. I didn’t know models did those things.” Cowboy took another swig of his beer.
Zev stifled a laugh and said, “There’s usually more to people than meets the eye.”
“A lot more,” Carly added. “Especially below the waist.”
Birdie and Quinn burst into laughter. Zev drew Carly into a long, slow claim of a kiss. Eat it up, Cowboy, because she’s all mine.
“Lucky is right,” Birdie said, earning an “Mm-hm” from Quinn.
Cowboy cleared his throat. “You ever ridden a bull?” he asked gruffly.
“Aw, shit. Here we go,” Dare said.
Zev shook his head. “Can’t say that I have, but I’m up for anything.”
“Cowboy, what are you doing?” Carly demanded. “Did Billie put testosterone in all your drinks tonight? Zev, you do not have to prove anything to him.”
“I’ve got this, babe,” Zev said with a wink.
“Around these parts, there’s only one measure of manliness. And right now, my baby sister holds the record.”
“Uh-oh.” Birdie glanced at Carly and said, “I think you’d better prepare him for a black-and-blue butt.”
Zev pointed his beer bottle at Cowboy and said, “I was wondering why my gorgeous girl was still single with all you big cowboys around. But if a cute little thing like Birdie holds the manliest record in town, that pretty much explains it all, doesn’t it?”
Cowboy glowered, Dare and Cutter chuckled, and the girls had a freaking laughfest.