as I walked toward Josh. “I’ll never get over your uncanny ability to choose a dress that’s perfect in every way, right down to the fit.”
“Actually, Ethan helped this time. We went together.”
“When did you two have time to go shopping?” Between our sessions at Melior Group, the continued training with Kane, studying for exams, and preparing for summer classes, we were all busy.
“We invited you to go with us, remember?” Josh raised his brows. When I gave him a blank look, he rolled his eyes and smiled. “But of course, you had your head in a science book, so I should’ve realized you barely heard a word I said.”
I chuckled, wrapping my arms around his neck. “It really is beautiful. Thank you. You guys spoil me.”
“Actually we’re holding back. You don’t know what spoiled looks like. And I wasn’t talking about the dress. You are beautiful.”
He squeezed my sides for emphasis and pulled me fully against his front. My breath hitched. I stared into Josh’s knowing green eyes, my smile falling away. It really hit me once more how much he thought about me, how in tune he was not just with the size of my body when buying me couture but with my thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. I could’ve put it down to the Bond, but that wasn’t it. The level of attentiveness was uniquely Josh.
“Josh.” My voice was low. I bit down on my bottom lip, suddenly a little nervous. The words were at the tip of my tongue, but a tightness squeezed the base of my throat, making it difficult to get them out.
Of course, he knew what I was thinking.
He smiled. His whole face lit up, and his eyes practically sparkled, just as Ethan’s had in the pool when I told him.
“I love you too, Eve.” He beat me to it.
“You stole my moment.” I slapped him lightly on the shoulder, my own matching grin already breaking out on my face.
“I love you, Josh.” I said it anyway.
“I know, but it’s really nice to hear it.” He pressed his lips to mine in a passionate kiss that definitely ruined my lipstick.
We heard footsteps coming up the stairs but didn’t break apart. When I felt a hard, warm chest at my back, I knew it was Ethan and I was at risk of ruining more than just my lipstick.
I broke the kiss, but Ethan’s lips were at my neck, his breath tickling my skin. “Don’t stop,” he whispered, breaking up his words with the occasional soft kiss. “I like seeing you all dolled up like this, kissing Josh when he doesn’t look even remotely in your league in his ratty clothes.”
As Josh started kissing the other side of my neck, all I could do was hum in acknowledgment, although it came out more like a moan.
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Josh whispered before licking a particularly sensitive spot.
“Nothing,” Ethan answered, “but it’s such a contrast to what she’s wearing that I can’t stop thinking about . . . ruining that dress.”
I moaned again. I was just about to ask them to show me exactly how they planned to ruin it when I was suddenly yanked away. Strong, calloused hands pulled me out from between Ethan and Josh so swiftly the two of them nearly bumped into each other. Ethan caught himself on the doorway, and Josh leaned a hand against Ethan’s bare abs.
I looked between them, then up and around to Alec, cocking one eyebrow to show my disapproval.
“We’re going to be late if you start that now. You two need to make yourselves scarce.” He kept my back against his chest, his hands on my bare shoulders.
Josh sighed and hung his head, and Ethan immediately lifted his free hand to the back of Josh’s neck. It was a reflex, a comforting gesture, but standing so close, with their hands on each other and Ethan shirtless, they almost looked like . . . lovers.
Their eyes locked for the briefest of moments before they pulled away. As Josh walked past, there was no mistaking the little smirk on his face. Ethan looked more confused, but curiosity definitely gleamed in his eyes too as he headed for his room.
“Why are you always cockblocking me?” I sighed, leaning back against Alec.
“Because we really are going to be late.” He ran his hands down my arms slowly and pushed his hips forward, pressing his erection into my ass. “And because I want to ruin that dress myself later.”