Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 148473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
As the class winds down, I glance at Everly in the mirror. She’s so determined, and now she’s working on her Ayesha—a move I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to master. The level of strength required is beyond me. I look over to Kyla, the main instructor and manager, who’s a few feet away. I grip my pole, trying to prep for my basic climb, something I love to work on all the time since it’s good for my hands and my hands are my life.
“Good job today,” Kyla says. “You’ll be working on your Ayesha in no time.”
I laugh, nodding to my friend. “The thing about me is I think I can do stuff like that, and then I can’t even invert well.”
“Yes, you can, Maeve,” she replies as she steps closer. “I’ve seen you do it.”
“You know what I mean—without looking like a limp, wet pool noodle.”
“You look like one of my badass students working on her skills, just like Everly. And you’re fearless.”
I glance around the studio again. The air feels different now, quieter, with only a few of us left working. “Speaking of fearless,” I say, lowering my voice, “can you help me with some floorwork?”
Kyla raises a brow. “What are you thinking?”
“Pin-up girl, leg sweep, maybe a backslide.”
She grins. “Someone’s planning a fun evening.”
I smile, a little secretive. Like a cat about to catch the canary—or, in my case, the hockey player. And honestly, I can’t wait.
After class, we head to Sticks and Stones, a lively bar with pool, games, and excellent cocktails. The five of us squeeze into a booth where the music isn’t playing too loud. When Gage, the tattooed owner, swings by to take our orders, things seem normal with my friends. But the second he’s gone, all eyes turn to me.
Josie huffs.
Fable taps her fingers on the table.
Everly’s gaze sharpens.
And Leighton points to an imaginary watch. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s been almost four weeks since you married your husband, and you only told us a few days ago about the great banging. We’re going to need every detail, plus the biggest apology for keeping this from us.”
Her voice carries that mix of playful annoyance and genuine fury that only friends can muster.
Josie crosses her arms. “Exactly. What the hell? I can’t believe you’ve been keeping this from us.”
“I told you the other morning!” I protest. “Hello! I texted about the great banging.”
They all roll their eyes, perfectly synchronized like they’ve been rehearsing for some eye-rolling contest.
“You gave me hell about my boss having a crush on me for over a year,” Fable chimes in, leaning closer, her hazel eyes searing. “You didn’t let up. And now, you went off and did this in secret. I think you’re going to need to serve some time in friendship jail for this.”
“I don’t need to go to friendship jail,” I say, half laughing. “That sounds terrible.”
“Then explain yourself,” Everly presses. “How could you not tell us about Asher?”
My instinct is to defend myself. “How do you even know it’s been going on since we got married?”
Everly rolls her eyes again. “I wasn’t born yesterday, Maeve.”
“Maybe it’s the way you blushed when we gave him marriage tips a few weeks ago,” Leighton adds.
And he didn’t follow them. He left the door unlocked when he showered, and I’ve never been happier. Still, denial is fun. “That proves nothing.”
Josie shakes her head, mock disbelief written all over her face. “I know you, Maeve. That proves everything.”
“And the fact that you were getting special tips for a certain dance in pole class tonight?” Everly teases, her eyes sparkling. “Kind of hard to deny it’s been going on for a while when you’re asking for moves like the backslide. You weren’t exactly subtle. And I don’t think you’d dance for a guy you’ve only boned for one night.”
Damn. Sherlock has nothing on my friend.
“I’m triggered,” I joke, but they’re right. I didn’t tell them the details. I kept everything close. But where to start? Do I take them back to Vegas? Do I tell them about that night when we said I do—about how I was so hot for him I could barely control myself? It all feels too personal, too private. It’s ours, and I’m not sure I want to share it.
But then again, they’re my best friends. Each of them owns a little piece of my heart. As much as I like to tease, it’s been hard keeping this from them.
“Fine,” I admit with a smile, “it started in Vegas. We kept trying not to give in, kept saying it couldn’t happen again, that it would be a one-time thing, and then…”
Everly and Josie exchange knowing looks, like they’ve been there before, done that.
“And then you couldn’t resist,” Josie says gently, her voice soft with understanding. That’s kind of what happened with her and Wesley.