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I went with a tamer look than my roomie, with short black shorts that make my vertically challenged legs appear a little longer and a flowy white boho shirt that slips off my shoulders in a very casual way. Sexy but comfy. At least, that’s what I’m going for. Not in-your-face. Last night’s look was as much in-your-face as I can take for one weekend.
As we walk up the short driveway, loud voices and laughter carry on the breeze, along with the heavenly smell of a charcoal grill, and my stomach growls in anticipation. We follow the red-stone path toward the sounds of the party, and Em knocks on the tall, wooden privacy gate, then pushes through it like she owns the place.
I want Em’s confidence when I grow up.
We walk into the small backyard, anddamn, that view is incredible.
And the ocean’s not bad either.
The guys from the bar last night are scattered throughout the small space in board shorts and t-shirts. Two of them are shirtless, with droplets of water clinging to their golden skin, as they carry surfboards over to where a few are hanging from the fence. And holy hotness, Batman. I’ve never seen so many abs on one man before.
And my stepfather coaches pro football.
There are athletes around all the time.
Linc jumps up to welcome us, nearly tripping over his own feet to get to a giggling Emerson. No lie. She giggles like a little girl, and I look at her, wondering what happened to my badass roommate.
The door to the house clicks shut behind me, and I turn to see Cooper stepping out, stuffing something in the pocket of his dark-blue board shorts, water dripping from his damp blond hair, and a tight white, damp tee stretching across his firm chest and clinging to his muscles.
And I have to bite down on my bottom lip to stop my tongue from falling out of my mouth.
His eyes lock with mine as he smiles.
Just smiles that megawatt smile of his, and I’m done for.
Damn him.
He throws an arm around my shoulders and squeezes. “Wasn’t sure if you guys were coming.”
I flush, thinking about our texts last night. I spent the day trying to forget most of it.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Emerson and Linc slipping through the door Coop just vacated and roll my eyes.
Traitor left me alone already.
“Yeah. Em doesn’t move super fast on the weekends. Sorry if you were waiting.”
He drops his arm and presses his palm to the small of my back. “Come on. Let me introduce you to the rest of the guys.” He guides me toward three guys lounging on a luxurious outdoor sectional with an equally expensive-looking firepit at their feet.
Actually, the more I look around, this place is way nicer than I was expecting.
He points to the two guys who hung up their boards before grabbing beers and sitting down. “You remember Ford and Rook.”
I wave awkwardly.
“You met Axel last night too.” Coop extends his arm toward the Texas twang guy from the bar, who stands and tips the straw hat he’s wearing in my direction.
“Future baby momma.” He snags my hand and drags me down next to him on the couch.
My eyes shoot to Coop’s for help, but although he doesn’t look thrilled, he doesn’t say anything.
Well, okay then.
“Baby momma, did you meet the owner of this esteemed abode yet?” Okay, this guy is obviously the clown of the group. He kinda reminds me of a hyperactive puppy.
Cooper growls—actually growls. “Her name is Carys.”
Hmm.Interesting.
