Page 11 of Luci’s Lullaby

I roll my eyes. “Geez, I thought I’d never get rid of her.”

“What? Oh my god.” She slaps at me. “She’s a good girl.”

“She was a stage one clinger.”

Chord does his best not to laugh as Sarah’s mouth pops open. “She is not!”

“What? I’m telling you, it took me nearly half a day to get her to leave.”

“Because you only want to ‘hump and dump’,” Chord bellows.

Sarah quirks her brow. “Mark my word, Alden Beck. One of these days you’ll be singin’ the blues over the one who got away.”

“If I ever find a girl who can wreck me that way, I’ll not only sing them, I’ll turn blue!”

Chord shakes his head. “Keep talkin’ shit.”

“Without a doubt.” We laugh as a redhead across the room catches my eye. “But for now,” I wink at her, “I’ll keep playin’”

Chord follows my line of sight, cutting his eyes back to me. “So I see. Well, we’re gonna head home and get these two in bed.”

“Yes, please.” Sarah stands and glances at her feet. “My feet look like beach balls.”

“At least you have feet, Reese not only couldn’t see hers, neither could we.” I snicker at the memory of my best friend.

“Walker’s gonna beat your ass.” Chord smirks.

I shake my head. “Naw, Reese loves me too much.”

“Alright, man. I’ll hit you up in a few days and give you some details.” Chord holds his fist out toward me.

“Sounds good.” I bump it. “Y’all go out and populate the earth.”

“You should try it, everyone’s doing it.” Sarah pulls me into a hug.

Chord purses his lips. “Get your paws off my woman.”

“Dude, I can’t beat them off!” I say, throwing my hands in the air.

“Later.” Chord wraps me in a manly hug.

I pat his back before letting him go. “I’ll be around soon.”

I met Chord not long after moving down here with Reese. Although he was practically an enemy to Reese’s now husband, Walker, we became fast friends. He’s a great guy and a huge supporter.

I was seriously happy when he found Sarah again. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a woman love me the way she does Chord. I suppose it’s a lot like Reese and Walker. He went through hell to prove his love to her.

I release a sigh, shaking my body all over. “Gag, that’s enough of that. Who needs love when you can have them all.” I turn my attention back to the redhead across the room.

When our eyes lock, she immediately starts walking toward me. Her long legs, perfect for wrapping around me later, are showcased with her barely there silver mini dress.

“Hey there, good lookin’,” she says with the lick of her lips.

I step closer to her, checking out the showstoppers between the low-cut halter. “Hey there yourself.”

“I have to admit, I’m a huge fan.” She bites her lip, trying to impress me.

The thing is, I’m not impressionable. Looks are skin deep and people are shallow. She’s a dime a dozen and if she doesn’t come home with me, the room is ripe for pickin’.