Tangled in Tinsel (Holidates #1)(23)

I chuckle. “You’re truly warped. It’s not about me turning them on...I’m saying this is four pee-nigh. And I only have three hol—”

She cuts off anything else I’m about to say because that cackle of hers is back.

“One, don’t ever say any variation of the word penis. It sounds skinny. And two, I fucking hoped you waxed those holes before you went. If not, find a razor because you look like a Wookie before appointments.”

“I hate you. I’m never coming back. I hope your salon closes.”

I don’t mean it, and she knows it because we’re both laughing our asses off.

But my laughter fades as I stare in the mirror.

The good news is I did wax myself because I’ll never let my sister give me a Brazilian again. So I guess all the stars aligned for this one. Okay, nothing is holding me back…except all those questions still floating around in my head.

“I’ll call you later, ‘kay?”

“Yep. Have fun…but only the sexy, filthy, depraved kind of fun. And sneak me dick pics!”

I don’t answer her, smiling as I hang up.

Dear Santa, I’ve even been a very good girl this year. And all I want for Christmas is Alec, Reed, Jace, and Cole…without a pregnancy or an STD. Thank you.





nine





“How am I not getting pregnant? Or getting, like…herpes?”





It’s been thirty minutes. Thirty long damn minutes since Reed just breezed in with his million-dollar indecent proposal and swept me off my feet. But now, all I can think about is how many times they’ve done this.

…And when the last time someone was tested.

…And is this just a “focus on me” thing, or will swords cross?

I bite my lip because the picture in my head is Jace shoving Reed to his knees. Damn, that’s hot. And yet, selfishly, I want to be the star of this show.

“All about me, please,” I whisper as a smile blooms on my lips again.

I need to get it together, or there won’t be anyone on their knees. More importantly, I need to man up and go out there and ask all the damn questions. But does that make this all less sexy?

This is why women who take lovers and smoke off-brand European cigarettes do shit like this. I’m not cool. I have a thousand questions—that I’m putting in the Notes app on my phone, like I’m making a grocery list.

Milk, eggs, lube. Because is it going in my ass? Or is this more of a tag you’re in kind of situation? Why am I such a nerd?

My phone vibrates, so I look down at the message from my sister.

Elle: stop overthinking. I know you are. If there isn’t a dick in your mouth, then I’m disappointed in you.





I laugh, but it vibrates again.

Elle: Dammit! Your read receipts are on. There. Is. No. Pe-nigh surrounding you.





Me: Shut up. I’m spiraling, freaking out with too many unanswered questions.





Elle: So ask them.





Me: I don’t want to spoil the mood.





My phone rings. I answer as my sister starts speaking right away.

“I feel like any four dudes trying to fuck you at eight in the morning aren’t going to give a shit about your dumbass questions.”

My eyes search the room. She has a point.

“Okay, so here’s my plan. I’m just going to walk out there like the adult I am and ask some very justified questions. Right? No big deal.”

She huffs another laugh.

“Yes. Exactly. Well, hold on, there is one thing we’re forgetting—”

“What?” I rush out, cutting in.

“The fact that you’re saying yes to the dirtiest fantasy of all time…standing in basically nothing. Isn’t that what bachelor number one told you to do? To come out in only a T-shirt? There’s no way a conversation is happening. You’re going to ramble and be dumb. Maybe you should back out.”

Screw that.

“I’m a grown woman, Eleanor. Give me some credit. I think I can manage a conversation without dissolving into a puddle. I’m just nervous. I’ll call you later.”

“Mmmkay. Sure. Whatever. Good luck with that. Byeee.”

I hang up, frowning.

It’s fine. I got this.

I’ll just put it out of my mind and treat this like any regular discussion adults have.

My sister is so off base to think I can’t ignore the fact that these guys…with all their muscley frames and kissable mouths…are hot. I can keep my cool watching the way Cole likes to draw his bottom lip between his teeth. Or how Alec looks me up and down. Maybe even playing out a dirty scenario in his head.

I let out a quiet whoosh of a breath, my body starting to warm. Because I suddenly can’t stop thinking about the four of them, eyes on me, looking at me like I’m about to be devoured.

Oh my god.

I shake my head, ridding myself of the thought.

“For fuck’s sake.”

My pussy is literally the most irresponsible monster. She’s right. I’m going to need a cold shower before I—

My eyes narrow as I think, metaphorically…to myself. I’ll need a metaphorical cold shower.