The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs, #2)(78)

I smirk. “Doubt it.”

“Damn, that’s cruel.”

I shrug. “Just being honest. Mind tipping that camera down a bit?”

He slowly moves the phone down his torso to his happy trail. He’s always been muscular, but now he’s got the build of a gladiator. My fantasies kick into overdrive as I soak him in.

“A little further.”

“Nope,” he says through perfect lips. “Skin for skin.”

“I’m already naked.”

“Really?”

“No. I have on a grumpy cat T-shirt with a strawberry oatmeal stain. You’re dating a single mom, dude. Wise up.”

“Not single anymore.”

“Sorry,” I wince. “Force of habit.”

“Yeah, well sexiest mom I’ve ever seen.”

I drop the phone to my T-shirt and zero in on the stain. “Like that? That doing it for you?”

“Fuck, yes, that’s hot,” he chuckles.

“Oh, wait, here’s some toothpaste, freshly sprayed.”

“Damn, let me get one-handed real quick.”

We laugh together as I pull the camera back up.

“Do you want more?” He asks.

“More toothpaste? I’m all set.”

He rolls his eyes. “You know what I’m asking.”

“Kids? Sure…probably.”

“How many?”

I can’t stop staring. He’s glowing, literally glowing on the screen. For just a second, I revel in the fact that he’s mine. “I don’t know.”

“How about five?”

“I’m so sorry this had to end. It was awesome knowing you,” I say, lifting my finger to end the call.

“Don’t you dare,” he warns. “I’m serious.”

“Why five?”

“Because I’ve always pictured myself with a big family one day. I don’t know. I love the idea of a houseful of kids.”

“Well then, you can push them out of your penis. Let them suck the marrow out of your breasts and bones and scream in your ear for the first five years.”

He shrugs. “We can negotiate. You know, seeing how this is an adult relationship.”

“Smartass. Are you always going to use that against me?”

“Probably.”

My curiosity gets the best of me. “Have you ever been serious with a girl?”

“Yes,” he says easily.

I feel my hackles rise, but I asked. “Tell me about her.”

“Gorgeous blonde. Shaggy hair, perfect teeth, doe eyes. I was so in love. Never been in love like that and never will again.”

“Really?” I ask, swallowing. “So, what was her name?”

“Maura.” I hate that name. I hate her.

“What happened?”

“We had to put her to sleep.”

“You ass, you were talking about a dog!”

“God, you’re sexy when you’re jealous.”

“I don’t get jealous.”

“Liar. You so do. Your nostrils flare. Dead giveaway.”

“Eat poop, Jenner.”

“What about you?” He asks.

“I had the typical high school love story that ended out of boredom, and then I had the great honor of dumping the guy who didn’t give a damn about my affections in college.”

He snorts. “Sweet revenge.”

“Exactly.”

“I love that you dumped him for me.”

“It was because he was not for me…and because I wanted to keep making out with you. I’m a classy bitch.”

“So classy and beautiful.”

“So, you’ve really never been in love?”

“I have. October 5th, 2012, was the first time I fell.”

“I love that he’s the love of your life. He’s mine too.”

“He told me he loved me the other day on the phone while I was talking with my mom.”

“He did?”

“Yeah. I’m glad I was alone after.”

“Why? Did you get emotional?”

“Little bit.”

“Such a softie.”

“You’re making me this way.”

“Am I?”

“Yeah.” He bites his lip. “Between you and that kid, I’m so screwed.”

“Listen to your pillow talk, who knew you were so romantic?”

“I finally found the right girl. Maura may have to take second.”

“Troy,” I murmur.

“Oatmeal stain or not, if I were in the bed with you right now, I wouldn’t take my lips off you all night.”

“Trust me, all of me misses you.”

“Miss my lips?”

“Yes,” I sink into the bed.

“Show me where,” he whispers hoarsely.

“No way.”

“Come on. I’ll show you what’s missing you.”

“Troy—”

“Nope, if you tell me there’s no sexting in adult relationships, I’m calling bullshit.”

“I was just going to say, let me lock the door.”