“About the same as usual,” smiled Dana.
“It’s pretty typical,” said Summer. “I always think it’s overkill, but the reality is it’s why we’re so successful. They’re amazing.”
She looked at the impressive specimens as they loaded their gear and themselves. Carl, Ham, and Aiden were already on the road. Jonas, Sor, Garr, Sebastian, and U-Jin got into the first vehicle. He waved, then the second vehicle with Conor, Rett, Dan, Mike, BJ, Matt, and Jak followed.
“That’s a lot of manpower,” she smirked.
“Damn fine manpower,” laughed Sage.
“You know, when I arrived here as a kid, it didn’t go without notice that all the men and women were beautiful. But the men, they stood out for their physiques as well. Do you think they do something different? Maybe take something?” asked Khloe.
“No. They definitely don’t take anything,” said Finley. “Dan would never put anything like that in his body. Besides, the medical team would never allow it. I think it has more to do with their training and their DNA. I mean, look around you. Their fathers and grandfathers still look as if they could take on an entire platoon.”
“That’s true,” smiled Khloe. “I’ve had a crush on at least ten of them at one time or another.”
“Oh, do tell!” laughed Sydney.
“Hmm, well, I would say when I first got here, it was Wade because he carried me out of that building.”
“That sounds normal,” said Lucianna.
“After a while, I don’t know, things changed. I always thought Skull was this quiet, dark, scary, but ruggedly handsome man. I mean, damn!” she giggled.
The women all laughed, nodding their heads.
“I can definitely see that,” smiled Casey. “I waffled between Tailor, Alec, Noah, and Max. Something about their maturity, body types, and their incredible soft side. I just melted every time I was around them.”
“Same,” smiled Brit. “Falling in love with Aiden was easy, but it was harder to realize that I loved the others in a very different way. The multiples always had me tongue-tied. Wes and Marc, holy shit. Baptiste and Rafael.”
“You can’t forget Joseph and Nathan,” laughed Janine. “Holy cow!”
“Ladies,” smirked Joseph as he walked toward the group of women. “Can we escort you to dinner?”
The girls blushed, staring at all the men they’d just talked about. Marc, Wes, Baptiste, Rafe, Nathan, and Joseph. Behind them were Tailor, Alec, Skull, and Max.
“I can’t believe that this is all a coincidence. You just suddenly show up as we’re having girl talk about our past crushes. Did the ghosts tell you guys we were talking about you?” laughed Khloe.
“Talking about us?” said Skull, acting surprised. “Never. But my ruggedly handsome self would love to escort you to dinner. Shall we?” He offered his arm to Khloe, and she laughed the entire way to the cafeteria as the others followed.
“Just so you know, Skull, I meant what I said. I always thought you were handsome and sweet, just incredible,” said Khloe.
“Just so you know, Khloe, I was always a fan of yours as well,” smiled Skull. “If I’d had a daughter, I would have wanted her to be you.” She stared up at him, tears filling her eyes.
“Now you’re going to make me cry!” From the door of the cafeteria, George stood with his hands on his hips.
“Who’s makin’ that girl cry?”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Archie plopped down on the soft mattress, letting out a long breath of relief. The mid-level luxury hotel was more than what he was used to these last few years. But then again, anything would be an improvement to the rustic surroundings of the cabin. With his full beard and long hair, he looked different than the fake ID, but the hotel staff didn’t seem to mind at all.
After all, he paid cash for three nights.
Entering the bathroom, he stripped the dirty mountain clothes from his body and stepped into the steaming hot shower. He knew that he needed to shave and cut his own hair. It would be too risky to go to a barber or salon.
He stood beneath the hot spray until the water started to cool. It had been so long since he’d had a true luxury shower experience. He was enjoying everything from the steam to the scent of the hotel shampoo and body wash.
Wrapping himself in a thick white towel, he was grossed out by the dirty film left in the shower. He pulled his scissors from the bag and began tackling the longer strands of his beard and hair. When the strands were more manageable, he started taking off length around his face and neck.
