Page 59 of Return Policy
At a red light, I unlock my phone and pull up my voicemails. My finger hovers over Dino, then taps to play his most recent one.
“Tag, you’re it!” A soft laugh escapes me as I shake my head at the familiar voice filling the cab of the truck. “Bummed I missed ya… Uh, it’s about four o’clock… Friday. I’m sure it’s probably not a great time for you but just wanted to see how that arm’s feeling… And if you’re still not feelin’ tip top, remember, pain always goes away. And regarding Coach Porter, I know he’s young, but he’s really been pulling through. And I hate to say I told you so, but… I told you so.” Another deep laugh of his fills the cab. “Just wanted to letcha know I’m thinkin’ about ya. Call me when you’ve got some time. Love you, Buck.”
“Love you, Dino,” I mumble, grateful for the voicemail that helps calm my nerves so I won’t act like a goddamn idiot.
When I park near my building, there’s still no new message from Sophia. My mind swirls with all the reasons she could not be answering right now.
Me
Sophia, you’re going to give me a fucking heart attack. Please answer me.
The direct route doesn’t work, and I’m losing my patience. I opt to take the stairs and by the time I get to the second floor, I’ve broken into a full-on sprint.
That’s it. I’ve lost my damn mind.
I get to my hallway, and it feels like the distance has grown two football fields from the stairs to my door. I’m equally terrified and eager to get in my place and see what the fuck is going on.
I rush down the hallway, shove the key inside the lock, and throw the door open, accidentally banging it against the wall, stumbling inside. Four heads whip in my direction, all with amused smirks on their faces.
I’m panting, out of breath, and am fully aware I look utterly ridiculous.
“Late night cardio to work off that pizza, Honey Bee?” Sophia says, and my gaze snaps to her. My eyes fall downward to the sight of her wearing nothing but a bikini and her little denim shorts in the company of Julian, Sage, and Theo.
I shut the door behind me and try to regain my composure as I turn to face them. “Yep.”
“Mm-hmm,” Theo hums sarcastically, and my jaw ticks as I see him shirtless inches from Sophia.What the fuck is going on?They’re all sitting on the floor of the living room around our coffee table.
“Where’s Andi?” Sophia asks, her tone laced with jealousy.Unless I’m imagining that.
“At her place.” I take slow steps toward them. “What are you guys up to?” I ask hesitantly, knowing I won’t like the answer.
“We’re playing strip poker.” Sophia smiles up at me sweetly. “Want us to deal you in?”
Well, I’m sure as shit not about to let you play against my two horniest friends without me.
“Sure.” I kneel between Sophia and Theo, pushing her to the side and situating myself directly between them. Sophia lets out a sweet laugh but says nothing as Julian shuffles the cards.
“You’re joining late, so we’ll need an article of clothing as payment.” Sage smirks while raking her eyes over me.
My gaze flicks to Sophia. “Your choice. What should I lose?”
Sophia’s eyes scan from my head to my dick, and a rush of blood heads south as I harden from the attention. “Definitely your shirt.”
A smirk spreads across my face as I pull it over my head and toss it behind me.
Theo pulls out a tequila bottle, and we all take a swig straight from it before playing. A few rounds go by, and I’m impressed at how good Sophia is. She hasn’t lost any more clothing, which I’m equally thankful for and disappointed about. My veins are warm from the liquor, and I have to admit I’m having a good ass time considering I walked in here ready to kill mybelovedroommate.
I have two tens in my hand with a third showing on the board. It’s only Sophia, Sage, and me left and if I win this hand, they both lose an article of clothing. I still have my board shorts and boxers on so I’m feeling confident. Sage and Sophia are down to just their bikinis and shorts.
Sophia narrows her eyes at me, then lays down her cards. She has a measly pair of sixes, which isn’t enough, and I grin. We look at Sage, who lays down two eights, matching another eight on the board for trips.
“That’s right, honey dick!” Sage holds up two hands, thrusting the air. “Boom. Let’s see you beat that.”
“Damn, that’s hot.” Julian laughs while resting his arm on the couch cushion behind her.
I take a deep inhale, my eyes bouncing between them. Sophia already knows she lost but still looks happy as hell waiting to see if I’m right there with her.
“Would you ladies please stand up?” I instruct, and they both look at me with narrowed eyes. Sage attempts to maintain her confidence, but it falters at my words.
