Sexy Six Pack

 

I followed Theo onto the jet, wondering why I was shocked that we were taking a private plane to Vegas. This was a Zenith trip, after all. Glancing around the small, but luxurious, interior of the plane, I considered my options. Eight over-sized leather seats were clustered into two groups of four, the seats in each pod facing each other; their cream-colored leather looked pristine, and I ran my fingers along the arms on the aisle seats.

Theo sat with Chase and Ethan in the pod farthest from the entrance, and I quickly took a seat facing away from them. Jackson and Liam were across the aisle from me, and when Knox stepped into the cabin, I could tell by his expression that he was surprised I hadn’t joined the other group. He sat across from me and leaned in, his concerned eyes scanning my face.

“Your first time flying?”

“How’d you know?” I asked with a laugh, but the sound seemed hollow, even to me.

Liam, clearly listening to our conversation, gave me a devilish grin and said, “You can sit on my lap. I’ll protect you or, at least, keep you distracted.”

I rolled my eyes and returned my gaze to Knox. “Mostly, I’m tired.”

“I wondered why you ditched me this morning.”

“Sorry, I wasn’t up for a run.”

Jackson looked up from his tablet and said, “After take-off, you can recline your seat and take a nap. I promise to keep the boys quiet.”

“Thanks, but I doubt I’ll be able to fall asleep, and it’s a pretty short flight anyway.”

Once we were off the ground, I plugged in my headphones and browsed my playlists until I found one I’d created specifically for relaxation. As the acoustic sound of Iron & Wine flowed through me, I closed my eyes and felt some of my stress slip away.

I had told Knox the truth, just not the whole truth. Although I was tired, I hadn’t disclosed the more pertinent information—the reason why. I wasn’t about to reveal that I’d lain awake most of the night obsessing over my conversation with Chase. And the nervousness that Knox picked up on had nothing to do with a fear of flying; instead, I was dreading facing Chase, especially with all of the guys together in such a confined space. Not that I didn’t want to see him, but I knew he’d be watching me closely, and I didn’t want him to see my current discomfort with the situation.

My thoughts were muddled, overwhelmed with confusion. I was happy that Chase liked me enough to “go public” with Jackson. But, I was scared that, if I agreed, things would change with the rest of the guys. At the same time, I worried if I didn’t agree, then I would lose the fragile beginnings of a relationship I had with Chase. I was annoyed that the guys had made the pact behind my back, but on some level, I was grateful they were trying to look after me, even before they really knew me. What the heck am I supposed to do?

The next thing I knew, someone was gently shaking my shoulder and saying my name. I opened my eyes, startled to find Jackson leaning over the aisle, his hand lingering on my arm. “Hey, sleepyhead,” he said with a smile. “Sorry to wake you, but we’re getting ready to land.”

“Oh, thanks,” I responded, returning my seat to its upright position as I pulled out my headphones. “Guess I fell asleep after all.”

After an uneventful landing, we departed the plane and were ushered into two waiting black SUVs, our luggage already loaded in the back. Even though I’d never flown, I knew enough about the process to realize that this experience had been anything but typical. No long lines, invasive security, claustrophobic seating, screaming babies, or waiting around for checked baggage. Not that I was complaining . . . seriously, who would?

The ride from the airport was fairly short, and I got just a glimpse of the Strip before we pulled up in front of the Wynn. It was the most impressive hotel I’d seen, impossibly tall and sleek. Inside the lobby, they had literally rolled out the red carpet, as red carpet patterned with butterflies and other nature items ran the length of the lobby and hallways. We passed through a sunlit atrium, and my attention was constantly torn between the colorful tile walkway, the lush landscaping and enormous flower balls hanging from the trees, and the interesting people-watching. Clearly, I had underestimated the power of Vegas to dazzle and distract.

After unpacking, I checked my phone for messages from Jess.

Jessica: I’ll be there in 30. Can’t wait!

Since she’d sent the text over twenty minutes ago, I realized she would arrive any minute. Suddenly feeling anxiously excited, I responded with our room number and took a few minutes to freshen up before I went into the living room to wait for her.

I’d barely taken a seat on the couch when the doorbell rang. Wait, the suite has its own doorbell? I hopped up and practically ran over Ethan on my way to the door.

“Watch it, Buffy,” he said with a chuckle.

I took a few deep breaths before opening the door to an earsplitting squeal. “HALEY!!!” Jess screamed, launching herself at me. I laughed and returned her exuberant hug. “Oh my gosh, this hotel is amazing! Did you see—”

She abruptly stopped speaking, her eyes widening, and I turned to see that all of the guys had made their way into the living area. I bit back a laugh, understanding her sudden speechlessness. They were a lot to handle one-on-one, but all together . . . there were really no words.

“Holy hotness,” Jess whispered. Except for those words, I guess. “You seriously weren’t exaggerating.”

“No, I was not.” I gave her a big smile. “Come meet the guys.”

After I introduced everyone, Jess wasted no time making herself comfortable on the couch. Even in a room full of strangers—ridiculously hot ones, at that—she is the same old Jess, I thought. Sure, she had cut her hair since going to college, but the loose waves kissed her collarbone and the playful, sexy style suited her perfectly. Her golden-bronze skin was as beautiful as ever, and she seemed genuinely happy, her brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

I sat down between her and Theo, glad that Chase was sitting at the table behind me. I knew I would need to face him eventually, but I was delaying it as long as possible.

“So, Theo,” Jess said, leaning over me to talk to him, “you’re still in college, right?”

“I am.”

“Are you on spring break next week, too? I am so ready for time off.”

“Yes, and me too.”

“What school is it that you go to again?” Jess asked innocently.

Theo laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Jess!” I said, poking her in the side. “You know you’re not supposed to ask those kind of questions.” Jess still didn’t know where I was living, and I knew the guys, Jackson especially, were adamant about keeping her in the dark for her safety as much as my own.

“Fine, but it was worth a try.” Turning back to Theo, she asked, “Are you doing anything exciting over the break?”

“Yeah, I’m going to Mexico for a few days with Knox and Ethan.”

“Awesome! Cabo?”

Ethan responded with a smirk. “It’s not that kind of spring break trip. Try middle-of-nowhere Mexico and rock climbing.”

“Hmmm. Not exactly my idea of a vacation, but it sounds interesting.” She repositioned herself so that she could see the guys sitting behind us. “What about you, Chase? Anything fun planned for spring break?”

“Not really. I still have to work, and I plan on spending my free time relaxing.”

“Oh yeah? And what do you like to do to relax?” Jess asked almost suggestively.

I covertly poked her again. Apparently I should have given her a lecture about not embarrassing me or any of the guys before letting her meet them. She turned her head and gave me a sly smile, then returned her attention to Chase.

“Um, I swim, play the guitar, watch baseball. Nothing exciting.”

“Oooh, guitar,” Jess said happily. “Did you know that Haley plays?”

I finally looked at Chase and found him watching me with a proud expression. “Yeah, she’s really good. And her voice is even more amazing.”

Jess’s mouth fell open as she stared at me like she didn’t even know who I was. “You played and sang for them?”

“Just a little,” I said, heat rushing to my cheeks. I knew Jess would think it was a big deal, because I’d rarely ever performed for her and my dad, always insisting that singing, especially, was a private hobby.

Hoping to change the subject, I said, “Jackson has the most beautiful golden retriever, Penny. Jess had a golden when she was little,” I explained to the room.

As Jess talked to Jackson and the others about her love of dogs and her interest in going to veterinary school, I tried to relax. As happy as I was to have her there, it was strange to see my past collide with my present. Part of me was expecting some kind of cataclysmic event—maybe Jess would push too far with her interrogation or say something so embarrassing that I’d never recover. And, even worse, I couldn’t help but wonder if any of the guys were noticing how gorgeous and fun Jess was.

“So, what’s the plan?” Liam asked.

“I was thinking dinner at that restaurant you mentioned then walking the Strip and Bellagio fountains? Sound good?” Jackson said to the room.

“Sounds great. Haley and I just need a quick change.” Jess gave me a pointed look.

I returned her look with a questioning one of my own. What is wrong with my outfit?

“And I should ditch my stuff,” she added hastily. “Haley, which direction is your room?”

“This way,” I responded and led the way down the hallway.

Jessica shut the door, her bright Vera Bradley bag falling to the floor, and stood as if momentarily stunned. “This is your room?” she finally asked, her tone incredulous.

I nodded. “Well, our room.”

I glanced around the room as I watched Jess take it all in—a large, luxe king-size bed topped with beautiful bedding in neutral tones, contemporary furniture and decor that was stylish, but not overly modern, a large window overlooking the Strip, and a huge bathroom with the largest bathtub I had ever seen. Fortunately, I knew the other bedrooms were just as lavish.

Jess skipped from the bedroom to the bathroom and back before stopping in front of me, her face serious. “Haley. Who the crap are these guys? Are they drug dealers?” she asked in a loud whisper.

“What?” My tone was incredulous. “No.” I shook my head. “But we’re holding them up, so tell me, what’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Nothing.” She waved a hand dismissively, still completely absorbed by our surroundings. “You look amazing.”

“Then why are we hiding in here pretending to change? I love what you’re wearing, by the way.” Jess, like me, was wearing jeans, but hers were a dark wash that was almost black and clung to her legs like a second skin. Her black tank was topped with a long necklace and a fitted leather blazer. She looked both chic and sexy.

“Thanks,” she smiled. “I haven’t seen you alone in months; your entourage will be fine waiting for a few minutes. I seriously cannot believe how hot they are! You’ve been holding out on me.” She wagged her finger in front of me.

“I told you they were insanely attractive.” I rolled my eyes.

“Words don’t even do them justice, and all together,” she fanned herself, “whew, I think I finally understand why women swoon.”

I laughed. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Don’t be so blasé, missy. I can tell you have the hots for them, although I’m having a hard time picking your favorite. Anyway, I digress; that’s not why I brought you in here.”

“It’s not?” I said, my tone sarcastic, while I wondered what Jess was going to say next.

“No,” she scowled playfully, “but we will discuss them all at great length later. No, it’s time for you to fess up. What’s going on?”

“What are you talking about?” I hoped my casual tone would put her off the scent, but knowing Jess, I doubted it. Already emotionally drained, I was dreading what I assumed would be a taxing evening ahead. I wasn’t ready to talk about yesterday’s revelations even though I had spent half the night thinking about them. “And are you changing or not, because we need to get going.”

“Come on, Hales.” Her voice was soft as she led me to sit at the edge of the bed. “This is me. I know something is bothering you, and I wish you would tell me what it is.”

“Fine,” I huffed. “Long-story-short, I found out yesterday that the six of them made a pact not to ‘pursue me romantically.’”

“Um, what?” She stared at me, her eyes blinking slowly. “Are you kidding me?” I could hear the outrage in her voice.

There was a knock on the door and my heart stopped. Crap. How long have we been in here?

“Haley?” Knox’s voice sounded from behind the door. “Are you guys almost ready, because Ethan’s starting to get hangry, and we both know that isn’t pretty.” I closed my eyes, silently hoping he hadn’t heard any of my conversation with Jess.

“Be right there,” I called in a chipper voice.

“Just be sure to wear walking shoes.”

“Yep, got it, thanks,” I responded as Jess muffled her laughter behind her hand.

“Come on,” I grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet, “let’s get going. We can talk about this later.”

“Yes, we can, and we will. But for now, screw the sexy six pack,” she said with a smirk, trailing off before finishing her sentence.

I waved my hand in front of her face. “Earth to Jessica.” Laughing, I said, “Jeez, get your mind out of the gutter.”

She shook her head as if to clear the image. “Oh yes, as I was saying, who needs the sexy six pack when the dynamic duo is reunited and ready to tear up the Strip?” She pumped the air with her fists.

I laughed at Jess’s usual exuberance, and she wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “Seriously, Haley. Forget about all this drama and enjoy the moment, okay?”

I nodded, sincerely hoping I could, at least for Jessica’s sake.

When we returned to the living room, all the guys immediately stood.

“I thought you were changing?” Theo said, glancing between me and Jessica, a confused look on his face.

I cringed internally. Dang it. Fortunately, Jess jumped in with an answer. “I needed to ditch my bag, and Haley wanted to grab her comfortable shoes.”

Theo seemed satisfied by her response, but I caught Liam failing to hide a knowing smirk. Cocky bastard, I thought. He probably assumed we were talking about him, and he was right.

Knox held the door as we strolled out of the suite toward the elevator. Jess linked her arm in mine and grinned as the guys followed behind us. Jess carried the conversation over dinner, and despite a few embarrassing stories about my childhood, it was relatively uneventful. The food, and Jessica’s presence, had gone a long way in helping me relax.

After dinner, we took our time, strolling outside along the Strip. It was late enough that it was dark out and the sidewalks were starting to fill up. Our group fluctuated, smaller clusters of us shifting together to talk before breaking apart. Ethan, Chase, and Knox trailed behind the rest of us.

Seeing Las Vegas at night was completely different than during the day. Neon lights surrounded us, and everything seemed designed to attract attention. The hotels and casinos were enormous, many with an over-the-top theme that impacted every aspect of decoration and design.

Theo was our tour guide, and Jess was clearly charmed by him. All evening he had gone out of his way to make her feel welcome, and I was thrilled to see my two best friends hit it off. While Jess and Theo were discussing fashion, Liam sidled up next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

“Enjoying yourself, gorgeous?”

I smiled easily, relieved to find that I was in fact enjoying myself despite my earlier misgivings. “I am. Dinner was delicious, as usual. Good pick.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I like to please you.” He grinned, gray eyes sparkling.

I focused on the Paris casino, complete with a replica Eiffel Tower out front. “Have you ever been to Paris?” I asked, wanting to keep the conversation light. Now that I knew about the pact, I was questioning everything the guys did or said. I knew I was overanalyzing the situation, but I couldn’t help myself.

While Liam expounded on the beauty of Paris, my notice was drawn to Theo and Jessica’s conversation when I heard Theo talking rapidly and in great detail on various casino-related trivia. What did she ask him to make him flustered like that?

Jackson joined Liam and me, and when I glanced back at Jess, she winked at me.

“Hopefully we timed this right for the Bellagio fountains,” Jackson said as all eight of us walked over to the balcony overlooking the fountain and lined up to watch the show. Liam and Jackson stood slightly behind me, almost protectively. We fell silent when the show started, mesmerized by the display of fountains, lights, and music.

When we returned to the suite, Jackson and Knox wished us a good night and left to greet their client. I knew Jess had a lot of unanswered questions about who they worked for and what they did, but it wasn’t something I was free to discuss, even if I had all the answers.

After changing into pajamas, we turned on the television in our room and chatted while watching Ocean’s Eleven.

“Despite their secrets and the stupid pact, I really like them,” Jess said.

“Yeah, I know. They can be infuriating at times, but they’re good guys.” I yawned.

“Theo is so funny and sweet, and he has the best style. And Knox, wow is he protective of you. It’s hard to believe they’re brothers because they’re so different.”

I laughed at Jessica’s observations. “He is definitely protective.”

“I wish I had gotten to talk to Chase and Ethan more, but there’s always tomorrow and Sunday. That dimple, though, talk about distracting.”

“Yeah, I know. How do you think he convinced me to sing for him?”

“Aha! So I just needed a dimple all these years?”

“And blond hair and a swimmer’s body.”

Jess grinned. “I could dye my hair and start swimming.”

“What did you think of Jackson and Liam?” I asked, curious to hear her impressions.

“They are an odd pair. You said they’re the oldest friends of the group, right?”

“Yeah, practically raised together.”

“Jackson seems brooding and mysterious while Liam is fun and so flirtatious. His accent is sexy, but I’m surprised you seem so comfortable with him.”

“It wasn’t always that way, trust me.”

“So . . . do you want to talk about the pact now?”

“Honestly, no. I want to talk about it at some point, but I’m too tired to deal with it right now.”

“Okay. Slightly easier question then.”

“Mhmm,” I said, now barely awake.

“Can I please keep one of them? I’ll even let you decide which one.”

I nudged her in the side. “So generous,” I muttered.

“Just think about it, okay?”