Irresistible Bachelors: Books 1-5 by Landish, Lauren (bts books to read TXT) 📕

good feelings, there’s still plenty of drama, even if some of it’s silly. About two hours into the party, a now familiar yell cuts through the air. “Someone get me a damn BB gun!”

I look, and Roxy’s trying to calm down Ivy Jo. “Come on, Grandma, you’ve had enough to drink.”

“Oh, hell no, I’m gonna shoot that damn bird!” Ivy Jo protests. “I was just trying to get my groove on with some nice boy when it started making fun of me! It called me a big booty ho!”

I try not to laugh, heading over. “Ivy Jo, Mo Mo makes fun of everyone she likes.”

“Yeah, well, she keeps on fucking with me, I might have to take my cane upside her head! I might be old and crusty, but it doesn't mean I can't throw down!”

“Old and crusty!” Mo Mo squawks, and I wonder if the bird is suicidal. I peel Ivy Jo away as Roxy takes over, grabbing a microphone and doing a short three-set of songs, starting with Drunk in Love before Heartstopper, and finishing with her new ballad that she’s going to release soon, Forever is Our Love.

Tony and I dance, and as Roxy’s voice powers her way through the bridge, he leans in. “I’m ready to go to our special place.”

“You mean . . .?” I ask, and Tony nods. The circle, the ancient temple. I’m sure he’s cleared it with Wesley or Alani . . . it’s ours. I nod, smiling. “Give me a minute to say goodnight to everyone.”

The song ends, and I give Roxy a hug, telling her about what I’m planning on doing. It’s no big deal, the party’s going to go all night, I suspect, and Roxy gives me a smirk and a pinch on the cheek. “Good. I want to be back here within a year to meet your new babies.”

“We’ll see,” I say with a chuckle. Just then, Cassie runs up, looking desperate. “Whoa, whoa, what’s going on?”

“I just saw you . . . and I wanted to tell you that I didn’t do it!” she says, looking over as I see Caleb looking around furiously.

“Didn’t do what? Seriously, you two still at it?”

“He’s fun,” Cassie says. “Listen, I overheard you saying you’re leaving. I just wanted to tell you that I’m going to follow Wesley’s advice. I don’t want to end up like those bitches in the boardroom, and with Aurora shutting down, I took my severance package. I’m going to think a little. Jake says I can stretch it some by helping out at Club Jasmine a little. After that, I’m going to strike out on my own.”

“What are you gonna do?” I ask, and Cassie grins.

“I don’t really know yet. I like the real estate game, but I want to make sure I’m ready. Tony said something about coming to work for Oliver, but I’m gonna let that percolate a little before I jump in. You go do your wedding thing, and I’ll tell you what I can as soon as I know. And Hannah?”

“Yeah?”

Cassie gives me a quick hug. “I love you, babe.” She lets go, tossing a quick look over her shoulder. “Gotta go!”

She takes off running, Caleb following her, and I just shake my head, seeing Tony and taking his hand. We walk through the night, not saying much as we make our way toward the old temple circle. Parting the trees, I can see the remnants of the old foundation. It was built of stone, I bet, and I turn to Tony, putting my arms around his neck. “Shall we honor Alani’s ancient gods again, husband?”

Tony’s hands encircle my waist, his right hand cupping my ass as he kisses my neck. “You don’t have to ask me twice,” he murmurs into my neck, his cock pressing against my thigh. “You will always be my heart and soul, mine to love forever.”

“And you’ll always be my heart and soul,” I reply before giggling as Tony’s fingers find a ticklish spot on my hip. “And one more thing.”

“What?”

“You’ll always be my studmuffin.”

Extended Epilogue

Hannah

“Welcome to The Hideaway,” I say softly, opening the gate for our most recent guests. While Alani is more than willing to perform the hostess duties, today is her and Wesley’s anniversary. I’m looking forward to hearing how the lithe Hawaiian woman reacts to skiing the Swiss Alps. “Please follow me.”

We’ve expanded. The property isn’t quite the same as when Tony and I were first here, but the bungalows are all ecologically friendly while being luxurious and more than worth the money.

“Oh, my, are you Hannah Steele?” one of the guests asks, a well put-together middle-aged woman who I pray has packed plenty of SPF 50. As fair-skinned as she is, she’s going to be as red as an overripe mango in a day if she hasn’t. “I was looking forward to meeting you.”

I feel myself blush a little. It’s amazing what a single spread in Conde Nast will do for my reputation as a photographer. Honestly, though, it’s not like it’s been all that hard. Most of my shots have been around Hawaii, and the Conde Nast spread was all shot at The Hideaway, what we’ve renamed The Blue Lagoon because of copyright issues. “Yes, I am.”

“Why, you’re as beautiful as your photos!” the woman says, smiling. “Would you mind if I bugged you once in a while for a family photo while we’re here? I don’t have a selfie stick.”

I laugh, nodding. “Of course. Please let me take you inside, and we’ll get you checked in.”

Kalena handles check-ins while the rest of the staff takes the family’s bags to their bungalow. Meanwhile, I check with the cooks, making sure they’ve got enough from the gardens and our local suppliers to prepare dinner. “Oh, and the husband noted he was looking forward to barbecue,” I tell them.

“No worries, Han,” our chef says, his broad belly speaking to the fact that he likes a good plate of pork himself.

I head upstairs, where