Graduation and Gifts (Untouchable Book 8) by Heather Long (best books to read for beginners TXT) 📕

“Very,” Ian murmured, but his eyes sparked with humor. I was in a little bit of trouble, and I was definitely here for it.

Coop just gave an exaggerated yawn before he grinned. “It’s definitely hot. Like, rock star hot. I’ll be your groupie any day!”

They teased, but they weren’t kidding about liking it, and that satisfied me. Granted, even if they’d hated it, I wouldn’t have regretted it ’cause I liked it. But the guys encouraged me to be me, and right now, a blue streak in my hair was definitely me.

I climbed onto the sofa between Ian and Jake as they battled it out on the screen and curled up happily as they trash talked each other through another couple of hours of games.

Not that they were fooling me. The apartment was superclean, and there were boxes neatly stacked in the corners. I bet if I checked our closet, there would be suitcases packed for our “trip.” Unless they’d already had those picked up. The cats were still here because Tiddles settled in my lap and Tory was curled up on Coop’s back where he lay on the floor. Tabby just watched us all with disdain.

Yep, my boys were up to something and Rachel was in on it, and I was fine with that. I’d find out soon enough, I had no doubt.

Chapter Thirteen

Splat! You Were Saying?

Frankie

When Archie woke me just before dawn to go running with them, I regretted my decision from the night before. Last night’s Frankie was a bitch. He chuckled at my groan, and when I wrapped my arms around him for a morning kiss, the thickness of his erection suggested I might be able to persuade him otherwise.

Then Ian pushed the door open and flipped on the light. “Let’s go, Angel. You said you wanted to run with us.”

Have I mentioned how much I hated them sometimes?

I stared at Ian past Archie’s head, and even if the light had me squinting, it was hard to stay mad at his indulgent smile. I was so fucking lucky.

“It’s a good thing I love all of you,” I settled on as Archie rolled off me and then tugged me out of bed. I wasn’t wearing anything, but lately, going to bed in clothes meant they got stripped off me anyway, so why make more laundry?

The scent of coffee teased my nostrils as I dug out some shorts, underwear and a tank top. It wasn’t likely to be hot yet, but running would definitely work up a sweat. Aware of the eyes tracking my every movement, I was so tempted to make it a show. As tempting as teasing them was, the coffee called to me. I was dressed in under five, socks and shoes on.

As I turned, I caught Archie pulling the sheets up and making the bed. He caught me watching and smirked.

“I do pay attention, and this makes you feel better.”

“I know, and I adore you.”

His smirk turned into a pleased grin, and he sat on the bed to pull on his own shoes. I ignored the stack of boxes in the corner. All of my artwork and posters were off the walls. The memory board with all the photos of us I treasured had been carefully put away and the photos organized. To be honest, the room had been nearly stripped, save for the huge bed that could sleep all of us if we got cozy, but still usually only ended up being two of the guys with me at any given time.

If I didn’t look at the stacks of boxes, I could avoid the butterflies that would take flight in my stomach over the thought that I’d be leaving here soon. Ian blocked my path at the door and grinned.

“Pay the toll,” he murmured, and I chuckled. Like that was a hardship. I twined my arms around his neck and nipped his lower lip.

“Sorry about the morning breath,” I whispered a split second before he fisted my hair and claimed my mouth in a furious kiss that set my whole body on fire. If this was his way of encouraging the run, I was gonna be superfast so we could get back here and finish that off.

As it was, my fresh panties were damp and my nipples strained against my sports bra. When Archie pushed right up against my back and tugged my hair to the side to kiss my neck, I about died.

Images from my birthday flew through my mind, and I whimpered. God, I was such a mess. A hungry masculine groan answered me, and Ian’s fist in my hair tightened. The tug lit up my scalp and sent another electric pulse through my body.

A whistle cut through the air, and Ian lifted his head slowly. Heart pounding, I fought to remember how to breathe. “Coffee’s ready, Frankie,” Jake called like a siren promising me everything, and sandwiched between Ian and Archie, the twin temptations threatened to undo me completely.

“Later,” Archie promised before nipping my ear. He’d slid his hand under the edge of my shirt and spread his fingers against my abdomen. Considering the fact I was still plastered against Ian, he had to be aware of what Archie did. Goosebumps raced over my skin, and Ian chuckled.

“Later,” he agreed and then released my hair before cupping my face, and I was up on my tiptoes to strain into the sweet kiss he gave me. They both steadied my swaying form as they let me go.

“Y’all are mean,” I complained in a breathy tone, and Archie just laughed, but Ian gave my ass a swat that had my pussy clenching as I passed him.

“You love it,” Jake taunted, his eyes practically dancing as I approached. He had a cup of coffee in hand, but he held it out of reach. “Miniboss.”

“Nothing about you is mini,” I teased and earned a wonderfully warm smile for it, but I