Empty Net

She wanted to get naked with him.

Tate was too gorgeous for words. His white button-up shirt was unbuttoned quite a bit, showing off the wings of one of the black birds that adorned his chest. His big hands held baby Posey with the ease of a man who knew what he was doing with an infant. As always, Tate’s eyes were the best part. She didn’t know how many times she had gotten lost in them, but in a way, she didn’t mind. She honestly wanted to get lost in his eyes, his arms, his kisses, hell, anything. She just wanted him.

Such a bad idea.

Inwardly groaning and wishing like hell that Piper hadn’t left, Audrey placed a kiss on Shelli’s curly head. But then she looked to her right and froze in place. It was as if a needle had screeched across a record as her eyes met Levi’s. She hadn’t seen him since the morning after Fallon’s wedding, and she had ignored every text he sent her. But seeing him now brought back to the surface all the feelings she had been trying to bury.

Looking dangerous and hot in a tight black Ed Hardy T-shirt with fitted jeans, his black hat tilted to the side, she couldn’t help but admire the look of him. Levi’s mouth curved into a wicked grin as a woman moved into his arms, and he placed a kiss along her temple while still keeping eye contact with Audrey. She froze, but unlike last time, the air rushed out of her when she recognized the girl was Elli’s assistant, Janet.

Angry tears sprang to Audrey’s eyes as she watched Janet wrap her arms around Levi’s neck, taking his mouth with hers. She had no problem with Janet, she was a nice girl, but didn’t understand how Levi could think that she was fat when Janet was twice her size. Actually, Janet looked a lot like her; dark brown hair flowing to her bottom, a round face, big breasts. The difference was that Janet had blue eyes and was wider in the middle.

Levi sent her one last grin before wrapping Janet in his arms and leading her down a hall to the living room. Audrey took in a deep breath, begging her tears to stay at bay. She couldn’t do this. Not here.

“Audrey, you are really beautiful.”

She looked up after hearing the words every girl needed to hear. That did it. The next thing she knew she was handing Shelli off to him and rushing to the bathroom so no one would see her cry.



Tate had no clue what he’d done to make Audrey cry. He waited outside the bathroom for her, with both of Shea Adler’s daughters in his arms. Shelli was babbling while smacking him in the face, and Posey was snuggled close in the nook of his arm. He wished he could go find Elli or Shea, but he didn’t want to miss the chance of seeing Audrey when she came out. He had to know what he did.

Telling Audrey that she was beautiful wasn’t the plan. The words just poured out of him. He loved her kooky style, and today was no different. She looked amazing in a blue dress that was really tight along her hips and thighs. The top was made of a sheer white, flowing fabric that dipped down, showing off her impressive breasts. His mouth watered at the sight of her. She was delectable, and he would have loved any excuse to rip the dress off her.

Tate had enjoyed spending time with her the night before, and he’d hoped he was wearing her down. Asking to be friends, and Audrey agreeing, was one step closer to her seeing that he was the guy for her. They could be great together if she wouldn’t overthink it. He was excited to see what would happen between them. He could still feel her body against his, the softness of her curves in his hands, her lush lips against his. With a groan he banged his head against the wall.

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