Power Play: The Nashville Assassins: Next Generation

by Aleo, Toni

  Me: Oh, thank God. There are cronuts here. Please distract me.

  Boon: No shit?

  Me: For real.

  Boon: Save me one.

  I grin.

  Me: How?

  Boon: Stuff it in your bra. I’ll eat it later.

  Me: My boobs or the cronut?

  Boon: Both. And your pussy.

  I cover my mouth to keep from giggling.

  Me: Boon Zachariah Hoenes. I’m appalled.

  Boon: Posey Rose Adler, be real. You want my mouth on that sweet pussy as much as I want it in my mouth.

  Said pussy clenches.

  Me: You are not wrong.

  Boon: I know you, lovely.

  I don’t know what it is about his little nickname for me, but it gets my heart every single time. He gives me all the feels, and I fall more and more for him with each text, each call, each touch, and absolutely each kiss. He drives me wild. Sends my heart into overdrive. I’m just waiting for him to tell me he loves me. I’m pretty sure he does. Last week when I asked, I felt like he was going to say so, but then my family ruined it, and now we’re in a weird game of chicken.

  Who’s gonna say it first?

  Unfortunately, we are both very proud people, and I think we’re both waiting for the other to admit it. Since I’m a scared bitch and unsure if I am on the right train of thought, I’ve decided to sit back and wait. Actions speak louder than words, and well, I’m doing everything to make him see I do love him. Except saying the three-word phrase I’ve been dreaming about saying to him for weeks. Nope—won’t put myself out there like that. And yep—I’m aware that makes me a coward. But I don’t have the best track record here. Guys don’t love me, and I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

  Boon: I’m so jealous of the cronut.

  But man if I don’t love him. So damn much.

  Me: I’ll smuggle you one.

  Boon: You are the light of my life.

  I snort.

  Me: Don’t need to suck up.

  Boon: I was hoping you’d save me two.

  Me: Pathetic.

  Boon: Right? They told me I gotta lose the five pounds I’ve put on. It’s not muscle. Can you believe that?

  Me: I truly don’t. You are all muscle—but maybe lay off the marshmallows.

  He sends me the wide-eyed emoji.

  Boon: But you said I look sexy when I eat them!

  Me: Oh, baby, you do. You so do.

  “Who has you grinning like that?”

  My eyes look up to where my cousin Amelia is standing over me. “No one,” I say, putting my phone to sleep, but then Boon’s next text flashes.

  She eyes me. “You lie,” she accuses, and then she looks to my mom and Shelli. “I didn’t know Posey was involved with someone.”

  Mom and Shelli look over at us, each holding one of Amelia’s twins in her lap. Mom shrugs as she wipes Carter’s mouth. “She is. We don’t know who, though. She won’t tell us, but we’re on to her.”

  Shelli grins, knowing damn well. But she hasn’t ratted me out yet. That’s probably why I’m here. I say it’s the cronuts, but it’s her. She hasn’t said anything, so I’m going along with the plans from the Wedding Book from Hell. “She won’t tell anyone. I think it’s cute. Look how in love she is,” Shelli teases.

  I gawk at my sister as my mom’s gaze whips to me, which makes Carter scream out in excitement. “Right, Carter? In love? Posey is in love?” Shelli coos.

  Shelli giggles as she bounces Hannah in her arms, kissing her head. I laugh nervously as I sit up. “It’s none of y’all’s business.”

  These three women have been in my business my whole life, and they all look at me like I’m an asshole. I probably am.

  “Whoo-wee, she’s in deep. Isn’t that sweet? Has this ever happened?” Amelia asks, walking over to kiss her son, who is now wailing.

  “Nope, but I’m for it. Look at that grin,” Shelli teases, and I roll my eyes.

  “Y’all don’t know anything.”

  Mom scoffs. “I know a woman in love. Hello, I was ridiculous when it came to your dad. I was so in love, it hurt.”

  Shit. Am I like that?

  Amelia nods. “I’ll never forget the moment I knew I loved Chandler. He pulled the car over, and we danced on the side of the road. I looked into his eyes, with only the light from the headlights, and I was done for.”

  Well, hell, I’m done for…

  “I know I have been in love with Aiden since I was a kid, but when he told me he loved me, I think I fell for him all over again.”

  I really crave that. I want to hear the words. I do. But what if I’m completely off and he doesn’t feel that for me? I know he’s making future plans and all that, but I remember him saying he fell in love with Julia very quickly. What if he is taking his time with me? I can’t blame him; I did the same. But then he rocked my world, and there was no stopping these feelings.

  I walk over to where Shelli is standing, and I take Hannah, kissing her sweet little head. She looks exactly like Amelia, with bright-blue eyes. “How did you know they loved you?”

  Again, all of them look at me with intrusive eyes. They are loving this entirely too much.

  Mom narrows her eyes. “How long have y’all been dating?”

  I slide my nose along the back of Hannah’s head. “Almost two months.”

  “By now, you should know something,” Amelia says, eyeing me.

  I nod. “I know. I’m just wondering if he does.”

  “You just know,” Shelli says with this little grin on her face. “You’ll feel it. Does he seem happy?”

  I swallow hard, not meeting her gaze. “He does.”

  “Does he make you happy?” Amelia asks, and I nod once more.

  “He does.”

  Silence. I’m met with silence. My mom is basically sitting on the edge of her seat, waiting, watching me while resting her chin on Carter’s head. “That’s it? Nothing more? I mean, I could go on for hours about Dad, and we know Shelli doesn’t shut up. Amelia is more reserved, but it’s pretty obvious she’s in love,” Mom says after a few seconds, and I shrug. “Tell us about him!”

  “No, Mom,” I say simply. “It’s no one’s relationship but ours.”

  Shelli beams at me. “I love that.” I meet her gaze over Hannah’s head. “You do whatever makes you happy.”

  I think I might love my sister in that sisterly-friend way I’ve always wanted to love her. Since she’s been with Aiden, things have changed. Or maybe it’s from my being with Boon. I’m unsure, but I’m not jealous of her anymore. I feel like her equal, like she respects me. Shit, I’ve got an apartment, I have a big girl job, I’m in an adult relationship, and I feel like my sister’s equal. I really am growing up.

  I’m so proud.

  “No matter who he is, he better treat you like the goddess you are,” Shelli adds, and that knowing smile takes my breath away.

  “Please, Posey wouldn’t settle for less,” Mom says. “That’s why no guy has ever been around. No one is good enough, especially not that jackass Maxim, who won’t stop calling and emailing.”

  Shelli makes a face. “What in the world? Email him, Posey. Tell him to leave you be.”

  I shake my head as my phone sounds once more. “I don’t want to talk to him. It isn’t worth it. Nothing he says will add to my life.”

  Amelia points at me. “Agreed.”

  I swallow and then look at my mom. “Also, it isn’t like I’ve had a lot of guys after me, Mom.”

  She looks up at me, as do Amelia and Shelli. “Sorry?”

  “Guys, this is my first real boyfriend.”

  My mom’s brows come in, and I notice Amelia looks away. “It is?”

  “Yeah, I’ve had guys who dated me here and there, but they’ve only done that because they wanted Shelli.”

  Wow. Why am I saying this?

  Amelia makes a face as Shelli’s eyes widen. “What? No, they haven’t!”

  Amelia clears her throat t
hen, and before I can contradict Shelli, Amelia says, “Yes, they have.”

  Shelli looks at our cousin in astonishment.

  “What was his name, Nathan?” When I nod, she shakes her head. “He was only dating her to get close to you. I’m the one who told her.”

  Shelli’s mouth falls open, and Mom looks back at me. “Is that true?”

  “Yeah,” I say with a shrug. “It’s not a big deal—”

  But before I can finish, Shelli is up and standing in front of me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  I laugh. “Because I know you. You’d go after them.”

  She nods. “Hell yes, I would have. No one hurts you like that.”

  I wave her off. “It’s not a big—”

  “It is a big deal, Posey,” she stresses, her eyes searching mine. “You deserve the world. All of it.”

  I swallow hard. “I know that. I learned that from you.”

  Her eyes search mine. “And if this guy doesn’t give you the world, then drop him.”

  I smile. “He does. I promise you. He does.”

  She nods. “Good. I’m sorry. I know I’m so extra and require all the attention. It’s a personality flaw.”

  I laugh as I kiss Hannah’s head. “That works well for you.”

  “Yes, but I never meant to steal attention from you. I honestly don’t know how I could. You’re so strong, so beautiful.” She takes Hannah from me, handing her to Amelia, and then wraps me in her arms. I close my eyes as we hug, and with her lips at my ear, she whispers, “I know this is the reason we’ve had a wedge between us, but it’s time to put it behind us. You are my sister, and I love you.”

  “I love you,” I say back, hugging her tightly. “I should have said something sooner.”

  “Yeah, but I was so self-absorbed, I probably would have thought you were being dramatic,” she says, pulling back to look at me.

  “Yeah, probably.”

  “But I am sorry.”

  “Nothing to apologize for. It wasn’t you.”

  She slowly nods, and I smile to convince her I’m not upset. I’m not. It’s all in the past. I have such a good future ahead of me.

  “Cool. Let’s get back to planning.”

  I groan loudly, which results in laughter. As everyone gathers around the table, I look at my phone and see Boon’s text.

  Boon: Maybe we should work out together.

  Boon: And I don’t mean sex.

  Boon: Okay, I do.

  I grin widely.

  Me: I wouldn’t be opposed to that kind of cardio.

  Boon: I didn’t think you would. How’s the planning going?

  Me: Fine. They’re asking about you.

  Boon: Oh, really? Did you tell them I’m super sexy?

  Me: Not at all. I didn’t tell them anything.

  Boon: Why not?

  Me: Because it’s none of their business.

  Boon: But I told my mom about you.

  Me: Yes, but I doubt your mom is nosy as fuck and wouldn’t be okay with the bits you gave. They want your name, your social, date of birth, and probably your blood type. I meant it as a joke, but when he doesn’t text back, I’m worried. Are you upset?

  Boon: Not upset, I guess. It’s just, I couldn’t keep how I felt about you in, and it sucks that it’s not the same for you.

  Okay, I don’t like that. I hit his name and dial his number. When he answers, I say, “It’s not like that at all.”

  I feel everyone’s gazes on me as I walk out onto the back patio. It’s cold as all hell, so I turn right back around to get my coat. “One second. Let me grab my coat. It’s cold out.”

  “Well, it’s still winter,” he says.

  “I don’t need your commentary, sir.”

  “Aww, is that him?” My mom calls, “Hi! I’m Posey’s mom! I can’t wait to meet you!”

  I roll my eyes, grabbing my coat and going back outside, despite Boon’s laughter. “It’s gonna be something when she realizes she knows me.”

  I put on my coat as a shiver runs through me. “It’ll be fine. And what I meant was that I don’t want them commenting and asking all kinds of questions about you right now. I like how we are. I don’t need people prying into my relationship, and they’ll pry.”

  “That’s fine. But couldn’t you set it up to make it smoother when they find out about us? They know me as a hockey player, but they don’t know me as your boyfriend. If you talk me up, it’ll go better.”

  I press my lips together. “I understand what you’re saying, but at the same time, I don’t care what they think of us.”

  “And if they say they don’t like me?”

  “Then that sucks for them, because I do.”

  “Posey, be real. I know how you are about your family. You love them, and you’ll want them to like me.”

  I nod even though he can’t see me. “I do want that. But honestly, why wouldn’t they like you? You’re wonderful.”

  He scoffs. “Because of my past. I don’t come from anything—”

  “Which makes you absolutely amazing, Boon. You came from nothing, and now, you’re successful, you work your ass off, and above all, you treat me so damn well. It isn’t about your past—it’s about your future. And for me, I think it’s shaping up to be a pretty damn good one.”

  He pauses for a second. “Okay.” It seems like he wanted to say more. I hear the emotion in his voice, but this isn’t the time or place. If there is going to be an emotional talk, it needs to be in person. “I miss you.”

  I quirk my lips. “I saw you last night.”

  “Exactly. Way too long without your gorgeous face in front of mine.”

  “You’re right. I am really pretty.”

  “Man, I just got hard.”

  I snort. “I was kidding, but you’re right. I don’t like waking up without you. I missed your booty grab this morning.”

  His voice is playful. “I missed grabbing your booty.” My lips turn up in a full smile as I look out at my parents’ tree line. “I even made a cup of peppermint tea so it felt like you were here. Wes complained.”

  “Why does he hate my tea?” I exclaim. “He’s such a jerk.”

  “I don’t know. I love it.” His voice is soft, and my heart soars. “Oh, I didn’t tell you what I texted you for.”

  “Oh yeah. What shit am I getting?”

  He chuckles. “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “Right? I realized that after I said it, but I was committed.”

  We laugh together, and hell, I do miss him. I’ll see him tomorrow morning, but I want to see him now. His mom got in this morning, and I didn’t want her first meeting with me to be when I was in his bed, wearing nothing but his shirt. Plus, he’s spending time with her today and getting to know her new boyfriend. That’s a lot, and I don’t want to throw myself into the mix. I also want to look incredibly amazing, and I hope she adores me. I’ve never met a mom before, so I’m praying this goes well. But above all, I want to see him.

  “So, I got a save the date for Julia’s wedding.”

  I can’t keep from raising my brows.

  “It was sent from her parents with a note saying they hope I can come since they miss me. I haven’t heard from these people since she left me.”

  “Talk about tacky,” I say, shaking my head. “If they missed you, they’d call.”

  “Exactly. That’s what my mom says. She wants to go kick their asses, so I’m trying to keep her calm.”

  “I don’t blame her. That’s just uncalled-for. Like they’re bragging about her new marriage. So shitty.”

  “Yeah, I think so,” he agrees, but then he sighs. “But then, who the fuck cares? I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my whole life.”

  My face hurts from grinning so hard. “Is it because you finally got the power play under control?”

  He chuckles softly. “Yeah, I’ve been really stressed over it.”

  “I know, and to think, I doubted you at one point.”

  “R
ight? So rude.”

  “But I was wrong, and I realized that very quickly. So then I started believing in you.”

  “And look at us now.”

  My heart skips a beat. “Things are good.”

  “Things are great.”

  It feels as if my heart is coming out of my chest. “I miss you, Boon.”

  “Right back atcha, lovely.” I hear his heart in his words.

  I hang up when his mom calls him to do something, and I turn toward the house, tucking my phone into my pocket. Amelia, Mom, and Shelli all stand on the other side of the glass doors, watching me with these dreamy-eyed grins on their faces.

  I tap my hand to my pocket, and by the grace of God, my keys are in there.

  So, I leave.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Posey

  I did not want to get up this morning.

  I feel so run-down, and I’m blaming this on Boon.

  I’ve gotten used to sleeping with him, and now that he hasn’t been there the last two nights, I’ve found myself tossing and turning. He’s been so busy with his mom, and while I miss him, I love that he loves his mom. I’m just weirded out by my need for him. I usually love my space, but apparently I love my space with Boon in it. Crazy turn of events, but here we are, and I have to say, I kind of like feeling like this.

  When I was in love with Maxim, I never felt good about it. I felt silly because he never made me feel as though he felt the same. But with Boon, it’s way different. I know he’s missing me just as much as I’m missing him. We fell asleep on FaceTime last night, and when my alarm went off, I had a perfect shot of the back of his head. It was sweet, but it also annoyed me since I wished I were able to reach out and touch him.

  I could now since he’s only five feet from me, but I know my time is coming. We have dinner with his mom tonight, and I’m nervous. I worry she won’t like me or will think I’m not good enough for her son. With how Julia did them wrong, I doubt she’s gonna have her arms wide open for me. I don’t think my mom would. She’d be wary of anyone after someone treated any of her children like that. I think the only reason she’s okay with me dating someone now is because I was never with Maxim. Yes, he hurt me, but he never promised me anything. Maxim was never mine, but Boon Hoenes—he’s mine.