THE ANACONDA DOWNSTAIRS

THE COCKY KINGMANS

BOOK FOUR

AMY AWARD

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Copyright © 2024 by Amy Award
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means,
including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author,
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover Design: Leni Kauffman

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 CONTENTS

Content Note
1. Why Does It Have to Be Snakes?
FlipFlop
2. All the Single Ladies
3. Let the Games Begin
4. On the Downlow
5. A Night Out or In?
Instasnap Post
6. Mustangs vs Sharks
Besties Facespace Group Post
7. No Use Crying Over Spilled Coffee
8. Verbal Diarrhea
9. Kingmans Play to Win
Instasnap Post
10. Hot For Teacher
Bestie's FaceSpace Group Post
11. Kingman Boys Play Better When…
12. Makeover Montage
FlipFlop Video
13. Death to Speed Dating
14. Don’t Go Stealing My Heart
InstaSnap Post
15. Is That An Anaconda In Your Pants?
16. BAGGASFM
17. A Thousand Lightning Strikes
18. Kingman Family Traditions
19. A Bucket List of Troubles
20. We Ride At Dawn, Bitches
21. Confessions of a Love-aholic
22. Unpretty and the Slay Squad
Besties FaceSpace Group Live
23. Battle Stations
24. Share Your Own Story
InstaSnap Post
25. Vulnerability is What Makes You Brave
26. The Real Revenge is to Love Yourself
FlipFlop Video
27. The Commercials Are the Best Part
28. Hey Besties
Besties FaceSpace Group Post
29. Lady and the Champ
30. Real
Epilogue: Kingman Family Game Night
A Note from the Author
Also by Amy Award
Acknowledgments
About the Author

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 T H E A N A C O N D A D OW N S TA I R S

I can get any woman I want... and I do.

So why is the one woman who is completely off-limits knocking on my

door?

Someone (my meddling brothers) told her I'm the love guru.
And she wants lessons in falling in love.

Just not with me.

Penelope is curvy, sassy, and my brother's fiancée's best friend. Totally

forbidden fruit. But when she asks for dating lessons, I'm suddenly
fumbling like a rookie.
I thought love was supposed to hit like a linebacker—fast and hard.
Instead, it's a slow burn that's got me breaking all my own rules.
Somehow, I've got to tackle this problem without getting sacked by my
overprotective brother.
Oh, and there's an anaconda loose in my house. Because clearly what
this situation needs is more complications.

This sports romance features a super-supportive cinnamon roll football

player who thought he knew it all when it came to love, a plus-size heroine
who will school him while finally learning to love herself, and that
Bridgertons-meets-American-Football family that'll have you wishing you
were a Kingman... or a Kingman's Queen.

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 CONTENT NOTE

This is a book of fluff.

It’s a fluffy story is meant for escapism and laughs. We need fluff; it’s
the insulation from the harsh world around us.
But it also might be the most important fluff I’ve ever written.
Because wrapped up in this fluffy, swoony story is my fight song.
And maybe it’s not just mine. It could be yours too.
I think it’s important to have fat representation in the media, and I do
that by showing fat women getting happy ever afters without ever having to
lose weight.
While it was really important to me to write a story with a confident
plus-size - fat - curvy heroine whose inner strength and love for herself
doesn’t waver, I will always put pieces of myself into every one of my
curvy girl FMCs, and I’m still working on my own journey of self love -
aren’t we all? So for this book in particular, I wanted all the women who are
doing the work, who try everyday to love themselves, but just aren’t quite
there yet to see themselves too. Because that’s the everyday truth for most
of us.
The heroine of this story has self-confidence issues and faces down
external fatphobia, That might be difficult for some to read about.
If you’re not ready for that… just read up to chapter 16: BAGGASFM.
You’ll get all the giggling, and kicking your feet, and swoony love scenes,
and very little of the angst. You’ll get their almost happy ever after.
 But if you’re ready for the fight, along side the heroine, if you’re ready
to face the demons of the world weaponizing the way we see ourselves and
our own bodies, against us, no matter, your size, shape, or what the scale
says, then keep reading.
I hope this story heals a part of you, and that you come out the other
side stronger.
There is also talk about loss of a parent and a spouse, in the past. Our
Cocky Kingmans were raised by a single father, and life without their
wonderful mother is a fact of their existence and has shaped their lives.
What I can promise you though is that my books will always hold a
space that is free of physical violence against women including sexual
assault. That just doesn’t exist in the world I create in my mind.
And finally, I love to write about funny animals and pets. No pets will
ever be harmed or die in any of my books.
I like to cry at touching Super Bowl commercials, not in my romances.
*wink*
I wrote this so you can swoon, and giggle, and kick your feet, and find
some joy. But I also wrote it to help you (and me) fight and heal.

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For all the women who’ve had the word “FAT” weaponized against them.
The real revenge is to love yourself.
They hate when you do that.

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Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.
– Coco Chanel

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 W H Y D O E S IT H AV E T O B E
SNAKES?
EVERETT

T here are three things that I love in life.

Family.
Football.
And making a woman come...so hard they forget their own name.
And to be honest, family and football aren’t even a close second.
Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore my family. I like that they come
to me to be their love guru. Family game night with all my siblings and my
dad is a deep passion, especially when I win. I would drop everything if any
Kingman ever needed me.
And football? Well, football is life.
But what’s life without a well-loved woman warming your bed to make
it all the better?
I’ll tell you something I don’t love. The fucking anaconda in my pants.
No, I’m not talking about my dick, despite the nickname I happen to
know the entire crew of Mustangs cheerleaders call me. I mean the actual,
yellow-spotted snake flicking its tongue at me while curled up in my
discarded jeans from last night.
“Why does it have to be snakes?”
I skirted all the way around the edge of my kitchen, sprinted across the
living room, and bolted out the sliding glass door into my backyard. At least
this time I had a robe on. How embarrassing would it be to have to yell at
the neighbor kid butt naked?
 “Billy! Billy! Come get your pet snake out of my house before I go all
Indiana Jones on it.” I’d already done my best Indy impression by running
the fuck away from the giant ass snake in my house.
I couldn’t actually see the kid, but I knew he was there by the telltale
football being tossed up and down like every morning. Billy was in the pee-
wee league this year and if his snake didn’t strangle him in his sleep first, he
might get good since he was always practicing in his backyard. “Who is
Indiana Jones?”
“Who is...?” Kids today. Nobody made them watch the classics. My dad
had a love of all things movies. If it wasn’t family game night on Sundays,
it was movie night. Best way to keep eight rowdy kids occupied, for a few
hours anyway. “Never mind. Just come get your damn snake.”
“Yes, sir.”
Oh gawd. I was a sir? I mean, kudos for the respectfulness and all, but I
was only twenty-five. I didn’t deserve sir status until I was at least forty,
right? Or unless I had a cute little subby girl in my bed. She could call me
sir all she wanted. “It’s just Everett or Ev, kid.”
Billy scrambled his way up their side of the fence and plopped down
into my backyard. “No, sir. My dad wouldn’t like that.”
His dad didn’t seem to like much, but he did like the Mustangs.
Probably why Billy was always practicing. I knew what it was like trying to
please your old man. Except mine was always proud of all of us no matter
what or how we did.
I pointed at my open back door and the kid jogged inside, returning
quickly with his snake dangling around his neck and shoulders.
“Keep that snake out of my house for a week, and you and I can toss the
ball around next week, okay?”
“Sorry, sir. I’ll try my best.” He hefted his snake a bit more and she
flicked her tongue over his ear. I shivered out the heebie-jeebies that gave
me. “She’s a sneaky one. I didn’t even know she was loose again. She sure
likes your house a lot.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed.” This wasn’t the first time I woke up to a surprise
snake in my house.
Billy climbed back over the fence, and I swear that snake looked back at
me longingly and flicked its tongue at me. I’d stick out my tongue back at
it, but it would probably take that as a taunt and come slithering back to
wrap itself around my head and crush my skull.
 Bleh-wheh-eh. Shiver.
Fucking snakes. How anyone had one for a pet was beyond me.
After starting my morning with the extra workout of snake wrangling in
my blood, practice was going to be a cake walk. I got dressed and loaded up
my gear. Declan and I were carpooling today, so his fiancée, Kelsey, who I
would admit to having more than a little crush on, and her assistant, who I
would not admit to having any sort of crush on whatsoever—because she
was totally off limits—could have my car.
I headed across the street to his place and sauntered in the front door,
left open for me. I tossed the keys on the counter for Kelsey and went
searching for my brother.”Dec? You ready to go?”
That’s when I saw Penelope, and my heart stopped.
She was lying motionless in the middle of the living room floor,
covered in a writhing mass of—god damn it—snakes. Hundreds of them.
My brain short-circuited, fight-or-flight instincts warring with each other.
“Pen,” I croaked out. My utter fear of snakes was going to have to shut
the fuck up, because I had to rescue a girl in mortal peril.
I shook out my hands, bounced on my feet and squealed like a scared
baby bird as I dove in, my hands frantically sweeping away the serpents.
“Hold on, Pen, I’ve got you.”
“Everett?” She was moaning or crying or dying right in front of my
eyes. I ripped a handful of snakes from her face and her sobs rang in my
ears or... wait, was she... laughing? I paused, a handful of suspiciously
lightweight snakes in my grip, and looked down at Penelope’s face.
She was grinning up at me, eyes sparkling with mirth.
“My hero,” she said, giggling. “I think you can stop choking the snakes
though.”
I blinked at her, finally registering that the snakes in my hands were
fake and made of rubber. The floor around us was littered with faux reptiles
of assorted colors and sizes.
“What the actual hell?” I fell back on my ass, tossing the remaining
snakes at Penelope’s head. It was going to take hours running drills to burn
off the enormous amount of adrenaline pumping through me.
Penelope sat up, fake snakes sliding off her like the world’s weirdest
blanket. She reached for me, grabbing onto my shoulders, and damn if I
didn’t lean into her touch. Her face had dropped from hilarity to empathy.
“Sorry, Ev. We didn’t mean to scare you. Kelsey and I are taking pictures
for social media, you know, to hint at her new album drop.”
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling equal parts relieved and foolish.
“Right. Of course. Because that’s a totally normal thing to do on a
Wednesday morning.”
“Says the guy who just dove into a pit of snakes to save me,” Penelope
teased. “That really was very heroic.”
Declan walked in with Kelsey and looked around the remnants of his
living room, taking in the damage after the snake tornado. There were
several hanging from the chandelier and every lamp in the place was
knocked over by snake torpedoes.
“Whoa,” Declan said, taking in the scene. “What’d we miss?”
Kelsey’s eyes lit up. “Oh my god, did you get action shots? This is
going to be perfect for InstaSnap.”
Penelope laughed. “Even better. Everett just tried to rescue me from
certain death by rubber snake. It’s all on camera.”
Declan nearly choked on his coffee. “Ev? Mr. I-Can’t-Even-Watch-
Snakes-On-TV did all of this to that pile of fake snakes?”
I took a shaky-ass breath. “Hey, I thought she was in trouble.”
“Aw, that’s sweet,” Kelsey cooed. “Terrified of snakes but still willing
to save a damsel in distress.”
“I’m not terrified,” I protested weakly. “Just... you know, snakes are
dangerous.”
Penelope stood up, brushing off the last of the fake snakes and offering
me a hand up. “Well, scared or not, I appreciate the rescue attempt.” She
patted my arm, sending an unexpected jolt through me. “Your secret’s safe
with us, snake charmer. And by us, I mean me, Kelsey, and the Besties. I’ll
be sure to tag you in the post on InstaSnap.”
I rolled my eyes and took her hand. A little zing went up my arm and it
took me a beat too long to let go. “Yeah, yeah. Dec, we better get going or
we’ll be late for practice. Kels, keys are on the counter.”
I headed right out the front door, giving the lot of them the bird for
trying to murder me with fake snakes. Was the universe trying to tell me
something this morning? If it was, I had no idea what, and snakes were not
the way I wanted to be informed.
I glanced back into the living room from the doorway at Pen. She was
arranging the fake snakes around her again, laughing at something Kelsey
said. My heart literally skipped a beat. Because of the snakes.
Not because Penelope’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkling, or
the fact that she caught me looking and winked at me.
I hopped into the passenger side of Dec’s truck, still freaked the fuck
out. We pulled out of the driveway, and the girls were visible through the
window, laughing as Penelope arranged more of those rubber abominations.
I stared until Dec chucked me on the jaw to force me to close my mouth,
which I didn’t realize was hanging open.
Because... snakes. Not drooling or anything.
“You okay there, bro?” Declan asked, a smirk playing at the corner of
his mouth. “You look like you’re lusting after my fiancée. Or, you know, a
bunch of fake snakes.”
“Ha-ha,” I deadpanned. “You’re hilarious. Let’s just get to practice.”
My brain kept replaying the scene like I was watching game tape the
whole drive. The fear, the adrenaline, the way I’d dove in without a second
thought. It was ridiculous, really. If it had been anyone else lying there...
Well, I probably would’ve run screaming in the opposite direction.
Snakes, man.
But it was Penelope.
I had to do something.
I shook my head, trying to clear the image of her all pink and giddy
from my mind. Nope. Not going there. Penelope was off-limits, end of
story. She worked for Kelsey, who was marrying my brother. Almost a
sister-in-law. She was practically family for crying out loud.
Declan would murder anyone who looked at Pen wrong.
I. Was. Not. Looking.
By the time we reached the practice field, I’d almost convinced myself I
was over the whole snake fiasco. Almost.
“Alright, Kingman,” the running coach bellowed as soon as I stepped
onto the field. “Let’s see if you can catch as well as you wrangle snakes.”
I groaned and glared over at Dec who was stretching and grinning his
face off. If I didn’t end up with some kind of a snake-themed nickname by
the end of the day, it would be a miracle.
And everyone thought he was nothing more than a grump. Dec was a
big old gossip is what he was. I blamed Kelsey for that. She brought out the
fun-loving side of him again.
 They were sickeningly in love, and it had happened just like it should
have. Love at first sight. I mean, to be fair, everyone probably fell a little bit
in love with the world’s biggest pop star on sight, but Dec had been hit by
lightning.
Our dad had said that was exactly how it happened for him with mom
too.
We should all be so lucky.
So far, no lightning strikes for me.
We ran drills, prepping for our next game, and I threw myself into the
practice with some extra fervor. I needed to work through this adrenaline
and a different sort of buzz under my skin. Each catch, each sprint, each
play was a chance to burn off some of this weird energy.
Snakes and lightning strikes. What the actual fuck was going on in my
head right now?
“Nice catch, Ev,” Hayes shouted as I jumped and snagged a pass out of
the air. “You snaked right through those defenders.”
I flipped off my little brother, but I was also grinning, finally settling
into practice. The thrill of the game I loved refocused my mind. This was
where I belonged. On the field, with my team, doing what I did best. Well,
besides modeling underwear and making women forget their names with
my head between their legs.
The way she’d look up at me, bedhead of red curls, calling me her hero.
The feel of her hands on my shoulders. The wink she’d throw my way as I
left.
“Focus, Kingman.” Coach’s voice snapped me back to reality just in
time to avoid getting beaned in the head with another pass.
Shit.
I shook my head, annoyed at myself. So much for that focus. I was
distracted as shit, and it was ridiculous. Penelope was just a friend. A
sisterly figure. Someone I absolutely should not be fantasizing about in any
way, shape, or form.
And yet...
Nope. No. Absolutely not. If my head was going anywhere, it was not
between Penelope’s deliciously thick thighs. Dammit. I needed my head in
the game.
After practice I’d pull out my black book of a phone and get a date. Or
better yet, pop down to Peachy Creek and find a bar or a club and find
myself a whole bevy of chances to get struck by lightning. Or at least get
laid.
Everyone knew Kingman men played better when we were getting laid.
And I always played great.
“Head in the game, head in the game,” I muttered to myself as I jogged
back to the sidelines for a water break before my next turn to run the play of
the day. “Get it together.”
I was Everett Kingman, the guy who could charm any woman with a
wink and a smile. The last thing I needed was to get hung up on the one
woman who was absolutely, unequivocally off-limits.
I gulped down some water, splashed some on my face, and noticed the
cheerleaders lining up for some new social media thing the PR team was
doing with them. I could probably talk any one of them into a quickie in the
locker room if I wanted to.
In fact, I had done it more than once in the past couple years playing for
the Mustangs. A couple of them even gave me cute little waves. Football
players and cheerleaders went together like peanut butter and jelly.
But for once in my life, I was craving something a little more grown up.
Something red hot and spicy. I rubbed my chest, already getting heartburn.
Fuck my life, or rather my love life. If I was any one of my brothers, I
could just gather the fam and get some advice. But I was the one they all
came too, and there was no way in hell I was going to any one of my family
members for help with this particular problem. Declan would find out in
two-point-two seconds flat, and then I’d get flattened. Bunch of gossipy
gossips and not a one of them could keep a secret.
Except maybe my baby sister, Jules. She could be a vault when she
wanted to be. But that was a big if.
No, I needed to solve this myself. There wasn’t even anything to solve.
So I had a little crush on Penelope. She wasn’t the one. I’d have known.
Best to just push her out of my mind, go out and meet some new women
who might be my one and only.
“Hey, Ev,” Chris called out to me and sent a spiral right at my chest. “I
hear you’ve got a snake in your boot.”
Just what I needed. More older brothers to find out about the snake
thing and tease me about it for the next twenty-some-odd years. That’s how
long it had taken to get him to stop telling all seven of the rest of us kids
that there was a lion in the toilet who roared when we flushed.
 “You’re wrong. There’s a snake in my pants.” If you can’t beat ’em, join
’em. I started singing, “My anaconda don’t⁠—”
Chris chuckled and held up his hand for me to stop. “Do not finish that
line, or I’ll get the whole song stuck in my head the rest of the day.”
Hayes jogged over and grabbed himself some water. “Hey, Anaconda.
Can you come over to game with me and the twins this weekend? Isak’s
out, dad’s orders.”
Christ. There it was. Anaconda.
Guess I was lucky my new nickname wasn’t something cringy like
Cobra Kai or Sir Hiss.
Hayes, the twins, and Isak had quiet the following on their video game
live streams, with sponsors and everything. Since Penelope had started
playing with them too, she brought in the Bestie crowd, so their viewer
numbers had quadrupled. She fit in with them just like a little sister, giving
just as much shit as she got. It was cute AF.
I wasn’t going to hang with my little brothers. Not when Sundays were
prime ladies’ nights for me. If we won, everyone wanted to be with a star. If
we lost, everyone wanted to comfort the star. It was the perfect time to find
a love connection and forget all about a certain redhead. “I don’t think so,
kid. Who else is gonna be there?”
Maybe he was planning on putting on a show for this new girl he was
pining after. I would like to see that.
He shrugged and frowned like I’d just asked who I was picking to win
the bowl game this year. “Just Flynn, Gryff, and Pen, like usual.”
Just as I thought. The last place I should be. “I’ll be there.”

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 F LI P F L O P

@BestiesBestie
[Video of a pile of jeans, each tied with what looks a little bit like a ribbon,
and a lot like a rubber snake.]

Voiceover:
Hey, Besties,
Did a little shopping today for some new clothes for our first autumn in
Colorado. So much chillier than we're used to in LA.

Gotta keep our girl Kelsey warm this winter so she's ready to get back into
the studio in the spring, don't we?

Remember, your worth isn't measured by a number on a scale or the size of

your jeans. It's measured by the size of your heart and the impact you make
on the world.

Your BFF,
Mz. Besties’ Bestie - Penelope
#BestiesBestie #NewKelseyBestAlbum? #BodyPositivity
#EmbraceYourself #TheBestRevengeIsLovingYourself #ColoradoFall
#DidYouSeeThatSnake?

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 A LL T H E S I N G LE L A D I E S
PENELOPE

I kissed a boy for the very first time in the second grade. His name
was Daniel, and he had these sparkling blue eyes that made my
seven-year-old heart swoon.
I can’t remember a time I didn’t have a crush on a boy since.
But they never seemed to crush on me back. I’m always the buddy, the
cool chick, the friend without benefits. The nice girl who’s a bit too big to
be arm candy, but lots of fun to pal around with.
What that made me was the master of unrequited love and a mess of
lack of confidence. I always kind of thought I was pretty, but that didn’t
seem to matter if I was also chubby.
Until I started working for Kelsey Best. Yeah, that Kelsey Best. The
plus-size, body positive, badass popstar who is changing the way the world
looks at big girls one song and a half dozen platinum and multi-platinum
records at a time.
Kelsey changed my world even before I became her assistant. When she
won the second season of The Choicest Voice, I cried. Literally. Like tears
streaming down my face, gulping sobs, crying because never in my life had
I seen someone who looked like me stand up to the fatphobic people of the
world, like that one judge on the show, and be lauded and praised in front of
the entire world.
I couldn’t sing to save my life, but I felt seen. I felt represented. For the
first time, I felt like my size, shape, and what the scale said didn’t have to
dictate my life.
 Then I went back to school the next day and was reminded by the
cheerleaders and their football player boyfriends exactly why I’d struggled
with self-confidence with just one insult and a whole round of laughs in the
student center cafe.
I quit college that same week, and it was the best thing I ever did.
Working for Kelsey these past few years has been like a crash course in
self-love and confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments of
doubt, but they’re fewer and farther between. Kelsey’s unwavering belief in
herself, and by extension, in me, has been nothing short of transformative.
Lately, I’ve even been toying with the idea of dipping my toes back into
the dating pool. Watching Kelsey and Declan together, so utterly in love and
supportive of each other, has awakened a longing in me I thought I’d buried
deep.
Sometimes, I catch myself daydreaming about finding someone like that
for myself. Someone kind, funny, and devastatingly handsome... like any of
the Kingman boys, if I’m being honest. Everett, in particular, with his easy
charm and killer smile, has starred in more than a few of those daydreams.
But that’s all they can ever be—daydreams. Dating my boss’s fiancé’s
brother? Talk about complicated. Besides, a guy like Everett Kingman was
so far out of my league, he might as well be playing a different sport
entirely.
I shook off those thoughts as Kelsey and I arranged the last of the
rubber snakes around me on the living room floor. We’d been at this for
hours, trying to get the perfect shot for her social media tease.
“You know,” Kelsey mused, adjusting a particularly realistic-looking
cobra near my head, “it’s too bad we couldn’t use a real snake. That
would’ve been so cool.”
I laughed, careful not to disturb our carefully crafted snake pit. “Yeah,
because Pooh would love that. Your little wiener dog vs. a giant python or
anaconda—now that would make for some viral content.”
Kelsey giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh god, can you
imagine? Poor Pooh would probably try to adopt it as some kind of long,
scaly puppy.”
“Hey, don’t knock it,” I said, grinning up at her. “I think owning a snake
would be pretty awesome. Kind of sexy, even. You know, in a dangerous,
mysterious way.”
 “Penelope Quinn,” Kelsey gasped in mock scandal. “Are you telling me
you have a thing for snakes? Should I be worried about leaving you alone
with all these rubber reptiles?”
I rolled my eyes, trying not to laugh and ruin our setup again. “Oh
please. I just think they’re cool, that’s all. Besides, after this morning’s
excitement with Everett, I think I’ve had enough snake action for one day.”
Kelsey’s eyes lit up at the mention of Everett’s name. “Oh my god. I
still can’t believe he dove in to rescue you like that. Who knew Mr. Tough
Tight End was scared of snakes?”
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at the memory. “Yeah, it was
pretty heroic,” I admitted, then quickly added, “In a hilarious, over-the-top
kind of way, of course.”
“Of course,” Kelsey agreed, but the knowing look in her eyes made me
wonder if I’d been a little too transparent in my admiration.
Before I could dwell on it, Kelsey’s phone chimed. “Ooh, that’s
probably Dec,” she said, reaching for her phone. “Let’s wrap this up and
grab some lunch. I’m starving.”
We cleared away our serpentine photo shoot, and my mind kept
wandering to wondering what Everett was up to at practice. And if, just
maybe, he was thinking about our snake encounter too.
Oh no. Nope, no, no, no. That was a dangerous train of thought that
went to nowhere. I’d be better fantasizing about any one of Kelsey’s exes
over any of the Kingmans. That would be too damn weird.
She glanced at the screen and her eyes widened. “Ooh, it’s Neith.”
Kelsey had just signed on with the De le Reine agency, and Neith had
been a revelation compared to The Mosquito Who Shall Not Be Named.
We’d all clicked right away, and honestly, since Neith was also a bigger
girl, she just understood Kelsey and her goals and plans so much better than
any other agent or manager ever had.
Never once had Neith made me feel like less than because I was an
assistant either. In fact, she’d told Kelsey to make me her new record label’s
vice president. I was going to tell her yes. Soon.
I watched as Kelsey’s expression morphed from curiosity to shock, then
pure, unbridled joy. She started bouncing on her toes, her free hand flying
to her mouth as she listened, her eyes and smile getting wider and wider.
I knew what this call was. I’d be surprised that Kelsey hadn’t realized,
but she was so deliriously happy these days, that work wasn’t the all-
encompassing weight on her shoulders like it used to be.
“Are you serious? Oh my god, yes. Yes. Thank you so much.” She was
practically vibrating with excitement.
I raised an eyebrow at her, silently waiting for her to tell me all about
her nomination. Kelsey just shook her head, still listening to whatever Neith
was telling her.
Maybe she’d gotten a couple of nominations, maybe even album of the
year. After what felt like an eternity, she hung up and turned to me, her eyes
shining with tears of happiness.
“Pen,” she said, her voice trembling, “I’ve been nominated for six
Grampys.”
For a moment, I just stared at her, stunned. Of course she was.
“Oh my god,” I literally screamed, jumping up and down. “Kelsey,
that’s amazing.”
We grabbed each other’s hands and jumped like kangaroos on crack
together, squealing like teenagers. “Six nominations? You’re going to clean
up at the Grampys.”
“I can’t believe it,” she said, wiping happy tears from her eyes. “Album
of the year and best pop vocal album, best pop solo performance, song of
the year and record of the year for “Next Chapter” and Best Song Written
For Visual Media... Pen, this is insane.”
She spun around in a circle and declared, “We need to go shopping and
find the perfect dresses for the red carpet.”
I nodded enthusiastically, already mentally cataloging the plus size
designers we could contact. Kels would need several dresses for the night.
There weren’t just the awards, but the after parties too. I looked around the
snake-messy living room for my tablet. Then her words fully registered.
“Wait... we?”
Kelsey looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “Of course we You
don’t think I’d go to the Grampys without my best friend and right-hand
woman, do you?”
My heart swelled at her words, but a knot of anxiety was already
forming in my stomach. “But... the red carpet? I don’t know, Kels. This is
your moment, and that’s a lot of cameras, a lot of eyes...”
“And you’re a natural on camera,” she assured me. “Oh, and of course,
Dec will be there too. Which means...” She trailed off, a mischievous glint
in her eye.
 I knew that look. It never led anywhere good for me. “Which means
what?” I asked warily.
“Which means we need to find you a hot date to walk you down the red
carpet too.”
And just like that, my world tilted on its axis. I was right back in that
college campus coffee shop with everyone staring at me, everyone laughing
and pointing directly at my chubby butt.
“A... a date?” I stammered. “For the Grampys red carpet?”
Kelsey nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, it’ll be so great. We’ll both have
our arm candy, looking fabulous in our knockout dresses. The press, and
more importantly, the Besties, will eat it up. Ooh, let’s do a whole campaign
to encourage the besties to dress up and show themselves off too. There will
be so many beautiful bodies all over the internet, it’s going to be epic.”
My mind was reeling. Just this morning, I’d been cautiously considering
the idea of maybe possibly dipping my toe back into the dating pool. Now I
was supposed to find a hot, celebrity-caliber date for one of the biggest
nights in the entertainment industry, and positively represent plus size
women in front of the universe?
“Kels, I don’t know,” I said, my voice small. I hated that the remaining
little bit of negative body image issues I still had chose this moment to rear
their ugly heads like a mythical hydra. No matter how many times I cut off
those nasty insecurities, they popped back up.
“I’m not sure I’m... I mean, who would even...” I trailed off, unable to
articulate the tornado of insecurities whirling through my mind. An ugly,
dark rock sank right to the bottom of my stomach, and it was made of self-
doubt and lava. I was incredibly embarrassed that Kelsey, my friend, idol,
and patron saint of body confidence had to see that I didn’t believe it all for
myself.
“Hey,” she said softly, taking my hands. Kelsey’s excitement dimmed a
bit as she noticed my distress. “What’s wrong? Talk to me, Pen.”
I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts and not sound like I
hadn’t been paying attention to her life’s mission all this time I’d been
working for her. I simply could not tell her I was afraid of being laughed at
and made fun of and shamed for what I looked like. I couldn’t.
“It’s just... I was barely ready to think about dating again. It’s been a
while, you know? And now you’re talking about finding me some hot
celebrity date for the Grampys? I don’t know if I’m confident enough for
that. What if I make a fool of myself? What if no one wants to go with me?
What if⁠—”
“Whoa, whoa,” Kelsey interrupted my spiral. “Slow down, honey. First
of all, any guy would be lucky to have you on his arm. Second, we’ve got
time. The Grampys aren’t for a couple of months. And third,” she squeezed
my hands, “I’ve got your back, okay? Always.”
I nodded, grateful for her support but still terrified. As Kelsey pulled me
into a hug, my mind raced with possibilities and fears. A red carpet date?
Me?
What had I gotten myself into?
Okay, okay. It was all going to be fine. I would pull myself out of this
body confidence spiral. I didn’t actually believe that I was unattractive.
More importantly, I would be absolutely honored if some woman who
didn’t believe she was beautiful saw me on the red carpet and saw a bit of
herself in me.
If I held onto that, I could fake it until I made it. I knew I could. I’d just
had a momentary freak out, and that was okay. Every woman in the world
would worry about what she’d look like on the red carpet in front of all
those cameras.
“Are you sure I need a date?”
“No. You can walk the red carpet however you want to, Pen. Anything
you want to do will be great, amazing, perfect. I promise.” She pulled me
into a hug. “I didn’t mean to stress you out by implying that you had to get
a celebrity date. That was insensitive of me. There’s nothing wrong with
representing the single ladies.”
She began singing Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” song and dancing around,
kicking the rubber snakes. Wiener the Pooh bolted into the living room and
barked along to the song and bounced around like she was doing a little
doggy dance too.
I gave in and danced and sang along too.
Even though Kelsey said I didn’t need a date for the Grampys, now I
wanted to prove that I could get one. I did need to dip my toes back into
dating. It was time.
I’d probably have more freak outs along the way, and that was okay too.
As long as I sucked up my courage and continued to work through my fears
and worries. Because that was the way to overcome them. Face them head
on.
 It would help if I had an Olympic-level dating coach to help me do this.
And I knew exactly who to ask.
The love guru himself.
Everett Kingman.

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 LE T T H E G A M E S B EG I N
EVERETT

I trudged down the sidewalk, freshly showered and changed, but still
feeling like I’d just gone ten rounds with a heavyweight champ
instead of playing four quarters of football. Sure, we’d won, but I’d
played like I was a rookie in high school. Missed catches replayed in my
head, each one a reminder that, for the first time in as long as I could
remember, I wasn’t playing like an all-star athlete.
I needed to blow off steam, and somehow, I doubted video games were
going to do it. I was just about to turn on my heel and ditch my brothers to
go find some female companionship for the night instead, until I heard the
sweet singsong of, “Ev, wait up.”
I turned and saw Penelope jogging to catch up with me, her cheeks
flushed and a smile on her face that made my heart... and my dick, do a
little stutter-step. Dammit.
“Hey, Pen,” I said, keeping my tone very purposefully casual. “Heading
to Hayes’s?”
She nodded, falling into step beside me. “Yeah, Kelsey and Declan are...
uh... celebrating the big win today. So I planned to crash your boys’ night.
That okay?”
“Course,” I replied, maybe a little too quickly. “I mean, you know
Hayes and the twins. The more, the merrier.”
I stood there for a whole-ass minute like I’d forgotten how to walk or
talk. Really fucking similar to how I played today. I’d been hyperaware of
everyone, including Penelope, watching the game from the Kingman suite
today.
 Never in my life, not on the football field, doing a photoshoot, and
never, ever in the bedroom, had I ever had any kind of performance anxiety.
Because I insisted on always being absolutely true to myself. I was always
unapologetically me, because anything else was the path to heart break.
So why the hell was I feeling like an untried schoolboy who didn’t have
a lick of rizz in front of Penelope?
Dumb. I was the motherfucking love guru, and I had moves on top of
moves that made any woman melt in my arms. I needed to remember that
and engage that charm so Penelope didn’t decide I was anything less than
the sexiest of all Kingmans.
Shit. No. Pull that the fuck back. I needed to use only about ten percent
of my charisma, because I didn’t want her thinking I had a thing for her, or
worse, have her falling for me. Because there would be no denying those
big brown eyes if they ever asked me for a goddamned thing. Like my
heart.
And I was saving that for the woman I’d marry someday. My one. The
lightning strike.
I extended my arm to Penelope and gave her a wink. That should be
enough. “Let’s go show the boys how to have some fun, shall we,
sweetheart?”
The slightest, and cutest, splash of a blush flashed across her cheeks, but
she smiled and took my arm. “Let’s do it, Mr. Charmer.”
“Ooh.” I gave her the side-eye and raised an eyebrow in a way that had
melted more women’s panties than I could count. “That’s not a snake
charmer joke, is it?”
She gasped and pressed her hand over her heart. “I would never.”
She seemed so sincere, until she flickered her tongue at me like a sexy
snake-woman. Argh. Snakes aren’t sexy. They’re scary.
“You are going to be the death of me.” If I wasn’t incredibly careful.
No more lingering looks, knock it off with the flirty comments. Just
friendly, brotherly behavior. Yeah, like her big brother. That’s the right
attitude. That would help me get through until I could find some way to get
her out of my system.
We made our way up the driveway, where Hayes’s car sat, windows
slightly fogged. I couldn’t resist. Grinning, I knocked on the window. “Quit
making out and bring your girl inside already.”
 Penelope stifled a laugh beside me as we headed into the house. We
found Gryff, Flynn, and Isak already set up in the living room, controllers in
hand.
“Well, well,” Flynn drawled, raising an eyebrow. “Look what the snake
dragged in.”
I shot him a warning glare. “Smartass.”
Flynn and Gryff exchanged a look that I didn’t like one bit. Even Isak,
my baby brother, was giving me a smirk, and I had a feeling it was more
about arriving with Pen on my arm than the snake shenanigans from earlier
in the week.
I needed a distraction and fast. I pointed at my youngest brother, Isak.
“Aren’t you forbidden from playing video games?”
He shrugged, unrepentant. “What Dad doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
I snorted. “Because you think he doesn’t watch these live streams?”
Isak smirked, but I saw that flicker of worry. “Dad was born before the
internet. He’s not interested in watching video games online.”
“Keep telling yourself that kid.” I have him a slap on the back. Isak
loved to push boundaries, and it was good for him. He was still finding his
place in the world, trying a little of this and a little of that. “It’s your ass on
the line.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, they rang right back at me in my
head. It would be my ass on the line if anyone knew the thoughts I’d been
having about Penelope all week.
I really needed to get laid.
To get Pen off my mind.
Which was a dick move. I may have a high body count, but I didn’t use
women. Each and every one of the ladies I’d been with could have been the
one. I gave them each my heart, if only for the night. I was eternally the
hopeful romantic, hopeful each woman I met would be the one who I could
give my love to forever.
Just hadn’t happened yet. Maybe that made me the hopeless romantic?
A few minutes later, Hayes walked in with the cute neighbor girl who
was all grown up now. And he was smitten as a kitten. Lucky bastard.
“Hey, guys,” he called out, greeting everyone. For the first time, my kid
brother embodied the king of his castle. “I brought new talent.”
“Well, well,” I said, grinning, “if it isn’t the infamous Willa Rosemount.
Nice to finally meet the girl who’s got Hayes all twisted up.”
 Hayes shot me a glare, but Willa just laughed. “Twisted up, is he? Good
to know.”
He rolled his eyes at me, gesturing to the others. “You know Flynn and
Gryff. And if I’m lucky, you won’t remember Everett. And that’s Isak.”
As Hayes made introductions, I settled onto the couch, hyperaware of
Penelope sitting next to me, our shoulders brushing. I needed to focus on
something else—anything else.
Hayes would probably be coming to me for advice about Willa later, so
I should be paying attention to how the two of them were interacting.
“And this is Penelope,” Hayes was saying to Willa. “She brings in the
big numbers to our live streams when she’s in town.”
Willa gave her a friendly wave. “Hi, Penelope. Nice to have another girl
at this testosterone fest. Have you known these yahoos long?”
Flynn straightened up as if that raised his hackles. “Hey, who you
calling a yahoo?”
Willa wrinkled her nose and glared right back at him. “You.”
“Right you are,” Gryff interjected. “Carry on.”
Pen laughed and threw some popcorn at the twins. She really was just
one of the guys around us. “Just a few months. My boss is engaged to
Declan.”
As the conversation continued, I found myself stealing glances at
Penelope. The way she effortlessly fit in with my brothers, her infectious
laugh, the sparkle in her eyes when she did her signature “Hey, Besties”
intro for Willa... I needed to stop this. Now.
Willa gave me an easy out when she shoved me aside to sit next to
Penelope.
I blurted out, “These two are practically family at this point.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I wanted to swallow them back
down. Family. Right. That’s exactly what Penelope was. Off-limits.
When Hayes started setting up for the livestream, I gratefully accepted a
controller. Maybe focusing on the game would keep my mind in my own
damn lane.
Hayes did the introductions for the live stream. “Tonight’s matchup is
guest star Everett Kingman and Isak playing as, you guessed it, the Denver
Mustangs, against big time rivals, the twin terrors, Flynn and Gryff playing
everyone’s favorite losing team, the LA Bandits.”
 We all played our parts, cheering and booing like the competitive dorks
that we were. Yeah. Spending time with these guys was going to be good
for my mindset. Family, fun, and football video games.
Almost better than sex.
“We’ve got some special guests with us in the announcing booth
tonight. Say hello to everyone’s favorite Bestie, Penelope, and... super-
secret sneaky guest announcer—” Hayes snort laughed. “Please welcome...
Patty Meowhomes.”
Willa smacked her lips and said, “Thanks, Kingman, good to be here,
looking forward to a watching you all play with your balls.”
We made it just into the third quarter when Willa’s phone buzzed and
she and Hayes went into panic mode.
The boys went into Kingman SEAL mode and bolted into the backyard
in some crazy ass escape to avoid Willa’s shitty brother discovering she and
Hayes were seeing each other.
Pen and I watched in awe from the back door. The twins and Isak were
stacked like human steps and Hayes was dragging Willa over the fence into
her uncle’s yard.
I liked her and the effect she was having on Hayes. He needed to live a
little. That girl was going to be family someday. Maybe I should be going to
Hayes for love advice instead of the other way around.
“Why do I have a feeling your brothers have used this escape routine
before?” Pen shook her head and laughed. “I guess I’m not surprised given
the way you all pulled off the great diversion when we helped Kelsey and
Dec escape the paparazzi at the hospital.”
“Comes with the territory when you’ve got six brothers and a baby
sister who has us wrapped around her little finger.” Our eyes met, and for a
moment, I forgot how to speak, to breathe, to think.
Penelope fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, a nervous energy radiating
off her that I hadn’t noticed before. She took a deep breath and stared up at
me like I was a Greek god and she was a swan.
“This was fun tonight, wasn’t it?” Her voice was soft and unsure, which
was not like the Penelope I knew. “It was a great distraction. I’ve been...
well, I’ve been on edge this week about going to the Grampys with Kelsey.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You should be excited.”
She nodded, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I am, it’s just...
the red carpet, the cameras, all those people who’ll be staring at me, taking
my picture, and... needing a date.”
My heart rate picked up. Was she working up to asking me to be her
date?
The idea of seeing her all dolled up, walking the red carpet in some kind
of bombshell dress that showed off every single one of her curves was the
stuff of fantasies.
I’d have to turn her down. Shit. How was I going to say no to her?
“Listen,” she continued, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. “Declan
mentioned something to me the other day, and I’ve been trying to figure out
how to bring it up.”
Oh god. This was it. She was going to ask me to be her date. I braced
myself, not having a fucking clue how I was going to let her down gently.
“He said you’re kind of the love guru of the Kingmans,” Penelope said,
her cheeks flushing slightly.
I was murdering my brother later... but probably after we won the bowl
game.
“And, well... God, this is embarrassing.” She laughed nervously. “I was
hoping, I mean, would you consider being my... dating guru?”
I blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”
Dating guru. Not date.
Penelope’s blush deepened. “It’s just, I haven’t been in a relationship in
a long time. And if you haven’t noticed, I’m kinda awkward, and I’m
definitely out of practice talking to guys, besides, you know, Kingman
brothers. With the Grampys coming up, I thought maybe if I could get some
pointers, some confidence... maybe I could find an actual date, you know? I
really don’t want to walk that red carpet looking like I couldn’t find anyone
to go with me.”
I stared at her, completely blindsided. Of all the things I had expected
her to say, this wasn’t even on the list.
“You want me to be your... dating coach?” I repeated, still not quite
processing the request.
She nodded, looking both hopeful and mortified. “I know it’s a lot to
ask, and if you’re not comfortable with it, I totally understand. It’s just,
you’re so good with women and advice, and I thought maybe you could
help me figure out how to be... I don’t know, more dateable?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. My brain was
short-circuiting, trying to reconcile the idea of helping Penelope date other
men.
“Ev?” she prompted, her voice small and uncertain. “Say something?
Please?”
I looked at her, this woman who had been occupying my thoughts
for...okay, fine, I’d admit it, since the day I met her, who I had just
convinced myself was completely off-limits, like a sister.
This was the best thing that could happen, and I hated it.

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 O N T H E D OW N L OW
PENELOPE

E verett’s face contorted with an inner struggle I couldn’t quite

understand. Was this really such a big ask? I mean, dating was a
piece of cake for him, and it would be so easy for him to just tell me
what guys wanted. Besides sex of course. Which... I was also not good at.
He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes darting everywhere but at me.
“Pen, I... I don’t think I can do this,” he finally said, his voice strained.
“I’m great at advice with the guys, sure, but this would be like helping my
sister get a date.”
Ooph. My heart sank at that sister comment. But that was exactly why I
needed his help. Even when I did try to date in high school and that one
year of college, guys always thought of me like that. Because I was a dorky,
awkward girl who hung on their every word. Just like a little sister, I guess.
I wasn’t ready to give up. “That’s exactly why I need you. I trust you to
guide me through it.”
He groaned, closing his eyes tight. “Don’t... don’t look at me like that,
Pen. I can’t... those pretty brown eyes of yours, they’re too much. It’s like
trying to say no to a puppy.”
Ding, ding, ding. There was my in. If he couldn’t resist puppy dog eyes,
then I had the perfect weapon in my arsenal. I had Wiener the Pooh,
Kelsey’s adorable dachshund that no one could resist, to thank for it.
“Oh, oh no,” I said, injecting a bit of playful challenge into my voice.
“You can say no to this?”
I channeled my inner poor-widdle-puppy desperate for a treat. I
widened my eyes, stuck out my bottom lip just slightly, and tilted my head.
“Please help me, love guru.”
Everett peeked one eye open, then immediately groaned again. “Oh,
come on. That’s not fair.”
“All’s fair in love and war,” I crooned, maintaining my puppy dog
expression.
He muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like
“you have no idea,” before sighing heavily.
“Fine,” he said, throwing his hands up in defeat. “I’ll do it. I’ll be your
dating coach. But,” he held up a finger, his expression suddenly serious,
“we have to keep this on the downlow. Declan would kill me if he found
out, and my entire family are gossip-mongering gossips. So you can’t even
tell Jules. God, especially not Jules.”
I furrowed my brow, confused. “Why would Declan care?”
Everett stumbled over his words. “Because... because he’s protective of
you. You know, in a big brother kind of way.”
It seemed a bit silly to me. Everett was a green flag guy, save maybe
how many women’s hearts he broke on a daily basis. My heart wasn’t on
the line. Not with him anyway. I nodded. “Actually, I’d prefer if we kept
this quiet too. I’m a little embarrassed about needing help in this
department, and I don’t need it splashed on social media with the rest of my
life.”
Relief washed over Everett’s face. “So we’re agreed then? This stays
between us?”
“Absolutely,” I said, holding out my hand. “Our little secret.”
We shook on it, and a little thrill of excitement tittered through me. I
was about to get dating lessons from Everett Kingman, the Love Guru
himself.
Just as Everett and I sealed our secret pact, the back door burst open and
the rest of the Kingman brothers piled in, laughing and shoving each other.
“Mission accomplished,” Flynn announced, grinning from ear to ear.
“Yeah, until the next time Hayes needs to sneak his girlfriend out,”
Gryff added, elbowing Hayes playfully. Hayes’s face turned a shade of red I
didn’t think was possible.
“She’s not my girlfriend,” he mumbled, but the smile tugging at his lips
told a different story. “Yet.”
“Sure, sure,” Isak chimed in. “And I’m not grounded.”
 The brothers continued to rib Hayes, but I was distracted by Everett’s
quietness. He was watching Hayes with an almost wistful expression.
“Lay off, guys,” Everett finally said. “Hayes seems to know what he’s
doing.”
The room fell silent for a moment, everyone looking at Everett in
surprise. He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips.
Sensing the shift in mood, I decided it was time to make my exit. “Well,
boys, it’s been fun, but I should head home.”
Immediately, all five Kingman brothers were on their feet.
“We’ll walk you,” they said in near-perfect unison.
I laughed, shaking my head. “Guys, I live two doors down. I think I can
manage.”
“Nonsense,” Everett insisted, and for a moment, I thought I might get
another minute alone with him to discuss our new arrangement. “You
haven’t lived in Colorado long enough to know that there are dangerous
animals here.”
I huffed out a laugh. “Like the killer rooster who lives across the
street?”
“Luke Skycocker knows how to hold his own.” Everett folded his arms,
and my what big biceps he had. Why hadn’t I noticed that before? “But
there’s coyotes and mountain lions and⁠—”
“Snakes. So many snakes,” Flynn cut in, but he was looking at Everett
and not me. “Big ones. Anacondas.”
Ev glared at his younger brother who was ready to burst with laughter.
“Billy swore he’d keep that thing contained, so no. There are no,” he
shivered, “anacondas.”
“Except you of course,” Hayes chimed in.
Declan had rescued Pooh from a rattlesnake once. I just didn’t think of
any of those kinds of things being in a city suburb like Thornminster. “Wait,
are you guys serious?”
“Yeah, we insist. Because it’s the scariest animal of all that creeps
around here at night,” Isak added. “The paparazzi.”
We all shivered. And before I knew it, five Kingmans were escorting me
the short distance to Declan’s house. A girl could get ideas with that many
muscle-bound golden retrievers surrounding her. Phew.
“You know,” I said, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice,
“this is probably the safest neighborhood in all of Denver. I’m not sure I
need a five-man security detail. One would probably do.”
“Better safe than sorry,” Isak said seriously, and I had to bite back a
laugh at his earnest expression.
It was endearing how protective they all were. On the other hand, it was
a stark reminder of how they saw me—as a little sister to be looked after,
despite the fact that I was older than all of them except Everett.
We reached the front door, and I turned to face my entourage. “Well,
gentlemen, thank you for ensuring my safe passage. I don’t know how I
would have survived those treacherous fifty feet without you.”
They all grinned, clearly pleased with themselves. As I was about to
step inside, Everett leaned in close, his breath warm on my ear as he
whispered, “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
A thrill ran through me at his words, and I quickly attributed it to
excitement for our upcoming lessons. Still, as I closed the door behind me
and leaned against it, I got a little, teeny tiny butterfly in my stomach at the
warmth of his breath, the intensity in his eyes when he’d whispered to me.
“Stop it.” I chided myself in a whisper. He’s my dating coach. Nothing
more.
A traitorous part of my brain insisted on noting that while all the
Kingmans were undeniably handsome, Everett was in a league of his own.
He was the underwear model after all. Not that I’d looked up those pictures
more than a half dozen or half a million times. The thought of spending
one-on-one time with him, even if it was just for dating lessons, sent that
butterfly in my stomach on a warpath.
I shook my head, trying to clear it. I needed to focus on the goal—
learning how to navigate the dating world and finding a great guy to take to
the Grampys. The last thing I needed was to develop a crush on my coach.
With a determined nod, I pushed off from the door and headed to my
room. Tomorrow, Operation Dating Lessons would begin, and I was going
to ace it—without falling for Everett Kingman in the process.
But the next day turned into a shit show from the moment Kelsey came
knocking on my door at seven in the morning. “Pen, Penelope, Pen, Pen,
Pen.”
I tumbled out of bed, shaking off the dream I was having. I was hot and
all tangled up in my sheets. I was too young to have night sweat hot flashes,
wasn’t I? Oh my god. I’d been having a sex dream.
About Everett Kingman.
 With a yank, I hauled my door open and stared bleary-eyed at Kelsey,
who was looking a bit disheveled herself. Except she’d probably been
having real sex, with a real Kingman. Because she was a lucky lady like
that.
“What’s wrong?”
Kelsey’s eyes were wide with a mix of panic and excitement. “The
video shoot for ‘Curvy Confidence’ is a bust. The location we booked in LA
just fell through. That one is important to me, Pen. What are we going to
do?”
I blinked, my brain still foggy from sleep and that all-too-vivid dream. I
grabbed my tablet, and sent a half dozen messages to my contacts in LA.
I’d made more connections there since working for Kelsey than the twenty-
some-odd years I’d lived there before. “Okay, I had a feeling about that
venue, so I’ve just pulled in the backup location I had on hold. They can
squeeze us in, but it’s got to be today.”
“You are a freaking godsend.” Kelsey hugged me. “Give me five
minutes to throw some things in a bag.”
I sent messages to the flight crew to prep the plane and then rushed
around my room, grabbing essentials and shoving them into a suitcase.
My phone buzzed with another incoming text. This one wasn’t work. It
was from Everett, and I felt my face go hot. He didn’t have mental telepathy
and knew I’d had a sex dream about him, did he?
Ready for lesson one?

Oh, phew. But also, dammit. I’d have to postpone our dating lessons. I
quickly typed out a response explaining the situation.
His reply came almost instantly.
No worries. I can coach you over the phone just as well.

Declan appeared in the doorway, looking as disheveled as Kelsey but

carrying her bags. I almost dropped my phone.
“Will you be back in time for the game in Florida?” he asked, his voice
still rough with sleep.
Kelsey looked to me. I loved how hard the two of them supported each
other’s careers, and while she had to miss a few games here and there, she
hated to. Plus, to be honest, Declan played better when she was around, and
no way I wanted to let down all of Mustang Nation because of some
scheduling kerfuffles.
Not to mention, I kind of liked watching the games myself. There was
something about those football butts. There was no wonder why they called
Everett a tight end.
I mentally calculated dates and times, checked the shooting schedule to
see how much was going to need to be rearranged, and tentatively nodded.
“We should be,” I assured them both, slipping into my role as
coordinator extraordinaire. “The shoot shouldn’t take more than five days if
we push it. I think we can be back on Saturday to fly with you all. But if
needs be, we can fly straight from LA to Florida and meet you there.”
Declan visibly relaxed, and I felt a surge of pride. This was what I was
good at—making things work, no matter the chaos.
We climbed into the car I’d ordered a few minutes later, bags and a
sleepy Wiener the Pooh in tow. This was going to be a long day.
My phone buzzed with another text.
Here is your first assignment, my sweet Padawan. One night
while you’re in LA, I want you to go out and practice some
flirting.

Wait. No. No, no. Wait. I texted back.

I don’t think you understand exactly how bad I am at that
particular skill.

He sent back a laughing emoji.

I’ll give you some pointers before you go out.

Shit. I took a deep breath that was accidentally a little shaky. This
wasn’t how I’d expected our lessons to start, but maybe a little distance
would be good. It would certainly help me keep my newfound attraction to
Everett in check.
“Everything okay?” Kelsey asked, noticing my preoccupation with my
phone.
I nodded, plastering on a smile. “Just making sure everything’s in order.
You know me, always planning ahead.”
Hold up a minute. Before all of this chaos, he’d texted me asking if I
was ready for lesson number one. What exactly did Everett have in mind for
my first lesson at seven o’clock on Monday morning? That was not normal
dating hours. I glared at my phone suspiciously and typed him another text.
What kind of lesson had you planned for the butt crack of dawn
if I wasn’t flying to Cali today?

The three little dots indicating that he was writing appeared, but then
disappeared. It took all I had in me not to demand he type faster.
Finally the dots reappeared and then his next message.
I was going to make you send me a smiling, sleepy, bedhead
morning selfie.

Oh my gawd. He did know I had a sex dream. How? I dropped my

phone into my lap and stared out the window for a full seven deep breaths.
My phone buzzed again while I was putting myself back together. I let it be
until Kelsey nudged me. She probably thought it was the venue or the flight
crew or something important.
I picked it up before she could see. My boss and best friend didn’t need
to know I’d asked her future brother-in-law for dating help and then had a
naughty dream about him that he somehow knew about.
Everett’s next text was there waiting for me.
For your dating app profiles we’ll be setting up.

Oh. Right. Dating apps. Yeah. Of course he’d suggest I get on the apps.
This had absolutely nothing to do with the fantasies that had arisen in my
REM sleep. Duh.
Why a bedhead selfie? I have plenty of pics on my socials we
could use.

I pulled up a couple I thought were okay and sent them to him.

While you’re cute AF in all these, trust me—a sleepy smile and
your pretty red curls spread across a pillow in the morning will
get you more dates than you know what to do with.

I gulped so hard Kelsey thought I was choking and slapped me on the

back. I threw in a couple of coughs just so she wouldn’t catch on. I gasped
and grabbed my bottle of water from my bag and took a few sips. “Choked
on my own spit.”
Kelsey leaned over, her eyes widening. “Is that Everett you’re texting?”
 Before I could stop her, she snatched my phone.
I grabbed it back before she could scroll up. Everett would kill me and
I’d happily die if I couldn’t even keep our dating lessons arrangement secret
for twelve hours.
“You did not see what you think you saw, so pretend you didn’t see
anything.” I gave her those same puppy dog eyes that had worked on
Everett. “Okay?”
Kelsey gave me a you’re insane look.
Everything in my life just got a whole lot more complicated.

OceanofPDF.com
 A N I G HT O U T O R I N ?
EVERETT

I ’d been distracted all week, waiting for the text from Penelope
saying tonight was the night she’d practice her flirting. Each
evening, I stared at my phone, a mix of anticipation and dread
churning in my gut. And each night, I’d feel a ridiculous sense of relief
when she’d message that it had been another long day of shooting and she
was too exhausted to go out.
I told myself it was just concern for her well-being. After all, what kind
of coach would I be if I pushed her too hard? Not that I’d pushed her at all.
The thought of Penelope out there, flirting with other guys... it twisted
something inside me.
But now we were all in Florida for the Mustangs’ away game, and I was
running out of excuses.
The girls—Kelsey, Penelope, Willa, and Trixie—had their own suite at
the hotel. Team rules meant players couldn’t have our partners in our rooms
after curfew. It was a rule I’d never had trouble with before, but tonight it
was driving me crazy.
I paced my room, reviewed my playbook, did some sit ups and pushups
and even the dreaded burpees, and was now trying to focus on tomorrow’s
game, when I heard a soft giggle in the hallway. Peering out, I caught a
glimpse of Kelsey slipping into Dec’s room. A few minutes later, I saw
Trixie sneaking towards Chris’s door, and there was no way Hayes didn’t
already have Willa in his room.
Good. I hope the kid was getting laid like the rest of them. Kingmans
played better when... fuck, I was going to play like shit.
 Penelope must be alone in the girls’ suite.
Oh, this was such a bad idea.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I was knocking on her door. When
she opened it, looking adorably confused in her pink polka-dotted pajamas,
my mouth went dry, my palms started sweating, and my determination to
keep this completely platonic went down in a huge tackle by my libido.
How the fuck was I going to resist stripping her out of those?
I grinned and waggled my eyes at her because I had the perfect solution.
No one was getting naked. “Get dolled up, Pen. We’re going out.”
Her eyes widened. “What? Now? But it’s late, and you have a game
tomorrow... curfew and all that.”
“Exactly,” I said, leaning against the doorframe. “Which means no one
will suspect it’s me. This is the perfect opportunity for your first lesson, and
we’ll get to do it in the real world. We’ll hit a bar, no sports bars, maybe
some kind of club. Miami is littered with places to go out. I can watch from
the sidelines and give you real-time tips.”
She bit her lip, hesitating. “A club? The music is always so loud no one
can hear each other talk.”
“Come on,” I coaxed, ignoring the voice in my head screaming that this
was a terrible idea. “All the other ladies have already snuck out. You going
to let them have all the fun?”
Penelope’s eyebrows shot up. “How do you know that?”
I chuckled. “Let’s just say our boys aren’t as sneaky as they think they
are. Now, are you in or out?”
She looked at me for a long moment, and I could practically see the
wheels turning in her head. Finally she sighed, and I almost pumped my fist
in victory. Got her.
She waved me into the enormous suite Kelsey had booked for them.
“Give me ten minutes to get ready.”
This was good, I told myself. This was what we’d planned. It really was
the perfect opportunity. I was just being a good coach, nothing more. I was
doing the right thing. Totally. Absolutely. For sure.
In less than ten minutes, Penelope came back out of the bedroom and
stood in the doorway fidgeting with the hem of her t-shirt. She was wearing
a pair of heels that made my head spin, jeans that hugged her curves
perfectly and a crop top that revealed a tantalizing sliver of midriff.
 I stepped behind the suite’s island bar to hide the instant hard on
pressing against my jeans. Holy fuck. I was in so much trouble here.
“How do I look?” she asked, her voice uncertain. “I’m worried the jeans
are too tight, and I’m not sure I can pull off a crop top. But I’m trying to
practice Kelsey’s body positive messaging and doing my best to feel
confident, you know?”
I stood there, momentarily stunned. The jeans were tight, and just right,
accentuating her ass in a way that made me forget my own god-damned
name. And the crop top? It showed just enough skin to be enticing, playing
peek-a-boo with my fucking one-track mind. But it wasn’t just the outfit. It
was the way her red curls framed her face, the nervous but determined look
in her eyes, the slight flush on her cheeks.
She was so gorgeous, and I was so dead.
“You look...” I paused, searching for a word that wouldn’t give away
how affected I was. I ridiculously gave her a thumbs up. “You look great,
Pen. Those guys at the bar won’t know what hit them.”
She beamed at me, and I felt my heart, my stomach, and my balls do a
little flip. This coaching in real time thing was the absolute worst idea I’d
ever had in my entire life.
“And bring whatever lip gloss you’re wearing right now. That’s going to
be our secret weapon tonight.”
We found a bar that wasn’t too packed—perfect for Penelope’s foray
into the world of flirting. We walked in and I could feel the nervous energy
radiating off her.
“Relax,” I said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “You’re a
beautiful, sweet, and sexy woman. You’ve got this.”
She blinked at me a few times like she was surprised I’d say that. Did
she really not know how hot she was? “I really don’t think I do.”
I scanned the room, noticing plenty of eyes already on her. But a brand
new group of guys walked in just a minute after us, and they were perfect.
Looked like accountants, or IT guys, or some other kind of job that bred
less competitive, beta kind of men. My girl needed to swim in the shallows
and not with some sharks. “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. You see
those guys over there?” I nodded in their direction. “Go sit at the bar and
reapply your lip gloss.”
Penelope’s brow furrowed. “That’s it? How is that supposed to help?”
 She had no idea. I was going to be beating men off with a stick.”First of
all, trust me. Drawing attention to your pretty pink lips will bring them
panting. They’ll come to you, and then all you have to do is flirt a little.
We’ll call it a success when one of them buys you a drink.”
Which would probably be in six seconds flat.
She still looked skeptical but nodded. “Alright, if you say so.”
“But at any point if you feel uncomfortable, even a little bit, just give
me a signal and I’ll swoop in and pull you out of there. Okay?” If any
douchepotato in this place made her even the slightest bit twitchy, they’d be
singing soprano for a lifetime after my knees sent their balls back into pre-
pubescence.
“Oh, secret hand signals I can do. Like this?” She tugged on her ear,
tapped the side of her nose twice, and swiped her finger across her
forehead.
It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen in my life.
“Whoa, don’t go crazy with the hand signals there, Sparky.” I barely
kept my chuckle in. “Just a wave will do.”
“Well that’s boring.” She shrugged and rolled her eyes at me. “But
you’re the coach.”
Penelope made her way to the bar, perched on a stool, and pulled out
her shiny pink lip gloss. She applied it, then gave it another swipe and
smacked her lips.
Did I wish I was lip gloss right now? Yes, yes, I did. I also felt a twinge
of guilt. She was clearly nervous. But this was what she wanted, right?
Sure enough, one of the guys from the group started making his way
over to Penelope. I tensed, ready to intervene if necessary, but reminding
myself that this was the whole point of the exercise.
As the guy approached, Penelope let out a giggle that sounded more like
a nervous schoolgirl than a confident woman. Then, to my surprise and
slight amusement, she let out a snort-laugh.
Before the poor guy could even get a word in, Penelope launched into
what could only be described as a verbal tsunami.
“Oh my gosh, isn’t it so humid here? I’m from out of town, you know.
Denver, actually. It’s so dry there. Not like here. Here it’s like walking
through soup. Not that I’ve ever walked through soup. Can you imagine?
That would be messy. Speaking of messy, my hair is not loving this
weather...”
 I watched, a mix of horror and fascination on my face as Penelope
continued her ramble. The guy’s eyes were growing wider by the second,
and I could see him frantically looking for an escape route.
Finally, he held up his hand, effectively cutting off Penelope’s
monologue. “I’m so sorry,” he said, pulling out his phone. “I’ve got to take
this call. It was, uh, nice meeting you.”
As he practically sprinted away, Penelope’s shoulders slumped. She
turned to me, her face a picture of embarrassment and defeat.
I made my way over to her, torn between wanting to comfort her and
feeling an unexpected surge of... relief? Pleasure? The realization made me
feel like the world’s biggest jerk. What kind of coach was happy when their
student failed?
“Well,” I said, sliding onto the stool next to her, “Let’s figure out what
just happened, okay? I think we might have some work to do.”
Penelope groaned, burying her face in her hands. “That was a disaster.
I’m hopeless, aren’t I?”
I patted her back, ignoring the spark I felt at the contact. “Not hopeless.
Just... enthusiastic. We’ll work on channeling that enthusiasm.”
I loved an enthusiastic woman. Especially in the bedroom.
Pen peeked up at me, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment, and
man alive, I had my work cut out for me. Not in teaching Penelope how to
flirt. She just needed a few lines, some practice and a little confidence.
This coaching arrangement was going to be a lot more complicated than
I’d anticipated.
After the disastrous flirting attempt, it was time to call it a night. I
wasn’t going to make her feel embarrassed any more than she was.
An idea struck me. “You know what? Let’s not end the night on a low
note. How about we order some pizza and watch some game film? That’s
how I get better at my job.”
Penelope perked up a bit. “You taped that? Oh my giddy aunt. If the
internet ever gets a hold of that, I’ll⁠—”
I held my hands to show her a safe surrender.” No, no, no. I meant we
should watch some rom-coms. We can study how the couples flirt. You
know, for research purposes.”
Her smile widened. “Oh. Right. Okay, that actually sounds perfect.”
We snuck back into the hotel and settled into the empty suite instead of
my room. I purposefully headed right into the living room area and not one
of the huge bedrooms with the soft, pillowy beds, even though each room
had its own TV.
“You don’t mind if I change back into my pajamas, do you? I don’t
think I’d fit more than one bite of pizza into these jeans.”
Gulp. “Yeah, go for it.”
I’d just use one of these nice decorative couch pillows to cover my lap
the whole night. I distracted myself by pulling up the twenty-four hour
room service menu on the TV and got us pizza and ice cream. The most
innocent of late night foods.
I flipped through the channels until I found a classic rom-com marathon
on one of the movie channels. Nothing too racy, because it was already
going to be awkward as hell to watch any kind of love scene.
Pen came back in, dressed in her pajamas, fuzzy slippers, and dragging
her comforter. Perfect. If she was cocooned inside that thing, I’d be able to
keep my eyes on the screen instead of on her boobs.
“Ooh, I love this one. Classic rom-coms are my jam. Except for the
ones about teenagers. They just remind me of how dumb we all were in
high school.” She jumped onto the couch, but much to my dismay, left the
blanket hanging over the back.
Pen eyeballed me. “I bet you weren’t dumb in high school, were you?
Mr. Football Star and future underwear model. I bet you even got good
grades and were the prom king too, weren’t you?”
“Kingmans are always the prom King, baby.” Shit, I shouldn’t have
called her baby. What the fuck was wrong with me? “Okay, maybe not
always. Declan told the prom committee to fuck off, and they didn’t know
what do to when Flynn, Gryff, and Hayes were all seniors the same year.
But Isak made a very handsome King Kingman.”
Now I was the one experiencing a verbal tsunami.
Penelope laughed. “Of course he did.”
The only thing that saved me was the knock on the door with our food.
“I got it. You settle in and snuggle up. We’ve got work to do, young
Padawan.”
“Yes, Master.”
Fuck a duck. I should have ordered a bag of ice to dump over my head.
How in the hell did she so casually say shit like that and not think she was
flirting?
 I sat as far away on the couch as I could and set the food in the middle
of us. I absolutely was not allowing myself even the most casual of touches
with her.
During the movie, I paid more attention to Penelope than to the actors
or what they were doing. The way she laughed at the cheesy jokes, how she
leaned forward during the romantic scenes, the little sighs she’d let out at
particularly swoon-worthy moments.
“See how she’s maintaining eye contact?” she pointed out during one
flirtatious scene. “And notice how she’s mirroring his body language?
That’s all part of flirting, isn’t it? They make it look so easy.”
“Right, but they’re also acting, so...”
Penelope nodded, her eyes fixed on the screen. “Should I be mirroring a
guy’s moves? What if he grabs his crotch or something?”
“Yeah, uh, don’t do that. But that’s not what has these two falling for
each other.” It was just too adorable how she was legitimately using the
movie to analyze how to flirt. I’d honestly just thought it would help her
forget about being embarrassed tonight.
As the night wore on and the movies played, Penelope gradually relaxed
beside me. By the third movie, her head was resting on my shoulder, her
breathing deep and even. When had I scooted close to her?
I looked down at her, fast asleep, a strand of her red hair falling across
her face. Every fiber of my being wanted to scoop her up, carry her to bed,
and curl up beside her. But I knew I couldn’t. That wasn’t what she wanted
from me. I was her coach, nothing more.
With a sigh, I carefully adjusted our positions so she’d be more
comfortable. As I did, she snuggled closer, mumbling something in her
sleep.
I closed my eyes, savoring the moment while knowing it couldn’t last.
Tomorrow, I’d have to go back to being just her coach. But for now, with
Penelope sleeping peacefully on my shoulder and the soft glow of the TV
illuminating the room, I allowed myself to imagine, just for a moment, what
it would be like if this was real. If she was mine.
But she wasn’t. Pen didn’t want me that way, and I needed to get over it.
I would.
Tomorrow.

OceanofPDF.com
 I N S TA S N A P P O S T

@EverettKingman
[Pic of Everett's hand balancing a football on the tip of his finger, with the
view of sunrise over Miami from a hotel balcony.]

Caption:
Miami nights are full of surprises. The sharks were certainly circling in Vice
City. But I'm shark repellant.
#MustangWin #SharkBaitWhoHaHa #WhatHappensInMiamiStaysInMiami

OceanofPDF.com
 M U S TA N G S V S S H A R K S
PENELOPE

I woke up with a start, blinking a few times to figure out where I was.
Hotel room. Got it. Normal for my life. But in the living room? Why
wasn’t I in a bed? Oh, oh wait. “Everett?”
The room was quiet save for the hums of the air conditioner and mini
fridge. I was alone in the hotel suite. Last night flooded back. The
disastrous flirting attempt, the way he didn’t torture me over how
embarrassing of a love guru student I was, and then watching rom-coms and
eating pizza.
I mean, that was better than any real date I’d ever been on.
Too bad someone like Everett would never go for an awkward, chubby
—did I mention awkward?—woman like me. Not when he always had
some supermodel or cheerleader on his arm or in his bed. He wasn’t looking
to fall in love anyway. He was a player, but that’s what I wanted. Not to
date or fall in love with him. God no. I just needed his advice, his expertise.
But falling asleep on his shoulder, the warmth of his body next to
mine... Nope. No. Red light. Stop sign. Do not pass go. The space beside
me was cold and empty because he hadn’t stayed. Which was for the best.
I stretched and grabbed my phone to check the time. Kelsey liked to get
to the stadium early so we had to do the minimum of sneaking her around in
catering or laundry carts. Instead of the time, I saw a text from Everett.
In case you wake up alone, Sleeping Beauty, I went back to my
room to catch a few zzz’s before the game. Didn’t want you to
think I just ditched you, but you were sleeping so hard, I didn’t
want to wake you just to... anyway, see you after the game.
 I groaned, burying my face in the pillow. I’d fallen asleep on him like
some kind of overgrown koala. So much for being a sophisticated woman
he could coach in dating. Part of me had hoped... well, I wasn’t sure what
I’d hoped. That he’d still be here? Dumb. Eye roll. Ridiculous.
Kelsey wandered into the suite with Trixie in tow. They both had these
satisfied dreamy looks on their faces, and honestly, anyone in the world
would be able to see they’d been well loved last night.
I, on the other hand, had snuvvies in my curls it would take a month to
brush out and probably a whole train station of crisscross lines smushed
into my face from sleeping face down on the couch cushions.
“Hey, Pen.” Kelsey gave me a sloppy sort of smile. “I know we’re
already running late, you can yell at Declan for that later. Would you mind
ordering up some lattes for us while I hop in the shower?”
“Oh, oh, add me to that request pretty, pretty please.” Trixie pressed her
hands together in a begging gesture. “Extra shot and oat milk. I’m gonna
need my energy later for... uh. Okay, I’ll just be a minute too.”
They both disappeared into their rooms, and I heard the showers turn on
seconds later.
I’d expected the girlfriends’ version of the Spanish Inquisition. Thank
goodness they were both too distracted by their freaking blissful love lives
to notice I was anything but normal, put-together Penelope. I ordered up the
coffees and some pastries too, even though there would be mountains of
food at the game, and included one extra in case Willa showed back up too.
Then I popped in my own shower for a super-fast rinse.
When I looked in the slightly fogged up mirror afterward, the contrast
between the happy glow on Trixie and Kelsey’s faces compared to mine
was a bit too stark.
If I had to be embarrassed in front of Everett Kingman the Love Guru
for a hundred awkward dating lessons in a row to have even a chance at
finding love and happiness, I would do it.
I wrapped my hair into a messy bun instead of trying to even attempt to
run a brush through it and grabbed that same lip gloss that Everett had me
wear. I wasn’t normally a big makeup person. I didn’t need to be. Kelsey
was the one in the spotlight. And it was far too easy to throw a filter on a
video if I was going to be on camera for social media.
Maybe I needed a makeover.
 Except that’s what I was doing with these dating lessons. Making
myself over from the inside out. Work that I’d started when I became
Kelsey’s assistant. But nobody tells you that inside out makeovers are
harder because you can’t just spin around in a mirror and see your new and
improved self.
An hour later, we were all loading up on snacks and drinks in the VIP
suite at the stadium. The place was already buzzing with excitement, and
while I’d never been a big sports girlie before, I really enjoyed coming to
the games.
“Pen, over here, meine Beste,” Sara Jayne Jerry’s voice rang out over
the chatter. She waved enthusiastically for me to join her in the front row
seats. Turned out, she’d been a Besties Bestie follower for years. Beside
her, Kelsey, Trixie, and Marie Manniway were chatting up Willa, trying to
make her feel welcome.
I gave her a wave and a smile. She looked like she was gob smacked by
all of this. And I totally understood. Sometimes I marveled at how this was
my life. I definitely hadn’t been voted most likely to succeed in high school.
If you would have told fifteen-year-old me that ten years later I’d be
traveling the world with the most adored pop star, have over a million
followers on social media, be helping spread her message of body
positivity, and get to do things like fly on a private jet to watch football
games in VIP suites with an alcoholic root beer float in hand, I’d have
smacked you with my notebook.
But if you’d said I still wouldn’t have a boyfriend with no prospects on
the horizon... that I would have believed.
Bridger, the father of all these Kingman boys, who we secretly referred
to as Zaddy Kingman, chatted with Mac Jerry, the sports agent, and
Johnston Manniway, who I’d learned early on in Kelsey’s relationship was
a legendary quarterback for the Mustangs in his day.
Right in the middle of it all was Jules, the seventeen-year-old badass
youngest sister of the clan. All of a sudden, I felt incredibly lucky that her
attention was on Willa and not me. Nothing got by Jules Kingman.
I took a long sip of my drink, and made my way over to Sara, pasting on
a smile. “Hi, so nice to see you and Mac again.”
Kelsey turned to me, a new knowing glint in her eye and lowered her
voice. “So, Pen, we were all in such a hurry this morning, I didn’t get to
ask. How was your evening? Do anything... interesting?”
 Oh gawd. What had she and Trixie been talking about? Did they know?
This boozy fluffy drink was going to be gone before I knew it, because
it was the only thing keeping me cool right now. “Oh, you know, watched
some movies.”
That wasn’t a lie.
“Mhmm,” Kelsey hummed, clearly not buying it. “And I suppose
Everett just happened to have a quiet night in too?”
Before I could stammer out a response, Sara Jayne leaned in. “Ooh,
what’s this about Everett? Are you two...?” She wiggled her eyebrows
suggestively.
“No,” I said, a bit too quickly. “Don’t be silly. I may have talked to him
last night. He’s... he’s been giving me some advice, that’s all.”
“Advice, huh?” Sara chuckled. “Is that what they’re calling it these
days?”
I felt like I was under a spotlight, my cheeks burning hotter by the
second. “It’s not like that.”
I was saved from more questions by the announcers for the game
ramping up the crowd, and a ridiculously cute kid came out to sing the
national anthem. As everyone turned their attention to the field, Kelsey
caught my eye. She winked and then mouthed, “We’ll talk later.”
How had a simple flirting and dating lesson turned into such a fiasco?
And more importantly, why did the thought of Everett being out there on
the field not knowing about this conversation make my stomach do little
flips?
The players ran onto the field, and my eyes automatically sought out
Everett’s number. When I spotted him, I got all kinds of little tingles in my
belly. Even from this distance, he looked powerful, confident, nothing like
the soft, gentle man who’d let me fall asleep on his shoulder last night.
Which I absolutely needed to stop thinking about.
After the anthem, I scurried back to the spread of snacks and got a refill
on my float from the ridiculously cute bartender. Ooh, this could be a
moment to practice my rom-com movie moves. I stared up at him, keeping
eye contact, and when he moved to one side, I mirrored him. He tipped his
head and frowned at me. “Is there something else I can get you, miss?”
Crap. We hadn’t gotten to ideas for dialogue, and I already knew I
sucked at that. So I just shook my head and brought my drink up to my
mouth while I stood there waiting to mirror his next move. He smiled at me
right when I was taking a sip of the drink and yep, I absolutely snort-
laughed into my drink, blowing root beer ice cream bubbles up and over the
side to spill down the glass.
Cute bartender pressed his lips together, clearly trying not to laugh at
me, not with me mind you, and handed me a napkin.
I took it and decided I’d have better luck flirting with the chicken
nuggets at the snack bar.
Suddenly those nuggets flew through the air. Great, even the nuggets
were fleeing from me, and I hadn’t even attempted flirting with them yet.
“Willa?” Jules’s voice piped up. “We haven’t scared you off already,
have we?”
I turned to see Willa forcing a smile. “No, no, of course not. This has
been more fun than I expected. I think I’m just all worn out.”
Phew. It wasn’t about me and my crappy flirting skills. Hopefully no
one had seen that. I sidled up to them, giving Willa a knowing look.
“Wouldn’t have anything to do with why you didn’t rejoin the pajama party
last night, would it?”
That should keep the attention off me.
Willa’s eyes widened in panic. “Shh. I don’t want to get Hayes in
trouble.”
She glanced over at Mr. Kingman, who was clearly eavesdropping but
trying to pretend he wasn’t.
Jules shook her head, completely unfazed. “Don’t worry about my dad.
Not that I want to talk about my brothers’ sex lives, but everyone knows the
Kingmans play better ball when they’re getting laid.”
I watched Willa’s cheeks flush crimson and gave her a reassuring smile.
Poor thing was in for quite a ride with this family. A family I’d bet money
she would soon be a part of.
Why did that make me sad? I’d be happy for her, I swear.
Trixie and Kelsey joined us, turning our little group into a full-blown
gossip circle. As they launched into their usual candid banter about their sex
lives, I found myself grateful they were focusing on anyone else but me.
Someday I’d have to thank Willa for being the freshest story and taking
everyone’s attention.
“If I wasn’t so happy to be getting more girls in this family, I’d be
retching right now,” Jules declared, sticking out her tongue.
 I saw Willa shift uncomfortably, and I wanted to tell her it gets easier.
That soon, she’d be laughing along with the rest of the girlfriends at the
Kingman family’s antics.
“And I couldn’t help but notice that Everett was not at the top of his
game today,” Jules continued, her gaze suddenly swinging towards me.
“Who are we going to find to make the love guru, a.k.a. man whore, fall in
love?”
I almost fell over after being hit with that freight train of a statement.
Everett wasn’t playing well? Because he hadn’t gotten laid? And why was
Jules looking at me like that?
Right. Because he was with me last night instead of out romancing
some cheerleader or something. But how did she know? Panic rose in my
chest, and I made an abrupt turn towards the bar.
“One margarita, please,” I called out. “Extra shot of Patrón.” I needed
something stronger than a root beer float to deal with this.
As I waited for my drink, I stared at the floor so as not to make any
more eye contact with the bartender. Was Everett really off his game
because of... me?
Before I could spiral further, the crowd outside erupted in cheers. We all
rushed to the windows, momentarily distracted by a spectacular play on the
field.
I watched Everett move across the field pushing some guy out of
Hayes’s way. If he wasn’t at the top of his game, I’d hate to see what he was
like when he was. But if Jules said he wasn’t playing well, she’d know. She
probably knew the sport and the mindset of the athletes better than anyone
else.
I was a planning and organizational guru, and I could fix this. I was here
to learn how to date, not to fall for my teacher. No matter how much I
wanted to. But if that was throwing him off his game, we needed to do
something about it.
I didn’t want to give up lessons. Even though I was still a complete
wreck talking to any guy who wasn’t a Kingman, I felt like I’d learned so
much already. Everett really was a love guru. Except, I’m not sure that was
the right moniker for him. He was a dating guru, and I had no doubt he was
a sex guru too. But maybe he needed help finding someone to fall in love
with and not just take to bed.
 The sparklies of a new and improved idea jinga-linged in my mind.
What if while he was teaching me how to date, I helped him find a date of
his own? Not just a date, but someone he could actually fall for.
Yes. I rubbed my hands together, planning and plotting. I’d just insist he
continued to go along with me to these dating lessons and get him to
demonstrate how it’s done. Oh, or better yet, I’d use some of my contacts
that I’d made to find him someone as gorgeous, successful, and as popular
as he was.
A matchmaking I would go.
I glanced back at Jules, who did the two finger eye-to-eye point between
us. And right behind her was Marie Manniway giving me the same look.
Two minutes ago that would have scared me. Not now.
I had a plan, and I was going to get the love guru to fall in love.
Just not with me.

OceanofPDF.com
 B E S T I E S F A C E S PA C E G R O U P P O S T

[Pic of Kelsey Best, plus size supermodel Sara Jayne Jerry, Penelope, and
friends cheering in the Kingman VIP suite at the Miami Sharks Stadium.]

Hey Besties!
It’s game day with the Mustangs and some of our BFFs.

Who says curvy girls can’t rock a jersey?

We’re here, we’re cheering, and we’re looking fabulous doing it.

Remember, there’s no size limit on being a fan or having fun.

Show me your game day looks, Besties.

Your newly excited about football friend,

Mz. Besties’ Bestie - Penelope
#BestiesBestie #CurvyAndCheering #FootballFashion
#BodyPositiveGameDay #SharksOrSnakes?

OceanofPDF.com
 N O U S E C R Y I N G OV E R S P I LLE D
COFFEE
EVERETT

I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel, waiting for the light to
turn green on my way home from practice. Tuesdays were usually
the player day off after a game, but I wanted to get in an extra
practice. Had hoped it would do my system some good. I was antsy as fuck,
and I knew why.
It was becoming harder to ignore the way my stomach flipped every
time I even thought about Penelope Quinn. No number of drills was going
to work her out of my blood.
But that was ridiculous, right? I mean, sure, Penelope was more than
attractive. And smart. And funny. And... I shook my head, trying to clear my
thoughts. This was just a crush, nothing more. When I fell in love—really
fell in love—I’d know it immediately. I was holding out for that lightning
strike, just like it had been for my parents. Just like it had been for Declan
when he met Kelsey. Honestly, even Chris had it bad for Trixie the first time
he saw her when we were all kids. Hayes was over the moon for Willa and
probably had been in high school, if he’d ever admit it.
But I wasn’t in love with Pen.
The light turned green, and I pressed down on the gas pedal maybe a
little harder than necessary. I needed to get a grip. Penelope was a friend, a
student of the love guru, nothing more. I was just teaching her how to date,
how to flirt. So she could get her date for the Grampys. That was all.
Might as well execute that plan. Because once I quit seeing her every
day, thinking about her every minute, this crush would fade, and I could go
back to looking for the girl I was supposed to fall in love with. Before I
could talk myself out of it, I grabbed my phone and hit Penelope’s number.
She picked up on the third ring.
“Hello?” Her voice was soft, a little uncertain.
I didn’t like that. I wanted the sweet and outgoing Pen who knew how
to conquer the world. I’d fucked that up by pushing her out of her comfort
zone too fast. We’d take it slower this time and I’d make sure she didn’t fail
like that again.
“Hey, Pen. It’s Everett.” As if she didn’t know. Smooth, Kingman. Real
smooth. “Are you free and up for a little impromptu lesson?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I
worried I’d cut into her workday. She and Kelsey were always go, go, go,
and I didn’t even really know what they were doing. Besides changing the
world one song and one social media post at a time. But then she laughed, a
sound that sent warmth spreading through my chest and other areas down
below.
“I’ve got some time. What did you have in mind?”
I pulled into the parking lot of Cool Beans, our neighborhood coffee
shop. “How about some casual flirting practice? No bars this time. Nothing
too intense. Just... you know, everyday interactions. The kind of thing you
might do if you saw someone who piqued your interest at say... a coffee
shop.”
“Oh.” Was that disappointment in her voice? No, I was definitely
imagining things. “Yeah, that sounds good. Where were you thinking?”
“Cool Beans?” I suggested, trying to keep my voice casual. “It’s a good,
low-pressure environment, but since Willa’s taken over and cooked up all
her marketing ideas, there’s a steady stream of customers, but it’s not overly
crowded.”
“Okay, sure. When?” She sounded a little distracted, and I wondered if
maybe Kelsey was nearby and could hear Pen’s side of the call. I should
have thought of that.
I glanced at my watch. “Can you get away now? I’m actually already
here.” I winced, realizing how eager that made me sound. “I mean, I was on
my way home from the gym, so...”
Penelope laughed again, and I found myself smiling in response.
“Alright, give me fifteen minutes.”
 I hung up and leaned back in my seat, taking a deep breath. This was
fine. This was normal. Just two friends, hanging out, one teaching the other
how to flirt. Totally normal.
I got out of the car and headed into Cool Beans. The familiar scent of
coffee and freshly baked pastries hit me as soon as I walked through the
door. Willa was behind the counter, and she grinned when she saw me.
“Everett, what brings you here in the middle of the day? Shouldn’t you
be at practice or something? Not that I’m complaining. Especially if you
happen to post on your socials that you’re here. Your adoring fans definitely
need some coffee or tea this afternoon.”
I shrugged, approaching the counter. “Day off. Thought I’d grab a
coffee. How’s it going? Hayes treating you right?”
Willa rolled her eyes, but her smile widened. “Your brother is beyond a
perfect gentleman. Most of the time. Now, what can I get you?”
She blushed a little talking about Hayes, and I loved that for the two of
them.
“Just a black coffee for now,” I said. “I’m actually meeting someone in
a few minutes.”
Willa’s eyebrows shot up. “First of all, no. You’ll get a fancy concoction
of mine and like it, and... anyone I know?”
I hesitated. Willa did know Penelope. They might even be friends. I
needed to play this cool, so Willa didn’t suspect anything. Hopefully she’d
be too busy serving customers when Pen got here. Maybe I’d just send a
little text to Hayes to get him over here to distract her. “Just Penelope,” I
said finally. “We’re, uh, working on a project.”
“Uh-huh,” Willa said, her tone skeptical. She turned to make my coffee
or tea or whatever it was, and I could practically feel her curiosity radiating
off her in waves.
I sent that text to Hayes.
I took my drink, which smelled like Christmas, and settled into a corner
table, one with an unobstructed view of both the door and the counter but
that was far enough away that Willa wouldn’t overhear everything we were
saying. As I waited for Penelope, I found myself getting increasingly
nervous. What was wrong with me? This was easy peasy stuff, not rocket
science. She’d pick it up in no time.
But maybe I didn’t want her to. And as much as I tried to deny it, I
knew that my feelings for Penelope were becoming more complicated by
the day. Which was why I needed to make her a dating expert immediately
if not sooner.
The bell above the door chimed, and Penelope walked in. She was
wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, her hair loose around her shoulders, and
for a moment, I forgot she wasn’t mine. She spotted me and smiled, giving
a little wave as she made her way to the counter.
I watched as she ordered, chatting easily with Willa and Javier, the other
barista. This was good, I told myself. She wasn’t awkward with Javi. I
could remind her of that when she got nervous later.
She slid into the seat across from me, looked around like she was a
cold-war spy making sure no one was watching, and lowered her voice.
“So, teach, what’s the lesson plan for today?”
Cute as fuck.
“Well,” I said, setting my cup down, “I thought we could start with
something simple. Flirting in everyday situations. The kind of thing you
might do if you were interested in, say, the cute barista who makes your
coffee every morning.”
Penelope’s eyes widened slightly, and for a second, I thought I saw a
flash of something—disappointment? frustration? —cross her face. But
then she smiled, and it was gone.
“Okay,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “So, if I were interested in
the cute barista at a coffee shop, what would you suggest I do?”
I nodded towards Javi. “Why don’t you go try flirting with him? You
seemed pretty comfortable chatting earlier.”
Penelope’s face suddenly drained of color, until she glanced over her
shoulder at Javier who gave her a little wave when he saw her looking at
him. Then she turned about fifty shades of pink. “What? Now? I... I don’t
know what to say.”
I watched her curiously. She’d been so at ease with Javi just moments
ago, but now she looked like she’d rather face a firing squad than go talk to
him again. Yep. Just as I suspected.
“Pen,” I said gently, “you only lose your cool when you think the
conversation has to lead to romance, don’t you?”
She bit her lip, sank down into her chair, and nodded slightly.
I leaned in, my voice low. “The best way to flirt with a man is always
just to be yourself. Don’t worry about whether the guy you’re talking to is
looking for a date. It’s all about seeing if you connect with that person. It’s
not like whoever you meet is going to jump into bed with you that very
minute.”
Penelope’s licked her lips like she was thinking about fucking jumping
into bed with Javi, and I felt smacked with... something. Jealousy? No, that
was ridiculous. I pushed the feeling aside.
“Just be yourself,” I repeated. “That’s the most attractive thing you can
be.”
She nodded, seeming to relax a bit. But then her eyes darted to the door,
and a mischievous smile spread across her face. “Okay, how about you
show me how it’s done?”
I turned to see a woman walking in, probably in her late twenties, tall,
with an athletic build, long dark hair, and a friendly smile.
“Alright,” I agreed, standing up. “Watch and learn.”
I made my way over to the woman, and I could feel Penelope’s eyes on
me. Good. This was going to be the easiest of the lessons for her to observe.
I struck up a conversation with the newcomer in line, whose name I
learned was Simone, keeping it light and casual. She mentioned that she’d
heard the tea here was great, and that’s what she was looking for because
she was a singer in a local band. I recommended she ask Willa to make her
one of her tea concoctions and offered to buy it for her to try.
Then we sat at a nearby table together and I asked her about her band.
It was that easy. Listen to what the person was saying and respond to
that so they knew you were genuinely listening and interested.
Simone was cute, friendly, obviously interested in me, and I felt
absolutely nothing. Nada. Zilch.
I was just about to wrap up the conversation when I felt someone bump
into me from behind. I turned to see Penelope, who had somehow managed
to scoot her chair right up next to mine without me noticing.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. “I
was just trying to get a better view of the menu board.”
Before I could respond, Penelope shifted in her seat, and suddenly her
coffee cup was tipping, its contents spilling all over both of us.
“Oh, oh no,” she gasped, jumping up. “I’m so sorry.”
I sat there, coffee dripping down my shirt, staring at Penelope in
disbelief. Her t-shirt was also soaked, and she was frantically dabbing at us
both with napkins. Simone, looking bewildered, quietly excused herself and
headed out the door.
 As Pen dabbed at my shirt, I caught her eye. For a moment, I thought I
saw a flash of triumph in her expression, quickly replaced by
embarrassment.
“I think,” I said, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice, “that
this might be a good time to end today’s lesson.”
Penelope nodded, and then shook her head and closed her eyes,
embarrassed once again. Dammit. “I think you might be right.”
We stepped out of Cool Beans and the crisp Colorado air hit our damp
clothes. Penelope hugged herself, her teeth chattering slightly.
“Here,” I said, shrugging off my jacket and draping it over her
shoulders. “You need this more than I do.”
She looked up at me, her eyes wide and unreadable.
“Thanks,” she murmured, pulling the jacket tighter around her. The
sight of her in my clothes did something to my insides that I wasn’t ready to
examine too closely.
“I’m so sorry about all that.” She waved her hand around in the general
direction of the spill zone. “I can’t believe I made such a mess of things.”
I chuckled, trying to ease her embarrassment. “Pen, it’s fine. It’s not like
I was actually interested in that woman.”
She laughed weakly, but then her face grew serious. “Everett, I... I think
we should cancel the lessons.”
“What?” No way I was letting her quit. I wasn’t nearly started with her,
much less done. “Why?”
Penelope sighed, looking down at her feet. “I’m clearly horrible at this.
I can’t even make it through a simple coffee shop lesson without disaster
striking. Maybe I should just accept that I’ll be going to the Grampys
alone.”
“Penelope, look at me.” I waited until she raised her eyes to mine.
“You’re not horrible at this. Everyone has awkward moments. Everyone.
You should have seen the way Chris used to act around Trixie before he
took my advice to actually tell her about his feelings for her. You gotta trust
me.”
She bit her lip, looking unconvinced. “But⁠—”
“No buts,” I interrupted. “Listen, I have an idea. I think I’ve been going
about these lessons the wrong way. You up for trying something different,
with less eyes on you?”
Penelope nodded hesitantly.
 “Good. Then I think it’s time for some private lessons,” I suggested, my
heart racing a little at the thought. It was all for the cause. The sooner I
could get her confident enough to talk to a guy, the better. “We’ll start with
body language instead of flirting. Then you don’t have to worry about what
to say.”
“Body language?” Penelope echoed, her eyes widening slightly.
I nodded, suddenly very aware of how close we were standing. “Yeah,
you know. Reading signals, sending the right messages. Your eyes and a tilt
of the head or a lick of the lips can say way more than words anyway.”
“Oh,” she said softly. Was it my imagination, or did she lean in a little
closer? “That sounds... interesting. I guess we could try that, because I’m
clearly crap at the flirting by talking to anyone thing.”
“Great,” I said, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. “Same time next
week? We could meet at my place. No audience, no chance of coffee
spills.”
“Your place?” Penelope squeaked, her cheeks flushing even darker. She
mumbled something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like “Not
sure I’ll be any less awkward there.”
“What was that?” I asked.
“Nothing,” she said quickly. “Um, your place sounds fine. Perfect
even.”
As she turned to leave, she started to shrug off my jacket, but I stopped
her. “Keep it,” I said. “You can give it back to me at our next lesson.”
She nodded, clutching the jacket closer. “Okay. Well... see you later.
And thanks. For not giving up on me even after I ruined your shirt and your
chances with Simone.”
I watched her walk away, my jacket draped over her shoulders, and a
confusing mix of anticipation and dread worked its way from the base of
my spine all the way down my legs. I was going to need another workout.
Once she reached her car, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out
to see a text from Willa.
Saw what happened. You two okay? Btw, Javi was asking
about Penelope after you left. Think he might be interested.
Just thought you should know. ;)

I looked up sharply, just in time to see Willa waving at me from inside

Cool Beans, a knowing smirk on her face. As I stood there, my wet shirt
clinging uncomfortably to my skin, Penelope driving away in my jacket,
and Willa’s text glowing on my phone screen, I took a long, deep breath,
and shook my head at myself.
Because the worst part? I was looking forward to our next lesson way
more than any self-respecting teacher should. Private lessons on body
language with Penelope? What could possibly go wrong?

OceanofPDF.com
 VERBAL DIARRHEA
PENELOPE

I paced in the little den at Declan’s house Kelsey and I had

commandeered as an office. We were both so used to working from
hotel rooms and coffee shops while she was on tour and doing her
promos that it was really nice to have a home base. Being a So-Cal girl, I
didn’t know if I’d like living in Colorado, especially now that the weather
was turning cooler. But I was seriously looking forward to seeing snow for
the first time, so there was that.
I phone pressed to my ear, cringing at the memory of yesterday’s coffee
shop disaster. “Simone, I’m so, so sorry about what happened. I swear I’m
not usually such a klutz.”
Simone’s laughter tinkled through the phone. “Penelope, relax. It was
actually kind of adorable. Besides, any chance to see Everett Kingman up
close is worth a little spilled coffee.”
I felt a twinge of... something at her words. Jealousy? No, that was
ridiculous. This was exactly what I wanted, right? To help Everett find love.
Simone was poised to be the next big name in pop, and she and Everett
would make a great match. Both of them were total tens.
“Speaking of Everett,” Simone giggled and sighed like a schoolgirl with
a crush. I could relate. “What did he say after I left? Did he mention me at
all?”
I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the knot forming in my stomach
where the butterflies normally flittered about whenever I talked about
Everett. “Oh, um, he was mostly concerned about the mess. But I’m sure he
liked you. I mean, how could he not?”
 “You’re sweet,” Simone said. “Do you think... do you think he’d be
interested in grabbing coffee for real sometime? Just the two of us?”
The knot turned into a sailor’s hitch, or a granny knot, or really just a
mass of entanglement. “I... I’m sure. He’s pretty busy during the football
season, you know? So he doesn’t have a ton of free time. Like one day
every week.”
I was rambling. Why was I rambling?
“I can try to set something up again, if you want. Maybe you could
come to a game?”
“Would you? That’d be amazing.” Simone’s excitement was palpable.
“Okay, gotta run. Tell Kelsey congrats again on all Grampys nominations. I
can’t wait to see you all at the ceremony. I still can hardly believe we got a
nomination too.”
We chatted for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. As I hung
up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d somehow made a huge mistake. But
that was crazy, right? This was what I wanted. To help Everett find love. To
stop these confusing feelings I was having. To focus on finding my own
date for the Grampys.
My phone buzzed with a text from Kelsey. Time to switch gears and
focus on work.
An hour later, Kelsey and I were virtually knee deep in discarded ideas
for the album cover. My tablet was almost ready to overheat from all the
notes as we discussed trying to figure out the upcoming photoshoot.
“I want something edgy, but glamorous,” Kelsey mused, flipping
through a mood board I sent to her phone. “If I’m going to announce the
album drop at the Grampys, it’s got to scream power and strength. You
know?”
“The teasers with the snakes we posted the other day went mega viral.
What if we did something with a real snake?”
Kelsey’s eyes lit up. “Yes. A big one. Draped around my shoulders. It’ll
be perfect for the title track.”
I nodded, already mentally scrolling through my contacts for animal
wranglers. The only people I had on speed dial were dog sitters, trainers,
and groomers for Wiener the Pooh. “Okay, a big live snake. I can make that
happen. Any particular type you’re thinking of?”
“Something impressive. I don’t actually have any knowledge about real
snakes, besides the time Declan saved Pooh from the rattlesnake.”
 Pooh gave a soft bark and wagged her tail. She was the one responsible
for the way Declan and Kelsey met after all.
“Maybe a python? Or a boa constrictor?” Kelsey grinned. “I don’t
know. I trust you to find the perfect one. Because you’re the best assistant
in the whole wide world.”
This was what I was good at. Solving problems, making the impossible
happen. Unless of course that included finding myself a date. Or even
talking to anyone whose last name wasn’t Kingman.
“Thanks, Kels. I’ll start researching reptile handlers right away. I’ll need
to check on permits, safety protocols. I’m sure there are all kinds of boxes
to be checked when working with live animals.”
As I rattled off the list of things we’d need to consider, a small part of
my brain wandered to the way Everett had tried to rescue me from the
snakes that day. The thought made me giggle, earning a curious look from
Kelsey.
“Something funny about snake safety?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.
But that wasn’t really the question she was asking. I’d successfully avoided
other inquiries about why I’d been texting with Everett. But she knew
something was going on with me.
I’d tell her all about it after I found my date for the red carpet. I shook
my head, still smiling but composing myself. “No, sorry. Just... thinking
about how the Besties are going to freak out when they see the photos. It’s
going to be quite a shoot.”
Kelsey nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. “That it is. Now, let’s
talk wardrobe. I’m thinking leather and...”
As we dove into the details of the photoshoot, I pushed thoughts of
Everett, Simone, and my own dating foibles to the back of my mind. I had a
job to do, and I was damn good at it. The rest... well, I’d figure that out
later. Hopefully before I had to face Everett for our next lesson.
A lesson on body language. Alone. At his place.
I groaned internally. What had I gotten myself into?
After our meeting, I went to grab us a quick lunch at the deli in the
neighborhood, just a couple of doors down from Cool Beans. I certainly
couldn’t show my face in there for a few days. As I pushed open the door,
the smell of freshly baked bread and aromatic spices enveloped me. My
stomach growled in anticipation.
“Penelope? Hey.”
 I froze, recognizing the voice immediately. Slowly, I turned to see Javi,
the barista from Cool Beans, grinning at me from behind the deli counter.
He was wearing the deli’s uniform instead of his coffee shop attire, his curly
mahogany-brown hair tucked under a cap.
“Javi? I didn’t know you worked here,” I said, trying to keep my voice
steady as I approached the counter.
He shrugged, his smile widening. “Just started last week. Gotta pay
those college bills somehow, right? What can I get for you today?”
As I scanned the menu, my mind raced. This was a perfect opportunity
to practice what Everett had been teaching me. Casual flirting, right? I
could do this. And it’s not like Javi was going to want to jump my bones
right here on top of the deli counter.
“Well,” I said, attempting to sound confident, “what would you
recommend? I’m in the mood for something... adventurous.” I tried to quirk
my eyebrow the way Everett did when he was being charming.
Javi’s eyes widened slightly, and I worried I’d overdone it. But then he
laughed, a warm, rich sound that made me relax a little.
“Adventurous, huh? How about our special? It’s a spicy chicken
sandwich with a mango habanero sauce. It’s got quite a kick.”
I nodded, relieved to have navigated that interaction somewhat
smoothly. “Sounds perfect. I’ll take it.”
As Javi prepared my sandwich, I leaned against the counter, trying to
look casual. “So, how are you liking it here compared to Cool Beans?”
“It’s different,” he said, glancing up at me. “But I’m learning a lot about
food prep, so that’s good. I’m studying hospitality, so I guess this gives me
some kitchen experience. Plus, the customers here are just as interesting.”
He winked at me, and I felt my cheeks warm.
Oh god. Was he flirting with me? Crap. Was I supposed to flirt back?
What would Everett do in this situation?
“I bet they are,” I managed, then immediately cringed internally.
Smooth. I was so, so smooth.
Javi didn’t seem to notice my awkwardness. He finished wrapping up
my sandwich and handed it over. As I reached for it, our fingers brushed,
and I nearly dropped the sandwich.
“Careful,” Javi said, steadying my hand with his. “Wouldn’t want you to
have another spill like yesterday.”
I froze. “You... you saw that?”
 He nodded, looking a bit sheepish. “Yeah, I was just coming back from
my break. Hope you weren’t too embarrassed.”
“Oh, you know,” I said, trying to laugh it off, “just me being my usual
clumsy self. No harm done, except to my pride. And Everett’s shirt.”
“Everett,” Javi repeated, his smile faltering slightly. “You two seemed
pretty cozy. Are you...?”
“No,” I said, perhaps too quickly. “No, we’re just friends. He’s, uh,
helping me with something.”
Javi’s smile returned full force. “Good to know. Hey, listen, I was
wondering...”
Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Was he about to ask me out? What should I do?
What would Everett tell me to do? I should listen to what Javi said and
respond so he knew I’d been paying attention.
Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “Did you know that the
habanero pepper can be up to a hundred times hotter than a jalapeño?”
Javi blinked, clearly thrown off by my random fact. “Uh, no, I didn’t⁠—”
“And mango trees can grow up to 100 feet tall,” I continued, my voice
rising an octave. “Isn’t that fascinating? I mean, who knew fruit could be
so... tall?”
Javi opened his mouth to respond, but I was on a roll now, words
tumbling out of me like a broken dam.
“Speaking of tall things, did you know giraffes have the same number
of neck vertebrae as humans? It’s true. They’re just much, much bigger.
Kind of like how this sandwich is much bigger than I expected. Is this a
footlong? I don’t think I can fit a footlong in my mouth. Maybe I should get
a six-inch instead.”
Oh god. Did I seriously just say I couldn’t fit a footlong in my mouth?
Please don’t let him think that was some kind of innuendo.
“Maybe I’ll just have a salad. Do you have salads here? Of course you
do, all delis have salads. Silly me.”
I finally paused to take a breath, and in that moment of silence, I
became acutely aware of how loudly I’d been talking. The entire deli had
gone quiet, and I could feel every eye on me.
Javi stared at me, a mix of confusion and concern on his face. “Sure,
Pen. I can get you a salad instead.”
Before I could answer, or spout more random facts, the bell above the
door chimed. A customer behind me in line asked loudly, “Is this some kind
of performance art?”
My face felt like it was on fire. “I... I have to go,” I mumbled, backing
away from the counter. “Thanks for the... the...” I gestured vaguely at the
sandwich still sitting on the counter, then turned and practically ran out of
the deli.
It wasn’t until I was halfway back to the house that I realized I’d left
without lunch. My stomach growled in protest, and Kelsey was expecting
something to eat too. I’d rather starve than face Javi again after that
spectacle.
I was never setting foot in that deli again. Or Cool Beans. In fact, maybe
I should just swear off all food-service establishments for the foreseeable
future. It seemed safer that way.
I opened up the GrubDash app and ordered delivery. Hopefully Javi
wouldn’t be the one making the food. Why had I reacted so strongly to the
mere possibility of him asking me out? Wasn’t the whole point of Everett’s
lessons to help me date?
So why did the thought of going out with anyone make me panic and
spout random facts about peppers and giraffes?
I didn’t act like this around Declan or Everett or any of their brothers.
Because I was never going to date any of them. Everett was right. The
second I even thought about romantic anything was when I turned into a
blathering idiot.
At least I had that private lesson about body language to look forward
to. Or dread. At this point, I wasn’t sure which.
The week flew by, and before I knew it, Sunday arrived, which was, of
course, game day for the Mustangs. But instead of cheering from the stands,
I found myself on a the side of a chilly mountain, clipboard in hand, as
Kelsey filmed a scene for her next music video.
“Alright, people,” the director shouted. “Let’s take it from the top.
Kelsey, remember, you’re a warrior queen leading your army into battle.
But make it sexy.”
I stifled a laugh as Kelsey rolled her eyes at me before striking a fierce
pose. As the music started and Kelsey began her sexy warrior routine, I
checked my phone. The Mustangs’ game would be starting soon.
A text from Everett popped up.
Missing you in the stands today. Cheer for me from your super-
secret sneaky undisclosed location.
 My heart did a little flip. He was missing me? I quickly typed back.
Break a leg! (But not literally, please. I don’t want to have to
help you explain that to your FlipFlop followers.)

Hours later, as we wrapped up the shoot, my phone buzzed again. This

time, it was Jules, Everett’s sister, and it was in the Kingman family group
text. I was in the family group text?
Reminder - It’s surprise family game night at Cool Beans in an
hour. Anyone who played football today is required to
shower...with soap and water first. See you there.

Ah, crudmuffins. Cool Beans. The scene of my coffee disaster with

Everett. Where Javi worked. I wondered if I could beg off.
But another text from Jules popped up and this one was just to me.
Extra excited you and Kelsey can make it tonight. I know it was
a big ask, but we’re getting THIS CLOSE to having as many
girls as boys for the teams. My plans for female domination
have almost come to fruition! #bwahaha #feminominon

Before I could come up with an excuse, Kelsey peered over my

shoulder. “Ooh, right, it’s game night. You’re going to love this, Pen.”
And just like that, my fate was sealed.
An hour later, I walked into Cool Beans, Kelsey at my side. The café
had been transformed, with tables pushed together and board games stacked
high. The Kingman clan was all filing in too, and they were ever the
boisterous group that filled a space with laughter and friendly bickering.
Everett spotted me first, his face lighting up in a way that made my
knees weak. He made his way over to us, and I scanned the room anxiously.
No sign of Javi. Thank God for small mercies.
“How was the game?” I asked when Everett reached us.
He grinned. “We won. But it probably would have been a blowout if
you two were there.”
“Smooth, bro,” Declan called out, earning him an elbow in the ribs from
his fiancée, Kelsey.
Hmm. Had Everett said something to his brother about our little
arrangement? Because if Declan knew, Kelsey knew, and that would
explain why she hadn’t been pestering me about it.
 “Alright, everyone.” Mr. Kingman clapped his hands, his voice
booming over the chatter. “Time to pick your teams and your kitten
mascots.”
There was a mad scramble as the guys, all grown men who towered
over six feet, dove for the box of kittens like they were going after a
fumbled football.
“Dibs on the orange ball of chaos,” Everett shouted, scooping up a
squirming ball of fur. “And I choose Pen as my partner in crime.”
Okay, first of all, where had the kittens come from, and also... had he
really just picked one that matched the shade of my hair perfectly and then
declared me as his partner in front of everyone? He was going to blow our
cover... and make me blush.
Everett grinned at me, holding out a tiny orange kitten. Something was
different with him today. He was acting more like a boyfriend or⁠—
Oh.
My.
God.
Was this the next lesson? Was I supposed to be paying attention to his
body language?
I took the fluffy ball of fur, whose fur matched my hair exactly, trying to
ignore the hot spark that spread through me when our fingers brushed.
It was almost like lightning had struck the two of us.

OceanofPDF.com
 K I N G M A N S P L AY T O W I N
EVERETT

M y day started with a fucking epiphany. It had hit me like a

touchdown pass, and I knew how to help Pen.
She really got herself all twisted up the second she
considered someone a potential romantic interest. I’d never seen quite such
verbal diarrhea or clumsiness out of her at any other time.
She was never awkward around me or my brothers though. Because she
didn’t see us as anything other than a newfound family. But we weren’t
family. We were a whole load of red-blooded men, and even if it made me
want to smack them all upside the heads, I’d bet half of my brothers had a
crush on Penelope.
That was going to be the key to getting her out of her head and relaxed.
Once she realized she was already smart and sassy and fun to hang out with
when she was just being herself, even around men who thought she was hot,
she’d get any date she wanted.
And then I’d be able to stop thinking about her and her love life every
god damn second of my day.
The idea of pretending to pursue Pen energized me, and I’d just had one
of my best games of the season. I’d smashed anyone coming Hayes’s way
when he was running with the ball, and even leaped over a whole-ass
defensive line and right into the endzone for a touchdown.
Now, sitting here at Cool Beans, I was ready to put my plan into action.
Finding a bright orange rascally kitten to present to her and picking her as
my teammate for the games was the perfect opener. If that didn’t say “I’ve
been fantasizing about what your hair would look like wrapped around my
fist as I fuck you from behind”, nothing did.
Just, you know, as an example.
Tonight was all about teaching her how to flirt and date by example. Of
course, I had to be careful.
I sure as hell didn’t want Declan finding out. My brother’s protective
streak when it came to Penelope was no joke. It was a risky move, but I was
banking on my family being too wrapped up in the game to notice anything
unusual.
I settled into my seat next to Penelope, cataloguing every inch of where
her skin touched mine. The tiny orange kitten purred contentedly in her lap.
It was perfect.
“So, kitten.” I leaned in close enough that my mouth brushed against
her ear. “Ready to dominate this game night?”
Penelope looked up at me, her eyes flashing, and she tipped her head,
studying me. Hopefully that meant she was already catching on. “I’m sure
the kitten is excellent at board games. Me, on the other hand, I’m not much
of a player.”
I grinned, seizing the opportunity. “Well, lucky for you, I’m an excellent
teacher. Both on and off the field.”
I winked, noting with satisfaction how she caught her breath when I did.
Let the games begin.
Every time Penelope laughed at one of my jokes or brushed against me
as she reached for the dice, I felt that familiar spark. It was becoming
increasingly difficult to remind myself that this was just practice, just a
lesson.
“Your turn, Pen,” I said, handing her the dice. Our fingers touched, and
I let the contact linger just a moment longer than necessary. “It’s all in the
wrist.”
Penelope raised an eyebrow at me, a playful smirk on her face. “Is that
dice throwing advice or instructions from the love guru?”
A zing of electricity zipped through me. Was she flirting back? I hadn’t
expected that so quickly, but I certainly wasn’t complaining. This was
working better than I’d anticipated.
I glanced around quickly, making sure no one was paying attention to
us. Luckily, everyone seemed absorbed in their own heated debates about
game strategy and stats.
 “Either,” I replied, matching her tone. “I’d be happy to give you a
private lesson on proper wrist technique later.”
As the games continued, filled with laughter, playful banter, kitten
shenanigans, and increasingly competitive moves, I found myself paying
less attention to the games and more to Penelope. The way her eyes lit up
when she made a good play, the adorable scrunch of her nose when she was
concentrating, the musical sound of her laughter, and the way she cuddled
that tiny orange cat.
Phew. I grabbed the collar of my shirt. Why was it so hot in the coffee
shop? No one else was sweating. Did I have a fever? Ain’t nobody got time
to be sick during the season. But damn, it was like there was fire in my
blood. No, something that burned hotter than a mere flame. It was like
electricity. Lightning.
“Earth to Everett,” Penelope’s voice broke through my reverie. She was
looking at me with a mixture of amusement and concern. “It’s your turn.
Unless you’re planning to forfeit?”
I shook my head, both to clear my thoughts and in response to her
question. “Not a chance,” I said, picking up the dice. “Kingmans play to
win, remember?”
I rolled, but I wasn’t just talking about the game. I was playing for
something far more valuable. And more dangerous, I realized as I caught
my little sister, Jules’s, questioning glance from across the table.
I gave her an older brother stay out of my business glare. I’d have to be
more careful. The stakes in this game were higher than I’d ever imagined.
The night wound down and the kittens started dozing off in various laps,
and I saw my chance for the next part of tonight’s plan. I leaned in close to
Pen, my lips barely brushing her ear. “What do you say we sneak out of
here and move onto the next part of your lesson? I believe I promised you
private tutoring on body language.”
Pen’s eyes widened for a moment before a mischievous grin spread
across her face. “I knew this was a flirting lesson. How did I do?”
“You tell me.” Because if I told her she was doing such a bang up job
that I was more than turned on, our little dating lesson arrangement would
be over. I was not ready for that.
“Well,” she tapped her lips, and I wondered if she was doing that on
purpose just to get me to look at her lush mouth. “I didn’t spill anything on
you, or spout random facts about hot peppers or giraffes, so I’m gonna call
that a win.”
I let out a surprised guffaw and caught Jules’s attention again. So I
raised my voice for my next question to throw my little sister off the scent.
“Giraffes?”
Jules rolled her eyes and shook her head at me but went back to her real
focus of the night—Willa and Hayes. Thank goodness she was set on
getting herself a sister-in-law there and hadn’t set her sights on me yet.
“Oh, no.” Pen put her hands over her face and peeked at me through her
fingers. “I may have done some independent study with Javi and failed
miserably.”
I suddenly didn’t like Javier very much right now. “I believe you need
to be under supervision until you graduate from the Love Guru Academy,
young lady.”
“You’re not wrong about that. Lead the way to our next class,” she
whispered back.
I made an excuse about being worn out after the game, and while I held
the attention, Pen said something to Kelsey and made her way out the door
of Cool Beans. The cool night air hit me hard, reminding me how effing hot
I’d felt all night. I’d just take a couple of aspirin or something and drink a
gallon of water when I got home.
Pen was waiting by my car and rubbing her arms with a little shiver too.
Perfect opportunity.
I quickly opened the car door for her. She slipped into my ‘67 Chevy
Camaro and I popped round to the other side. I’d searched high and low for
this car, specifically for this one particular feature. A bench seat in the front.
A rare find, and perfect for exactly this scenario.
“Cold?” I asked, already pulling her snug against my side and draping
my arm over her shoulders.
“Such a gentleman,” Pen teased and snuggled in closer. “Is this part of
the lesson?”
I grinned, deciding to amp up my game. “Absolutely. Body language is
best when it’s observed up close and personal.”
It was only a couple minute drive to my house, and I relished every
second of it. Pen seemed content, and I patted myself on the back for
making her feel comfortable enough around me to hold her like this and her
not be nervous at all. Her nerves were replaced with charged silence and
stolen glances.
I kept reminding myself this was just a lesson, but damn if it didn’t feel
like something more.
When I pulled into the driveway, I jumped out, slid across the hood of
the car, and opened her door for her. She took my offered hand to get out of
the car and static electricity zapped us both.
“Oh. That’s the second time you’ve shocked me tonight.”
Hmm. Perhaps third time would be the charm. “A great way to use our
body language lesson is to see what kind of guy you’re hanging out with.”
“I think that might be an advanced lesson. I thought we’d be doing
eyelash batting and coy smiles or something.”
“You don’t need that, Pen. It’s all about the art of subtle touching.” To
demonstrate, I placed my hand on the small of her back as we walked to my
front porch.
Pen didn’t miss a beat. She leaned into my touch so that every step, my
fingers grazed the top of her rounded ass. She glanced up at me through her
lashes. “Like this?”
Fuck me. Exactly like that. “Yeah. Good job.”
When we reached my front porch, I decided to let her guide what
happened next. “You’re better at this than you think. Show me what else
you know about body language.”
Pen raised an eyebrow, a challenge in her eyes. She leaned against my
door, one heel up against the frame, and tilted her head up to look at me like
she was just waiting for me to make a move.
“I saw this on FlipFlop.” Her voice had gone low and husky.
Holy shit. When did Pen get so good at this? I swallowed hard, trying to
maintain my composure.
“Not bad,” I managed, my voice a bit rougher than I intended. I stepped
closer, placing one hand on the door frame above her head, effectively
boxing her in. I leaned in, my face mere inches from hers. Her lips parted
and her eyes went dark and shiny.
“Body language is all about creating tension,” I murmured, my eyes
locked on hers. “Making the other person hyperaware of your presence.”
Pen’s breath hitched, and my eyes darted to her lips then back up to her
eyes.
“Is it working?” she whispered.
 “You tell me, pretty Penny,” I breathed, inching closer. The air between
us crackled with electricity. I couldn’t help it, I was going to kiss her.
Lesson be damned, I needed to know what those lips felt like against mine.
I closed the distance between us, and Penelope closed her eyes.
Something cool and smooth brushed against my ear. A soft hiss followed.
“What the—” I jerked back, my heart leaping into my throat as I caught
sight of the fucking yellow spotted anaconda from hell hanging from my
porch light, its forked tongue flicking out mere inches from my face.
“Holy shit,” I yelped, stumbling backward and nearly falling off the
porch steps. “Snake, snake, snake, snake, snake, snake.”
Pen’s eyes flew open in shock. She looked down at me, crouching in the
doorway, and then up at the snake. Me, the big bad football player, pressed
against the door, cowering from that damn snake, while said creature curled
back up around the light fixture, seeming more interested in the light than
either of us.
“That’s a yellow anaconda,” she said matter of factly, just as if she
wasn’t looking at my own personal stalker.
“I’ll have you know that’s my arch enemy and it’s been hunting me. He
probably thinks I’ll taste like chicken.” I scowled at the beast. “And why do
you know what kind of snake it is?”
Pen’s face crinkled with soft laughter as she looked between me and the
snake. She reached her hand out to me and pulled me to my feet. I scooted
all the way to the farthest end of the porch.
“Everett,” she said with a subtle laugh as she said my name. Hearing my
name on her lips was the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. “Do
you know this snake?”
I grimaced, trying to slow my racing heart. “Billy, the neighbor kid with
the death wish, lives behind me. His monster snake gets out and comes after
me at least once a week.”
I eyed the anaconda warily. “Think you could, uh, call animal control or
something? While I just... stand over here. Far away.”
“I’ve got it handled.” Pen hid her smile and nodded very seriously. Then
she pulled out her phone and waited for someone to answer. “Hi, yeah, it’s
Penelope. I think my good friend Everett just found the snake for Kelsey’s
photoshoot.”
Aw, shit. I didn’t know if I was more upset about the snake, or that Pen
had just called me her friend. Her good friend.
Nothing I was feeling about Penelope Quinn was good.
It was all unbelievably bad. In all the best ways.

OceanofPDF.com
 I N S TA S N A P P O S T

@CoolBeansThornminster

Cool Beans Coffee Shop - Thornminster, CO

[Pic of a bright orange sleeping kitten sprawled out across a game board
surrounded by a mess of game pieces. A latte and half eaten cookie are
nearby]

Caption:
Now hosting after hours family game nights.
Kittens optional. *wink*

Pro tip: Never play Footballopoly against @EverettKingman and

@BestiesBestie unless you're prepared for a power team to take you down.

P.S. This little guy and his brothers and sisters are looking for their forever
homes. Stop by our next Caturday adoption event to make him yours.
#FamilyTime #KingmanClan #GameNight #Caturday #CoupleGoals

OceanofPDF.com
 HOT FOR TEACHER
PENELOPE

I woke up with a start, my heart racing as if I’d just run a marathon.

The dream had felt so real—Everett’s body pressed against mine,
his lips mere inches from my own. I could still feel the ghost of his
breath on my skin, the electricity crackling between us.
Great snakes of fire. Waking up from sex dreams of Everett was
becoming much too regular of an occurrence. Getting laid had not been on
my priority list for why I wanted to get a date, not that it would be a terrible
thing, well... maybe for the guy. But my own personal battery operated
boyfriend was clearly not fulfilling my needs anymore.
It was already completely embarrassing to ask for dating lessons, there
was no way I could also ask for sex lessons, even if I needed them. Or so
the last guy I’d been with had said.
“Get it together, Pen,” I muttered, pressing the heels of my hands
against my eyes. This was ridiculous. Everett was just helping me out,
teaching me how to date. That almost-kiss on his porch? It was just a lesson
in body language. Nothing more.
A lesson I’d replayed in my mind about a thousand billion trillion times.
Somebody was hot for teacher.
I flopped back onto my pillow with a groan. This crush that was getting
hotter and heavier by the day was not going to find me a date for the
Grampys and it definitely wasn’t going to help me maybe someday find a
man to fall in love with. And I had absolutely no idea what to do about it.
Work. That’s what I’d do. It was the perfect way to ignore my problems.
I had plenty. Although Everett had helped me check one thing off my list by
helping me find a snake for Kelsey’s video. Billy’s parents had been more
than thrilled, especially given their shiny new snake wrangler and trainer
fully paid for by us and the fee we were going to pay them for Snakey’s
guest appearance.
Poor girl needed a way better name. I’d work on that with Billy. His
mom was a total Bestie, so I’m sure I could get her to put in a good word.
Oh, oh, or maybe she’d allow us to run a name the snake contest on our
socials. That was going on the to-do list ASAP.
I made my way into the office-den and popped open my laptop. The
first thing up was to hammer through a bunch of emails. Which should have
taken me all of fifteen or thirty minutes. Maybe it wouldn’t have taken me
so much longer if I hadn’t checked my phone about seventeen times to see
if anyone, like a dating coach I knew, might have texted me.
He had not. Nada.
Then I took care of a couple of contracts that needed to be signed, and
maybe googled best body language to let a guy know you want to be kissed.
That led me to FlipFlop and some kind of challenge girls were doing with
their boyfriends and husbands. Neither of which I had, so that wasn’t all
that helpful.
Unless I asked Everett to...
No. Stop it. Back to work.
I made some travel arrangements for me, Kelsey, and the crew. I was
not looking forward to doing all the research and planning the hotels and
venues for Kelsey’s tour this summer. I really wish there was someone
whose job it was to go check out potential hotels for Kelsey and the tour
staff to stay in all around the world. It would be a pretty cool job for
someone who liked to travel.
My to-do list was long, and so far, I’d only checked three-ish things off.
I usually got loads done on a Monday morning, but I was so damn
distracted. Mondays were Kelsey’s new self-care sleep-in days, and I
wouldn’t even see her up and about before noon. Declan always walked
Pooh for her in the morning and brought her breakfast in bed, so it’s not like
she’d notice if I wasn’t here until this afternoon.
Which was probably good, because she’d definitely notice my lack of
focus today. Which would lead to questions, questions about what I’d done
last night, and with who.
None of which I was ready to tell her.
 But I did really need someone to talk this through with me.
Kelsey was out of the question. She was my friend just as much as my
boss, but this was the one problem I couldn’t take to her. Who else was I
even friends with though? My life for the past five years had been all about
work. I had all the backup singers and dancers who I was friendly with, but
I didn’t know if we were actually friends. Not for a crisis like this we
weren’t.
The next closest almost friends I had were the other Kingman brothers.
I’d get teased and treated like a little sister to no end if Flynn or Gryffen
ever caught wind of this. So they were definitely not an option.
It wasn’t like I was going to call my dad. Although I did need to check
in on him. But he wasn’t exactly calling me regularly either, so I didn’t feel
too bad about not talking to him all that often. As long as I kept paying the
bill at his retirement community, we were both good to go.
What I needed was a good old-fashioned gal pal. But... who would
understand even half of what was going on in my life? Hmm. Maybe Willa,
Hayes’s new girlfriend? She was new to the Kingman whirlwind too, and
we’d hit it off at all the events we’d both been to recently.
My phone buzzed with a text, and I nearly slapped it right off the desk. I
caught it just in time before it went tumbling to the floor and was irritated
with myself for being disappointed at the name on the screen.
It was Kelsey. Who else would it be? Duh.
Meeting Dec for a late lunch. Tried to see if you wanted to join,
but I said your name like five times and you didn’t respond. IDK
what you’re working on so hard, but I’m sure it will be great.

My stomach rumbled, and I realized I’d worked, or possibly

daydreamed, my way right through lunch and apparently Kelsey trying to
get my attention.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I was dressed and heading to Cool
Beans with my laptop tucked under my arm. The excuse of work would
give me cover if I chickened out of talking to Willa. Or if Javi was there.
The bell above the door jingled when I stepped inside, and I was
immediately hit with the warm aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Yum. This was fast becoming a favorite place in my life. But instead of the
expected late afternoon rush of random customers needing a caffeine pick-
me-up, I found a group of women, all curvy, plus-size, big girls like me,
laughing and chatting animatedly.
 “Penelope,” Trixie, Chris’s fiancée, was in the group and waved me
over. “Perfect timing. We’re just starting our first plus-size romance book
club. Come join us.”
I hesitated, my eyes scanning the room for Willa, but she was nowhere
to be seen. Jules, Everett’s sister, patted the empty seat next to her. “Come
on, Pen. We don’t bite.”
They might not, but the two of them were Kingman women through and
through, so this might bite me on the ass. And not in the fun way. With a
resigned sigh, but a pasted on smile, I made my way over.
“I haven’t read the book.” Although weren’t lots of book clubs more
like wine and whine clubs? I’d never been in one before.
Wait, was this how adult women made friends? Oh my god. It was.
Trixie waved off my concern. “Doesn’t matter. We mostly use the books
as an excuse to get together for some escape from the world. Although, we
are exclusively reading body positive romance novels written by fat
women, about fat women, for fat women.”
“If you happen to like dragons or fated mates, you’re gonna want to
read this one.” One of the other book clubbers held up a copy of a book that
I recognized called Chase Me, because Kelsey owned it. But she wouldn’t
let me borrow it. Probably because Declan had given it to her as a gift when
she’d been ill.
The woman next to her snickered and winked at me. “Yeah, especially if
you’re into riding your dragon. If you know what I mean.”
I glanced over at Jules, who was only seventeen. Was this appropriate
for her? She caught me looking. “Don’t worry, I’m the one who
recommended we kick off the club with this particular book. I’ve been
reading spicy books for years.”
Trixie grinned at her. “Under the supervision of your friendly
neighborhood former teen librarian who vets the collection.”
For the next hour, I found myself swept up in their conversation. We
talked about everything from the latest Hollywood gossip to the pros and
cons of eBooks versus paperbacks. Not once did anyone bring up diet
culture, or shapewear, or look funny at anyone else for ordering a cookie or
a double chocolate frozen espresso with extra whip.
It was... nice. Comfortable. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this
kind of easy female companionship. Especially with other women who had
that same kind of confidence that I was trying to obtain. The kind like
Kelsey spread around the world with her music.
As the meeting wound down and the other women started to leave, I
gathered my things, ready to make my escape. But Trixie and Jules
exchanged a look that made me pause.
“So, Pen,” Trixie said, her voice casual but her eyes sharp. “What’s
really going on between you and Everett?”
I froze, my laptop halfway into my bag. “W-what do you mean?”
Jules leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, come on. We’re
not blind. The way you two were cozied up at game night? The secret
smiles? The whispered conversations?”
“That was just—” I started, but Trixie cut me off.
“And don’t think we didn’t notice you two sneaking out early,” she
added with a wink.
“It’s not what you think,” I said weakly. What in the world was I going
to tell them to throw them off the scent? Could I even? There was no way I
was going to get away with hiding anything from either of them. “Everett’s
just... helping me with something.”
“Helping you, huh?” Jules wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Is that
what the kids are calling it these days?”
I buried my face in my hands, mortified. “Oh my god, no. It’s not like
that at all. He’s just...”
I shouldn’t tell them, but I really wanted to. Maybe if I swore them to
secrecy? If this blew up in my face, I could handle it. But I didn’t want my
lack of skills in the dating department to put a wedge between Everett and
Declan.
Gah. I was going to risk it. Nothing risked, nothing gained. “He’s giving
me dating lessons.”
The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. I peeked
through my fingers to see Trixie and Jules staring at me, mouths agape.
“Dating lessons?” Trixie repeated slowly. “From Everett ‘Love Guru’
Kingman?”
I nodded miserably. “And you have to promise not to tell a soul.”
Jules let out a low whistle and pulled my hands away from my face.
“Tell us everything. And I mean everything.”
As I looked at their eager faces, I realized I’d stumbled into something I
couldn’t escape. With a deep breath, I began to spill the whole story, from
my overly awkward dating attempts in high school and college to wanting a
red carpet date for the award to spilling coffee to habanero and giraffe facts
to the almost-kiss on Everett’s porch.
They just let me talk. And talk. And talk. When I finished recounting the
whole saga, Trixie and Jules exchanged a look that made me nervous.
“Oh, honey,” Trixie said, reaching out to pat my hand. “You’ve got it
bad.”
I felt my face heat up. “What? No, I don’t. This is just... a business
arrangement.”
Jules snorted. “A business arrangement that involves almost kissing?
Come on, Pen.”
“It’s not like that,” I protested...weakly. This was not where I was
hoping this conversation was going to go. I’d just have to explain about my
plan. I’d left that part out somehow.
“It’s exactly like that,” Trixie insisted. “Look, it’s obvious to anyone
with eyes that you two are totally into each other. Why don’t you just ask
Everett to be your date for the Grampys?”
I shook my head vigorously. “No way. Everett is sure that Declan will
murder him for even helping me. Much less being my actual date. He is
kind of protective of me. Which I get, but also, I don’t even know how to
handle that. It’s not like I grew up with brothers. You get it, don’t you Jules?
Besides, haven’t you noticed? Everett’s not playing his best lately.”
Jules’s cheeks went supernova and her eyes went wide. “I, uh, definitely
do not tell my brothers about any crushes I may or may not have, or any
dates with college boys I may or may not go on.”
She frowned and pointed at Trixie. “And you’re not going to say a word
to Chris. He already tells dad that I should be grounded till I’m forty on a
regular basis. And I will be going to the winter formal and prom without
any of them the wiser.”
Trixie held up her hands. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m pretty sure you made
me sign the Kingman queen code when I got engaged to your brother, and I
will stay loyal to my oath.”
Jules narrowed her eyes and nodded. “That’s right. Queens have to stick
together.”
I knew I liked Jules. “Did you make Kelsey sign that too?”
“A hundred percent. And I believe you and Willa can expect contracts in
your inbox soon too.”
 “No, no. Not me. I’m not dating your brother, and I’m not going to ask
him to be my date. What I need to do is help him fall in love as a thank you
for all his help, and you know, so he can play better.”
Trixie’s eyebrows shot up. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”
I bit my lip and then figured I’d told them everything else, I might as
well let them in on the plan. Maybe they’d help me execute it better than I’d
done so far. “I’m trying to set him up with Simone Tester.”
“From the Testers? The fem band that opened for Kelsey at Rust
Rocks?” Jules groaned when I nodded yes. “Pen, that’s the worst idea I’ve
ever heard. First of all she’s not even his type, and honestly, you can’t teach
someone to fall in love, and you definitely shouldn’t try to set up the guy
you’re clearly crushing on with someone else.”
“But—” I started to argue, but Trixie cut me off.
“No buts. Jules is right. This is a disaster waiting to happen. You need to
tell Everett how you feel before⁠—”
The bell above the door jingled, and we all froze as Kelsey, Declan, and
Everett walked in.
“Before the coffee gets cold,” I said loudly, desperately trying to change
the subject. “That’s why I love coming here. The coffee’s always hot.”
Trixie and Jules stared at me like I’d grown a second head but quickly
plastered on smiles as the trio approached our table. I was buying the two of
them tiaras later.
“Hey, girls,” Kelsey said, her eyes darting between us suspiciously.
“What are you all up to?”
“Just wrapping up our book club meeting,” Trixie said smoothly.
“Right, Pen?”
I nodded enthusiastically, praying my face wasn’t as red as it felt. “Yep.
Books. We love ’em. Can’t get enough.”
Everett raised an eyebrow, and his gaze shot between me and Jules.
“Uh-huh. And what book was that?”
My mind went blank. I couldn’t remember the title of the book they’d
been discussing for the life of me.
“It was, um...” I stammered.
“Chase Me,” Jules supplied helpfully. “It’s about dragons. And
romance. You know, typical book club stuff.”
Kelsey’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I love that book. Declan got it for me when I
was sick. Why didn’t you tell me you were in a book club, Pen? Is this the
secret you’ve been keeping from me? I would’ve loved to join.”
Everett plopped down into the seat next to me. “Is this a girls only club,
or can guys join too? Might be a good place to find a date.”
From the depths of made-up imaginary book club hell, I blurted out,
“You wouldn’t like it. Next month we’re reading Snake Women are from
Venus.”
He tipped his head at me, looked into my eyes just like he had last night
on his front porch, and said, “I think I read the sequel, Snake Tamers are
from Mars.”
I only just caught all three of the girls staring at us both open mouthed,
and Declan glaring with his arms folded. No one said a word for at least a
hundred and two years. Until Dec broke the silence. “You two are so
strange.”
I’d take strange over busted any day.

OceanofPDF.com
 B E S T I E ' S F A C E S PA C E G R O U P P O S T

[Pic of a yellow anaconda wearing blue and orange cowboy hat, curled
around a football and a microphone]

NAME OUR SSSSTAR.

Hey, Besties.

We’ve got some exciting news... and it’s a little scaly. Meet the newest artist
at the Simply The Best record label.

But there's one small problem: She needs a great name so we can help her
launch her career.
That’s where YOU come in. We want YOU to help us name our new
sssuper sssstar.

Here’s a few things about her to help you pick out a name.
- She a yellow anaconda (and yes, they can be pets.)
- She likes to wear little snake hats.
- She likes a nice warm house and lives in Kelsey's neighborhood

Drop your best snake name suggestions in the comments below. Think BIG
—something worthy of a being on album covers.

We’ll pick our favorite and announce the winner in a few days. They'll get a
shoutout and a special surprise from us both.
Let the naming begin.
#NameTheSnake #SuperstarSnake #SnakeNameChallenge

OceanofPDF.com
 K I N G M A N B OY S P L AY B E T T E R
W H E N…
EVERETT

I launched myself into the air, snatching the football out of its
spiraling arc just before it sailed over my head. My feet hit the
ground, and I pivoted, dodging two defenders before sprinting the
final yards to the end zone.
“Yes, that’s how you do it, E. King,” the tight end coach, Doyle, shouted
as I jogged back to the line. “Whatever you’re on, keep it up.”
I grinned, tossing the ball to the assistant. “Just in the zone, Coach.”
He wasn’t wrong to give me that shout out. I hadn’t played this hot
since... well, all season. I lined up for the next play, waiting my turn, and
smiled to myself. I couldn’t stop.
Not since that almost kiss. Her laugh, the way her eyes lit up when she
smiled, how she bit her lip when she was concentrating...
Fuck.
I was in deep. Way deeper than I’d ever intended to be.
The ball snapped, and I burst forward, my body on fire as much as my
mind. I caught another pass, which I got some cheers for since it should
have been out of reach, and still was only half paying attention to the
practice.
What the hell had I been thinking, pretending to be Pen’s love interest?
It was supposed to be a lesson, a way to boost her confidence. Instead, I’d
gone and developed a full-blown crush on her.
“Jesus, Ev,” Hayes said, slapping my helmet. “Save some for the actual
game, will ya?”
 I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. “Don’t you worry, kid.
I’ve got plenty more where that came from.”
And I did. Despite the mental gymnastics I was performing today, I
felt... electric. Like every nerve ending was firing at once. Was this what
being in lo⁠—
No. Nope. Not going there.
I needed to take a big step back from Penelope. For both our sakes.
These “lessons” had gone too far, and if I didn’t put some distance between
us soon, I was going to do something stupid. Like take her to bed and never
look back.
That wasn’t in her plan or mine.
“Alright, boys,” Coach Doyle called out. “Hit the showers. Kingman,
stick around a minute.”
I jogged over to the sidelines, where the head coach was saying
something to Doyle. He didn’t usually get on us for day-to-day practice so I
was bracing myself for... well, I wasn’t sure what.
“Kingman. What the fuck is going on with you?” he asked, his tone
gruff as always.
I blinked, taken aback. “Uh, what do you mean, Coach?”
He chuckled. “Because you’re playing like a man possessed out there.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the energy. But I’ve been coaching long
enough to know when something’s up with my players. Everybody knows
you Kingman boys play better when you’re in love. You got a new lady or
fella in your life or something?”
The question hit me like a blindside tackle. “What? No, I’m just⁠—”
“Hmm.” He eyeballed me. “Whatever it is, keep it up.”
“Yes, sir.” I gave Coach a little salute, not trusting myself to say
anything more. As Coach Shananagan walked away, I stood there, frozen.
Everybody knows you Kingman boys play better when you’re in love.
I thought the adage was about getting laid. God knows I hadn’t gotten
any since... Aspen. Where I’d first met Pen. And Kelsey, of course.
This thing with Penelope wasn’t love. It couldn’t be. I was just...
infatuated. Yeah, that was it. And I needed to shut it down before it got out
of hand.
I headed to the locker room, and overheard Dion, one of our rookies,
talking to Hayes.
 “I don’t know, man. I’m gonna go, but this speed dating thing seems
crazy. How am I supposed to make a good impression in just five minutes?”
Hayes glanced over at me and waved me over. “Ask our resident love
guru. He’s the one I’ve been going to for advice with Willa. He gets the
ladies falling over him in about ten seconds flat.”
I paused, an idea forming. Speed dating. That was it. The perfect way to
help Penelope practice her flirting skills with a bunch of different guys...
who weren’t me. Then I could take a step back and remember my role in all
this as her coach, nothing more.
I plastered on my best love-guru smile. “I got you, man. When’s this
speed dating event?”
All he needed was my standard be-your-most-authentic-self advice and
Dion was good to go. Before I could talk myself out of it, I grabbed my
phone and pulled up the website.
I clicked on the registration form and hesitated. This was the right thing
to do, right? Yeah, it was. If she really didn’t want to go, I’d of course let
her out of it. But I needed her to go. Needed. What if she met someone?
What if she clicked with one of these random guys more than she had with
me?
And... that was the whole point, dumbass.
I quickly finished the registration, which sure asked a lot of questions,
like what she did, who her latest employer was, a headshot, and a reference.
I guess they were being careful. Unlike me who was ignoring the knot that
formed in my stomach. I was just hungry after practice.
I pulled up my messages and typed one out to Pen.
Got your next lesson lined up. Friday night, 7 PM. Wear
something that makes you feel confident. I’ll pick you up.

I hit send before I could overthink it. Almost immediately, those three
little dots appeared, indicating she was typing a response. My heart did a
somersault.
Mysterious... can’t wait. Should I be nervous?

I smiled despite myself. Even through text, she was cute as shit.
Nah, you’ll do great. You’re just about ready to graduate from
the Everett Kingman School of Love
 The sooner the better. For us both.
That is a lie straight from the pits of hell, professor. I’ve failed
every class. I’m sure I’ll be enrolling for remedial classes next
semester.

Oh, she’d passed body language without even trying. My thumbs

hovered over the keyboard. I wanted to tell her how charming she was, how
any guy would be lucky to spend time with her. But I was more chicken
than Kylo Hen.
Trust me, you’ve got more charm than you know. Friday will
prove it.

If you say so, oh wise love guru. See you Friday.

I tossed my phone into my locker and leaned back with a groan that got
me more than a couple of looks from the guys around me. I put a hand on
my shoulder and gave it a couple of rotations so it looked like I was just
sore from practice.
This was for the best, I reminded myself. Penelope had confidence, it
was just hiding for some reason. To see that she could attract plenty of guys
would give her the boost she needed. Guys who weren’t her boss’s future
brother-in-law. Guys who could actually pursue something real with her.
The thought made me want to call the whole damn thing off. I just
hoped I was doing the right thing by stepping back. Because the more I
tried to distance myself, the more I realized how much I wanted to be close
to her.
As I pulled into my driveway after practice, I spotted Billy sitting on my
front porch steps, his legs swinging back and forth. My heart rate spiked for
a moment, worried that his damn snake had escaped again and was after
me. Life as a celebrity meant I might someday have a stalker, but I never
figured it be the snake next door.
But Billy was not scouring my porch in any kind of search pattern. He
was idly tossing a football up and down in the air.
“Sup, Billy,” I called out, approaching cautiously. “Everything okay?
Your snake is not on the loose again, is she?”
Billy’s face lit up. “Oh, no, Mr. Kingman, sir. Snakey’s at snake practice
for her big music video debut. Isn’t that cool?”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Snake practice, huh? That’s... something.”
 “Yeah, Miss Penelope arranged it all. She’s pretty awesome.” Billy’s
eyes were wide with admiration. “Hey, Mr. Kingman, I was wondering...
could you maybe throw the football around with me? I asked my dad, but
he said to go outside and play. He never wants to hang out and practice or
nothing.”
Something in the kid’s tone tugged at my heartstrings. I thought about
all the times my own dad, despite a crazy busy schedule coaching, raising
eight kids on his own, and trying to keep our family thriving, had dropped
everything to play with me and my brothers.
“Sure, kid. Let’s hit the backyard.”
I tossed the ball, sending Billy on all kinds of routes to catch it, until he
was breathing hard and more than a little hot and sweaty, even in the cool
almost-winter air. “Let’s take a water break, huh?”
He was about ready to keel over. “I can keep going.”
“I’m sure you can, kiddo, but I’m thirsty, and it’s important to stay
hydrated.” I waved him over to the deck and grabbed a couple of bottles of
water for us out of the outdoor fridge. I took some long gulps and watched
Billy emulate me out of the corner of my eye.
Billy’s face split into a wide grin when he finished his bottle before me
and crushed the plastic in his little fists. “You know, Mr. Kingman, Miss
Penelope said she’s going to help me give Snakey a better name. She said
we could make it like a contest or something.”
“Did she now?” The smile that spread across my face couldn’t be
helped. That was so typically Penelope, always thinking of ways to fix
everything so everyone else was happy and good to go.
“Yeah. She’s really cool, and nice, and pretty,” Billy continued, his
cheeks reddening slightly. “If I was older, I’d probably marry her. She’s not
afraid of nothing, not even Snakey.”
I felt a weird twinge in my chest. Was I actually jealous of a kid’s
crush? Yes, yes, I was. I nodded and looked up at the clear blue Colorado
sky.
“She is pretty and smart too,” I agreed, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“And it’s awesome that she’s helping you with Snakey. Having support like
that is important.”
Billy’s smile faltered a bit. “Yeah, I wish my mom was more like that.
She doesn’t really get the whole snake thing. My dad either.”
 I spun the football around in my hand a few times, thinking. What
would my dad say in a moment like this? “Have you tried talking to them
about it?”
Billy shrugged, looking down at his feet. “Not really. They’re always
busy. Dad says we gotta keep up with the Joneses. I don’t know them
though. But I kind of think they suck. But don’t tell him I said that. I’m not
supposed to say suck.”
My heart went out to the kid. I couldn’t imagine growing up without the
constant support of my family. “Tell you what, how about we make this a
regular thing? You can come over once a week after school, and we’ll toss
the ball around.”
Billy’s head snapped up, his eyes shining. “You mean it?”
I couldn’t believe I was going to say this but, “And if you want to talk
about snakes or anything else, I’m all ears.”
“Really?” He gave me the side-eye for a minute. “You don’t gotta keep
up with the Joneses or anything?”
I nodded, tossing him the ball. “Nah, the Joneses are trying to keep up
with me. Now show me your spiral and I’ll run this time. We’ll make an all-
star out of you yet, kid.”
We continued to play until the sun was about to set, and I figured Billy
probably needed to get home for dinner or something. He was a good kid,
and I’m sure his parents were doing their best. Maybe I’d give them tickets
to the Christmas game next week and see if that loosened his dad up a bit.
After he was gone, I sat for a while in my backyard, sipping on a beer
and listening to a little Kelsey Best playlist, and I thought about how sweet
of an impression Pen had made on Billy. She was always going above and
beyond the people in her life. It was just another reason why I was falling
for her.
Fuck. No. I was not falling for Penelope.
I. Was. Not. Falling. For. Pen.
Another reason I needed to step back and let her find someone who
could fall in love with her. She deserved that. Even if that someone was a
pint-sized snake enthusiast who was about twenty years too young for her.

OceanofPDF.com
 M A K EOV E R M O NTA G E
PENELOPE

“I have nothing to wear,” I groaned, flopping dramatically onto

Trixie’s bed.
Trixie and Jules exchanged amused glances. I’d called an
emergency meeting with them after Everett’s cryptic text about our next
lesson. He’d also told me I was supposed to wear cocktail attire, because we
were going somewhere a bit fancier. But the only other clue he’d given was
that it was holiday themed since it was the week before Christmas.
I absolutely could not handle not knowing and Jules, using her
superiffic sneaky spy skills found out that Ev was talking me to a holiday
speed dating event. Just the thought made my palms sweat, made my
everything sweat.
“And I don’t even know how to do my makeup for speed dating. Is it
like regular dating? More glam? Less glam? I’m doomed.”
He wanted me to talk to a whole room full of men? It was ludicrous. I’d
probably end up throwing up on one of them, and knowing me, it would be
some sort of sparkling red and green Christmas drink I’d barf up.
“Pen, honey,” Trixie said, patting my arm, “you could show up in a
potato sack and still turn heads.”
I rolled my eyes. “Right. Because nothing says, ‘date me’ like burlap
chic.”
Jules bounced on the bed next to me. “You know what? This calls for a
makeover montage.”
I sat up, eyeing her warily. “A what now?”
 “You heard me,” Jules grinned. “We’re going full-on chick flick. Spa,
salon, shopping, the works.” She held up a hand as I opened my mouth to
protest. “I know the media portrays makeovers as a fix. Like if we make
ourselves more beautiful, specifically to fulfill male sexual desires, then
we’ll feel worthy. And that is utter bullshit.”
Trixie and I both stared at our youngest fighter in the feminist
revolution. How she was so much smarter than the rest of us at a youthful
age, well, I’d like to say I’d never know, but I think a lot of it had to do with
finding her own place in a family of eight men. If anyone was going to
crush the patriarchy, it was Jules Kingman. And her father and brothers
would be right there cheering her on.
“We’re getting makeovers for ourselves and no one else. Because when
we feel beautiful inside and out, that is when we are unstoppable.”
Trixie raised her hands hallelujah-style like we were at some kind of
revival and Jules was the speaker of truths. “Exactly. You’re already
gorgeous, Pen. We’re just going to help you see it and feel it.”
I knew I wasn’t repulsive, although it had taken some serious inner
work and reflection after the kinds of rejections I’d gotten from every man
I’d ever had in my life before I genuinely believed that. But did I really?
Or was there still a small evil voice inside that said no man would want
to date me or have sex with me?
Maybe.
Most days I could tell that voice to shut up. I was surrounded by
amazing women who told the world they were enough every single day. I
loved to be around them, supporting them, helping them prove to the world
that all bodies were beautiful.
So why didn’t I actually, truly, totally believe that mine was?
Deep down, I knew that’s really why I was awkward around men. I was
so good at pushing them away with my weirdo-ness. Because it was easier
to blame that for why I didn’t date than because I was afraid that no one
would love someone who looked like me.
Being afraid was not who I wanted to be. I swallowed hard and dug
deep inside for the Penelope I knew was in there. The one who said, “Fear
is my bitch.”
She was there, although her take-no-shit voice was a bit out of practice.
It came out softer and squeakier than I’d like. “I guess a little makeover
couldn’t hurt.”
 Two hours later, I found myself wrapped in a fluffy robe, cucumber
slices on my eyes as a stylist worked some kind of magic on my hair.
“Okay, Pen, now that we’ve got you trapped in relaxation mode,”
Trixie’s voice came from my left, “spill. What’s really going on with you
and Everett?”
I was glad for the cucumber slices hiding my eyes. “For real, he really is
just helping me with the whole dating thing.”
“Uh-huh,” Jules said, skepticism dripping from her voice. “And these
lessons involve him almost kissing you on his front porch because...?”
I sighed, reaching up to remove the cucumber slices. “Somehow I’m not
surprised you can’t let that go. It really wasn’t what you think. Everett’s just
going a little above and beyond. He simply feels sorry for me because he’s
seen how bad I am with trying to meet a man.”
“I don’t think so,” a familiar voice chimed in, “I highly doubt my future
brother-in-law feels sorry for you, Pen.”
I sat bolt upright, nearly knocking over the stylist. “Kelsey?”
There she was, looking effortlessly glamorous in a silk robe, her hair in
rollers. “Surprise. The girls told me about your little makeover session.
Thought I’d join in.”
I shot accusatory glances at Trixie and Jules. Trixie at least had the
decency to look like she understood her crimes against Pen-manity. Jules
laid right back down, slipped those cucumbers back over her eyes and
grinned.
She was definitely the mastermind here.
Kelsey settled into the chair next to me and set Wiener the Pooh into a
cuddly basket that the salon had waiting for her. This ambush was well-
planned. “Now, about you and Everett. I’ve known forever that something’s
been going on between the two of you. I saw how he looked at you back at
the hospital when you were coordinating my escape.”
That was months ago, way before I’d asked him to be my dating coach.
It was only days after we’d first met. I had only one four letter word in
response to her assessment of the situation. “What?”
“Yeah.” She made that frowny I-know-what-I’m-talking-about face I’d
come to love ever since she’d fallen in love with Declan. “I’ve been waiting
for him to make a move, and I’m assuming makeover montage means he
finally is taking you out on a date. I just wish you would have told me.
We’re friends, aren’t we?”
 My stomach dropped. “Oh, Kels, you’re my best friend, and it’s been
the worst trying to keep this from you. But it’s only because Declan can’t
find out. It’s not... we’re not...” I took a deep breath. “It’s not a date.
Everett’s been giving me dating lessons.”
The salon went quiet. Even the stylist paused, sensing the tension.
“Dating lessons?” Kelsey repeated slowly. “That I can’t tell Declan
about?”
I nodded miserably. “I didn’t want to tell you because... well, because I
wanted so badly to show you that I’ve learned from your example. That I
was as confident and happy with my looks as you are.”
I pressed the cucumber slices back up to my eyes, because the tears that
were bubbling up were hot. “But I’m not. And it’s been holding me back.
So I asked Everett to help me learn how to flirt and date so I could get a real
date for the Grampys.”
Kelsey grabbed those cucumber slices and tossed them into the trash.
Then she took my hand and to my surprise, laughed. Not in the way I’d
been laughed at in college. She wasn’t laughing at me, she was
commiserating and laughing not to cry herself. “Oh, sweet Penelope. You
think I’m confident all the time? No woman is and you above all know me
better than that.”
I mean, sure I’d seen her confidence shaken before, but never about her
body positive image and message. She definitely worked to be the best role
model, singer, activist, dog owner, and now fiancée.
Trixie nodded emphatically. “I definitely still have days where I feel
like a potato with legs.”
“And don’t even get me started on how cool high schoolers are about
big girls,” Jules added with a whole lot of sarcasm.
Kelsey reached out and took my hand. “Pen, listen to me. Body
positivity isn’t about feeling confident every day. It’s about showing the
world that you’re beautiful from the inside out, no matter what beauty
standard of the day society says we’re supposed to fulfill. It’s about loving
yourself enough to believe in and be your most authentic self, even when
the world doesn’t like it.”
I blinked back tears that had been threatening to fall for twenty-some-
odd years. “But how do you do that?”
“Practice, and faking it until you believe it yourself,” Kelsey said
simply. “And surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. People who
also love you for you.”
She gave a nod to Trixie and Jules, but then sent me a pointed look.
“The ladies and I will always love you for yourself, but I think you need to
look into your heart and see that someone else might too. Then be honest
with yourself about your feelings for Everett.”
“I don’t—” Even before Kelsey cut me off, I knew I couldn’t finish that
lie.
“Pen,” Kelsey gently broke in, “it’s okay to have feelings for him. But
you need to be true to yourself about it. Don’t hide behind these lessons if
what you really want is something more.”
I sat there, stunned. Kelsey was right. I had been using these lessons as
a shield, afraid to admit how I really felt about Everett. He was the only
man I’d ever truly felt comfortable around. Even when he was a breath
away from kissing me, I hadn’t freaked out like I did when I even talked to
another guy.
But what if it really was just lessons for him?
I’d been rebuffed, jilted, and disdained by every guy I’d ever had even
an inkling of feelings for. What made me think this time would be any
different?
“I... I don’t know,” I admitted softly.
Kelsey squeezed my hand. “That’s okay too. Just promise me you’ll
think about it, alright?”
I nodded, my mind whirling. As the stylist resumed work on my hair, I
caught my reflection in the mirror. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t
immediately focus on my chubby cheeks, my double chin, the roundness of
my face. Instead, I saw a woman on the verge of something big.
Something scary but potentially wonderful.
Maybe this makeover really was going to be about more than just my
appearance after all.
After the spa, we went to a boutique in the bougie Peach Creek area of
Denver called Muffin. I already knew the owner, an amazing plus size
fashionista designer named Rose Vond. She’d provided clothes for Kelsey
before. But her career had really taken off in the past year after she’d
designed a dress for some kind of royalty in Europe. Now she had shops in
London, Chicago, L.A., and, lucky for us, Denver.
“Kelsey, Penelope, so amazing to see you two again. And please,
introduce me to your friends.” Rose indicated to Trixie and Jules.
 I introduced them and Rose gave them both big hugs. “I’ll be honest
and tell you that I already knew who you both were. I have a bit of a spy
network when it comes to influential women like you two. I can hardly wait
to see you in some of my designs.”
Rose took Jules by the arm and led her toward a wall of clothes that had
a young adult look about them, like she’d been specifically designing for a
teen girl. But she paused a moment and turned back to look at us. “Ladies, I
already have a few dresses picked out for each of you waiting in the
dressing rooms. Just look for the one with your name on it. Kels, I added a
few extras for you to pick from for the Grampys.”
I blinked a few times, and then Kelsey leaned in and whispered to me,
“How does she do that? It’s like she knew we were coming, but we didn’t
even know we were going to be here today.”
Trixie looked just as flabbergasted as the rest of us. “She did say she
had spies. But they must be like... magical fae or something because all the
clothes in this place are absolutely ethereal.
She pointed toward a wall of those fancy dressing rooms where they
have padded benches and your name written on the door. Our names were
all printed in a gorgeous calligraphy.
“Maybe she’s some kind of clairvoyant,” Kelsey said and headed
toward her dressing room. She opened the door and there were some of the
most beautiful dresses I’d ever seen in my life hanging inside. I could
hardly wait to see what would be in mine.
I trotted over and yanked the door open. I just stood there, hearing
Trixie ooh and aww and Kelsey squeal as they discovered what Rose had
chosen for them. But inside my dressing room was just one item.
The most beautiful green satin dress I’d ever seen in my life. It was
cocktail length and simple yet elegant enough to wear just about anywhere.
To the Grampys or a speed dating evening.
There was a little note on the bench next to the dress that read “Trust
me.”
Oh, I did. I shut the door, dropped my drab clothes to the floor and
discovered a gorgeous set of bra and panties in the same jewel tone as the
dress laid out for me too. I slipped into everything and closed my eyes
envisioning what I hoped it would all look like.
It was never as good in the actual mirror, and would probably need
alterations and some dreaded shapewear, but I could deal with all of that
later.
I turned and looked into the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the
woman staring back at me. My wild red curls had been tamed into soft
waves that framed my face. The makeup artist had told me she was just
doing some light, natural looking makeup, but my eyes looked bigger, my
cheeks soft and flush, and my lips were definitely fuller.
I looked... beautiful.
It wasn’t just the hair and makeup. There was something different in my
eyes, a spark that hadn’t been there before.
The dress hugged my curves in all the right places and shapewear could
be damned. I hated the stuff and Rose had designed a dress that didn’t even
need any. For once, I didn’t feel the need to suck in my stomach or try to
hide my arms. This dress celebrated my body instead of trying to conceal it.
I took a deep breath, Kelsey’s words echoing in my mind. Body
positivity isn’t about feeling confident every day. It’s about loving yourself
enough to be your most authentic self, even when the world doesn’t like it.
I looked at myself again, really looked. I saw the little scar on my chin
from when I fell off my bike as a kid. The freckles scattered across my
nose, cheeks, and shoulders.
And for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t disappointed in what I
saw. My body wasn’t flawed and didn’t need to be hidden or fixed. Every
scar, every freckle, and even every bulge and roll were part of my story, part
of what made me uniquely me.
“Okay, Penelope,” I said to my reflection, “time to believe.”
I struck a pose, and then another, and another, channeling my inner
supermodel, and giggled at my own silliness. But that was okay too. Being
authentically me meant embracing the goofy parts as well.
I grabbed my phone to take a selfie—not to post anywhere, just for me.
A reminder of this moment, this feeling.
I snapped the picture, and a second later my phone buzzed with a text
from Everett.
Almost ready? Hope you’re up for an adventure.

My heart did a little flip. Was I ready? The old Penelope would have
panicked, convinced she wasn’t good enough, pretty enough, thin enough.
But the woman in the mirror? She was ready for anything.
I typed back and added a little boldness to my message.
 Bring it on, love guru.

As I hit send, I realized something. I wasn’t nervous about Everett

seeing me like this. I was excited. I wanted him to see this version of me—
not because I thought it would impress him, but because it felt like the
truest version of myself.
Jules was so right about makeovers.
I slipped on the heels, grabbed my other clothes, and took one last look
in the mirror.
“You’ve got this,” I told my reflection. “You’ve shown the world the
Penelope Quinn they wanted to see. Time to show the world, and Everett
Kingman, the best version of yourself. The real you.”

OceanofPDF.com
 F LI P F L O P V I D EO

@BestiesBestie

“Borrow My Strength” by Kelsey Best plays over video montage of Kelsey,

Penelope, and friends.
Headline: Glam time with the Bestie girls. Doing some pre-Grampys prep
today.
Clip one: At a salon in their robes, with cucumbers over their eyes. Kelsey
eating one of Penelope's cucumbers.

Clip Two: Hair and makeup done up fancy, blowing kisses to the camera.

Clip Three: With plus-size fashion designer Rose Vond holding up

beautiful dresses.

Caption:
Reminder: You don't need to change who you are to be beautiful. You're
already a masterpiece, we're just adding some sparkle.
Your BFF,
Mz. Besties’ Bestie - Penelope
#BestiesBestie #GlamSquad #BeautyInAllSizes
#RevengeComesInEverySize #DidYouSpotTheSnake?
OceanofPDF.com
 D E AT H T O S P E E D D AT I N G
EVERETT

I told Pen to meet me in the parking lot of Cool Beans so we didn’t

risk Kelsey and Declan, or any of my nosy neighbors, a.k.a my
family, see us heading out together dressed up for a holiday party. It
was a miracle my family hadn’t figured out what I was doing with Penelope
yet.
Not that I was doing anything inappropriate.
But I wanted to.
God dammit. Not the plan.
If ever Penelope was going to find her confidence and embrace it to find
herself a date, tonight’s speed dating event was it. I knew full well she
thought she couldn’t talk to men, which is why this was perfect. Five
minutes was all they’d get with her. While Pen had proved she could
verbally vomit or spill coffee on a guy in that time span, my love guru
dating instructions for her tonight was to let them do the talking. They
needed to impress her. No the other way around.
And I could watch, safely, from the sidelines, with my only care being
how many dates she got asked out on.
Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Kingman.
I pulled into the parking lot and killed the engine. Then took a deep
breath. What would she be wearing? I should have fucking thought to send
her a dress like the guys in the movies. Except, no. The guys who sent
dresses wanted to take said dress off later in the evening.
I would be going home alone.
 “You’ve got this,” I muttered, channeling a pregame-style pep talk. “It’s
just a ride to an event, a little coaching. No big deal.”
Right. Because nothing said NBD like imagining the girl you can’t stop
thinking about meeting a bunch of dude bros.
I was halfway to the front door when it swung open, and I froze mid-
step.
Holy motherfucking moly.
Penelope stood in the doorway, but she wasn’t the Pen I’d been
coaching these past weeks. This Pen was...the one from my dreams. Her
curves were hugged by an emerald-green dress that made her hair and
freckles pop like fireworks, electricity, lightning. Her usually wild curls
were tamed into soft waves that framed her face. Those heels were going to
make me so hard I’d be busting out of my dress pants.
But it wasn’t just the clothes, or makeup, or the hair.
There was something else entirely, something new. It was in the way she
held herself, chin high, shoulders back, smiling so sweetly I wanted to lick
her up. This new Pen was the woman who’d finally realized how amazing
she was, just the way she was.
I must’ve been staring for way longer than I realized, because she
quirked an eyebrow at me. “Everett? You okay there?”
I blinked, trying to jumpstart my brain. It did not work, but I got my
mouth working at least. “Uh, yeah. You look... different.”
Penelope’s face fell slightly, and I mentally kicked myself for an eighty-
yard field goal that missed and hit the goalpost.
“Different good,” I added hastily. “Like, really good. Great, even. Fire.”
Now it was Pen’s turn to blink. “Fire?”
Now who was the awkward one with less than stellar speaking skills? “I
mean, you always look nice. But tonight you look... like you’re ready to
slay.”
Her smile could’ve lit up the entire Rocky Mountains. “Thanks. I do
feel an extra boost of confidence.”
That was exactly it. She was as confident as I’d ever seen her. It was
beautiful on her.
“Great. Awesome. Then let’s go show you off.” What the fuck was
coming out of my mouth right now? I shut the hell up and waved her
toward my car, staying one step away from her. I didn’t dare touch her
because I might spontaneously combust.
 The subtle scent of her cinnamony perfume, the soft sound of her heels
on the pavement, the way her dress swished around her thick hips were
killing me. I was a dead man walking.
Teacher. Coach. Guru.
Not lover.
I opened the passenger door for her, and she slid in with a grace I hadn’t
noticed from her before. As I rounded the hood to the driver’s side, I took
another deep breath. This was going to be a long fucking night.
“So,” she started, breaking my weirdly awkward silence. “Are you
going to tell me where we’re going?”
I started the engine and thanked the universe for this normal
conversation. “This is your graduation, grasshopper. You’re ready to dazzle
Denver’s most eligible bachelors at a speed dating event.”
Pen’s laugh filled the car, warm and genuine. “That’s one heck of a
graduation test, given I have yet to even talk to a man in any coherent
fashion.”
I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. “You talk to me just fine all
the time, Pen.”
Our eyes met for a moment, and I felt a jolt of... something, everything.
Nothing that was appropriate for a “love guru” to feel about his student.
I cleared my throat and focused on the road. For the first time in my
entire adult life, I didn’t know what to say. Any charm I’d ever had fled
with whatever brain cells I had and left me stiff in more ways than one. The
only thing I could think to do was turn on the radio. One of Kelsey’s
Christmas songs played, and Penelope softly sang along.
Of course I knew all the words, so I joined her. She smiled over at me,
and it was both a balm to my soul and punch to my guts. Goddamn I wanted
her, and I knew I couldn’t have her.
As we neared the venue, a thought hit me like an LA Bandits linebacker.
I was about to watch a bunch of guys fall for Penelope Quinn.
My Penelope.
And I absolutely was not ready for that.
We arrived at the venue, a trendy bar downtown in the HiLo-RiNo-
NoNo area, and I valet parked. We walked inside where the place was
decorated in pine boughs, bright red baubles, and snowflakes. Luckily, I
didn’t spot any mistletoe.
 Pen’s new confident energy radiated off her. Without thinking, I placed
my hand on the small of her back, guiding her into the room.
“Ev, I wanted to ask you something before I go into this... thing.” This
was the first bit of nervousness she’d displayed.
“Anything, Pen.” I was sure as shit hoping she would ask me to leave
with her right now. Take her someplace else, just the two of us.
“Alright, umm,” she said, her voice a mix of excitement and anxiety.
She swallowed, looked right into my eyes, and then glanced away, toward
the mingling people in the room. “What’s my game plan?”
My hand reluctantly fell away from her back. “Game plan. Right. Just
one thing. You don’t need to try to impress these guys. Let them impress
you.”
She nodded, biting her lower lip. It was all I could do not to reach out
and smooth the worry from her brow. I wanted that confident, sweet, sexy
woman standing in front of me.
“Trust me,” I continued. “They’re all going to be falling over
themselves trying to get your attention tonight.”
A soft blush crept up her cheeks, and I had to remind myself to breathe.
Since when did Penelope blushing affect me like this?
“And just like before,” I added, my voice softer, “if you feel
uncomfortable at any time, for any reason, I’ll be right over there at the
bar.” I pointed to a stool at the far end with a clear view of the tables.
“Just give me a signal.” I tugged on her ear, tapped the side of her nose
twice, and swiped my finger across her forehead. “I’ll swoop in and get you
out of here faster than I can run a touchdown.”
Her shoulders relaxed and she gave a small giggle, just like I hoped she
would. “Deal.”
“Okay then, off you go.” I turned her toward the table with her name on
it, and as Pen made her way into the lion’s den, I retreated to my designated
spot at the bar.
“You’re not joining them, Mr. Kingman?” Shit. Hopefully this bartender
was the only one who recognized me tonight. This wasn’t about me. “Nope.
Just here to support a friend.”
I ordered a sparkling water, more for something to do with my hands
than any thirst I might have.
A tall leggy blonde walked into the middle of the tables and tapped a
knife on her champagne glass to get everyone’s attention and glanced my
way with a little start. I spun around in the chair before she could say
something about me being here.
“Okay everyone, let’s find you a match made in the stars this holiday.
Ladies, to your tables. Gentlemen, you’ll start at the table number
designated on your name badge, and when you hear the Christmas bells
jingaling, it’s time to move to the next table. Happy hunting, or err, good
luck, everyone.”
The event kicked off, and I turned back around, staring down the first
man to approach Pen’s table. He didn’t even notice me because he only had
eyes for her and her cleavage. God dammit. Her eyes are up there, buddy.
She started off a bit awkward, her hands fluttering nervously as she
spoke to the first guy. But as the minutes ticked by, I watched her
confidence grow. By the third date, she was laughing, her eyes sparkling in
a way that made my chest tighten.
I’d seen Penelope laugh before, of course. But this was different. This
was Pen truly being herself, charming the pants off these guys without even
trying. Boy, were they charmed.
And if I’d been paying attention even a little bit before now, I’d realize
they all looked a bit familiar.
The fourth guy approached her table, and I definitely recognized him.
He was a local news anchor. The fifth guy, who couldn’t stop staring at her
lips, played for the Blizzard. The sixth... well, the sixth looked like he was
about two seconds away from proposing marriage, just like he had on the
second rate TV show he starred in.
Dammit. Why hadn’t Dion told me this was an event for local celebs
and not just anybody off the street? All those questions and the headshot
request made a whole hell of a lot more sense now.
I gripped my glass of water tighter, the condensation doing nothing to
cool the heat rising inside me. This was good, right? This was the whole
point of the exercise. Pen wanted to find herself a date for the red carpet,
and I’d unknowingly provided the perfect scenario for her to do that.
She was crushing it too. At this rate, she’d have dates lined up for the
next ten years, much less for the Grampys. I should be thrilled.
So why did I feel like I was the one being cancelled?
“Another water? Or maybe something stronger?” the bartender asked,
eyeing my empty glass.
 I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. As he slid a fresh water
to me anyway, the bell rang again. Penelope was talking animatedly, her
hands gesturing as she told some story, and she didn’t seem like she wanted
to stop. The guy across from her was leaning in, completely captivated.
Join the club, buddy.
I took a long pull from my water, trying to drown the voice in my head
that was screaming at me to go over there. To do what, I wasn’t sure.
Rescue her? From what, success?
No, a traitorous part of my brain whispered. To claim her as mine.
I nearly choked on the bubbling water. Where the hell had that come
from? Pen wasn’t mine to claim. She was my student. My brother’s
fiancée’s assistant. My friend.
Just then, Pen’s eyes met mine across the room. She gave me a small
smile and a thumbs up. I returned the gesture automatically, but inside, I
was a mess of conflicting emotions.
Pride at how well she was doing. Jealousy at the attention she was
getting. And something else, something deeper and more terrifying than I
could handle at the moment.
The guy finally stood up, and the next one moved to take his place at
Pen’s table. But I didn’t just recognize the guy who was up next. I knew
him. It was Dion, the rookie, and he had on a smile a mile wide. I made a
decision. A stupid, reckless decision that Future Everett was definitely
going to regret.
I downed the rest of my water and stood up. It was time to get a closer
look at this speed dating thing.
After all, I was supposed to be observing, right? And how could I
observe properly from all the way over here?
At least, that’s what I told myself as I made my way towards the tables,
my eyes never leaving Penelope.
“Hey, rookie,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder. “How about I do
you a solid?”
Dion looked at me, confusion clear on his face. “Kingman? What are
you doing here? You’re the last guy I thought would do celebrity speed
dating.”
I leaned in, lowering my voice. “You know that supermodel I did the
underwear shoot with? How’d you like me to set you up on a date with her
instead of doing all this nonsense?”
 His eyes widened. “For real? That’d be awesome, but... why?”
“I want your spot in this speed dating round. What do you say? A real
celebrity date for five minutes with...” I gestured towards Pen’s table.
Dion’s gaze followed mine, and he whistled low. “Damn, Kingman. I’ve
been looking forward to talking to her. I’m an ass man and hers don’t quit.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, and he grinned, holding up his hands in
surrender. “All yours, man. Good luck.”
Heart pounding like I’d just run a four second forty yard dash, I made
my way to Pen’s table just as the bell rang. She looked up, surprise
flickering across her face as I sat down.
“Ev? What are you doing?”
I leaned forward, acutely aware of the ticking clock. “I couldn’t do it,
Pen. I couldn’t just stand back and watch.”
She tipped her head all cute and curious like. “I thought that was the
whole point of you being here.”
“Yeah, well, plans change.” I took a deep breath, steeling myself. I was
going to do it. I was giving in. “I don’t want you going out with any of
these fucking guys.”
Pen’s eyes widened, her lips parted, and she blinked a few times. “But
you’re the one who set this whole thing up. You’re supposed to be helping
me find a date for the awards show. I think I already have at least three
strong candidates, including Fox Daws, the rock star. Did you know he was
from Denver?”
“Fuck Fox Daws.” I clenched my teeth and my fists under the table. “I
thought I could be your dating coach, your love guru, your... whatever. But I
can’t. Not anymore.”
I grabbed Pen’s hand, and the lightning struck and the thunder rolled
right through me.
I was in love with Penelope Quinn.

OceanofPDF.com
 D O N ’ T G O S T E A LI N G M Y H E A R T
PENELOPE

I blinked rapidly, trying to process what had just happened. One

minute I was sailing through speed dates, feeling more confident
than I had in years, and the next, Everett Kingman was sitting across
from me, looking like he’d just run a marathon.
I didn’t know whether to be hurt or excited that he didn’t want to be my
love coach anymore, whether to protest or sing hallelujah.
Before I could sort through my feelings, he grabbed my hand.
It was like someone had cranked up the heat and electricity in the room.
Every nerve ending in my body seemed to focus on that single point of
contact. Everett’s hand was warm, slightly calloused from years of catching
footballs, and it fit perfectly around mine.
I opened my mouth, not sure what I was going to say, but knowing I had
to say something. This was Everett. The guy who’d been trying to help me
find a date, for crying out loud. He couldn’t possibly mean...
The shrill sound of a bell cut through the air, making us both jump.
Everett’s hand tightened on mine for a split second before he let go, leaving
my skin tingling.
“Oh my goodness, is that Everett Kingman jumping into the fray?” A
perky blonde woman in a floral dress appeared at our table, clipboard in
hand and excitement radiating from every pore. She looked from Everett to
me and back again, her smile growing wider by the second.
“I can’t believe it.” She was so giddy, she was practically vibrating.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have one of the biggest sports stars, and I know
you ladies remember that underwear ad, joining our speed dating event
tonight.”
I watched as Everett’s face cycled through a series of expressions—
surprise, frustration, and finally, a resigned sort of panic. He looked at me,
his eyes pleading for... what? Help? Understanding?
“Ev,” I started, not sure what I was going to say. We needed to talk. That
much was clear. But with everyone’s eyes on us and this overly enthusiastic
event organizer practically ready to be the Mrs. Claus of the dating world,
now was definitely not the time.
“You should go to the next table,” I said, surprised by how steady my
voice sounded. “We can talk after, okay?”
Everett hesitated, looking like he wanted to say more. But then he
nodded, standing up slowly. “Yeah, okay. After.”
As the event organizer ushered him to the next table, chattering about
what an honor it was to have him participate, I slumped back in my chair.
My mind was going through a thousand mental checklists, trying to make
sense of what had just happened.
What had Everett been about to say? And more importantly, why was I
hugely disappointed that he hadn’t gotten to finish? He could have just been
ready to tell me I didn’t need him anymore and that he was leaving me to
the wolves.
But he wouldn’t do that. Not my Everett.
The sound of someone clearing their throat snapped me back to reality. I
looked up to see my next speed date sliding into the chair across from me, a
charming smile on his face.
“Hi, I’m Odin,” he said, extending his hand. “You know, the guy on
FlipFlop with the axe? And you must be the luckiest girl here, getting to be
the first one with Everett Kingman himself tonight.”
I plastered on a smile and shook his hand, all while my eyes drifted to
where Everett sat at the next table, which happened to be where Simone
was sitting. “Yeah,” I murmured. “Lucky me.”
“So, Penelope Quinn, assistant to the fabulous Kelsey Best,” Odin said,
leaning in with a smile that was probably meant to be charming but came
off as smarmy. “I have to say, I’m a big fan. You probably know I went
mega viral for saying I loved fat-bottomed girls who make the rocking
world go round.”
 I forced a smile, trying not to cringe. I did know who he was,
unfortunately. His “body-positive” video had been all over social media, but
his product line of health and fitness products he launched since then that
were so very diet culture revealed his true colors.
“Right, of course,” I said, my tone flat. “How could I forget?”
Odin didn’t seem to notice my lack of enthusiasm. He leaned in closer,
lowering his voice conspiratorially. “You know, I’ve always had a thing for
curvy women. There’s just more to love, you know what I mean?”
I felt my skin crawl. The way he said it, like he was doing me a favor by
finding me attractive, made me want to dump my drink over his head.
Instead, I just nodded, my eyes once again drifting to the table next to us.
Everett sat there, looking uncomfortable as Simone leaned in close.
When we’d realized we were both at the event, Simone and I had
exchanged friendly hellos and wished each other luck. But now, watching
her with Everett, I felt a surge of irritation. Hadn’t I tried to set them up
before? So why did seeing them together now bother me so much?
“Hey, earth to Penelope,” Odin snapped his fingers and his voice cut
through my thoughts. “You seem a little distracted. You don’t have to feel
self-conscious around me, you know? I like what you’ve got going on.”
I blinked, forcing myself to focus on the man in front of me. “Sorry, I’m
just... it’s been a long night. Lots of dates, you know?”
Odin’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I totally get it. Sometimes the pressure of
meeting new people when you’re as recognizable as me can be
overwhelming. Especially for girls like you, who might not be used to so
much attention.”
Uh. My eyebrows shot into the atmosphere before I could stop them.
Girls like me? What was that supposed to mean?
But before I could respond, I caught a snippet of conversation from the
next table.
“...hoped we might get to meet again,” Simone was saying, her voice
low and intimate.
My heart rate kicked up a notch. This was good, right? This was what I
wanted. Everett deserved someone great like Simone. So why did I feel so
possessive of him right now?
“You know,” Odin was saying, oblivious to my inner turmoil, “I’ve
been thinking about doing a series on body positivity. Maybe you could
help me out? Give me some insights into what it’s like to be, you know, not
conventionally attractive but still confident?”
I stared at him, momentarily shocked out of my Everett-induced haze.
“Excuse me?”
Odin held up his hands. “I mean it as a compliment. You’re so brave,
putting yourself out there like this.”
Any other time, I might have told Odin exactly where he could shove
his bravery. Existing in a fat body wasn’t brave, it was my fucking life. A
life I loved.
But right now, all I could think about was Everett’s words from earlier. I
don’t want you going out with any of these fucking guys.
What had he meant by that? And why couldn’t I stop thinking about it?
I nodded absently, my attention caught by a change in Everett’s posture.
He was leaning back now, his arms crossed. Did that mean he wasn’t
interested in Simone? Or was he just listening intently?
“...so what do you say?” Odin was asking, his eyes eager. “Want to
collab on my body positivity series? Maybe I could get you over to my
place and we could swing my axe around.”
“I’ll have to check my schedule,” I said, not entirely sure what I was
agreeing to.
And then I heard it. Simone’s voice, clear as day:
“...shoot my shot right here and now. It seems like the stars have
aligned. Everett, I’d love if you would go to the Grampys with me. What do
you say?”
The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Everett at the awards show with
Simone? That couldn’t happen. It shouldn’t happen. But why not? Wasn’t
this exactly what I’d been working towards?
My hands were shaking. I reached for my glass of water, needing
something to do, something to ground me.
“Whoa, careful,” Odin exclaimed, but it was too late.
The glass slipped from my trembling fingers, sending a cascade of ice-
cold water directly into Odin’s lap.
“Oh no,” I said and even threw in a faux gasp, watching the water soak
into Odin’s plaid shirt and designer jeans. In a deadpan voice, I added, “I’m
so sorry. Why don’t you just take your shirt off, you know, for the likes.”
I wasn’t sorry. Not one bit. I should have tossed my drink on him after
his first backhanded insult. And I definitely wasn’t paying attention to his
sputtering protests. My entire focus was on the conversation happening at
the next table.
“The awards show?” Everett was saying, his voice carrying clearly in
the sudden hush that had fallen over our corner of the room. “I, uh...
actually, I was hoping to go to that.”
My heart leapt into my throat. Was he about to agree to go to the
Grampys with Simone?
“Oh?” Simone’s voice was bright with interest. “That would be great.”
Everett nodded and looked over at me. “I was just thinking...”
But I didn’t wait to hear the rest. My mind raced ahead, filling in the
blanks. Of course he was going to say yes to Simone. Why wouldn’t he?
She was beautiful, confident, and clearly interested in him. Everything I
wasn’t.
Something hot and angry unfurled in my chest. Without thinking, I
reached out and grabbed Odin’s still-full fancy-ass glass of beer.
“Penelope, what are you—” Odin started, but I was already on my feet.
Two steps brought me to Everett’s table. He looked up, surprise written
all over his stupid handsome face.
“Pen? What’s wrong?” He looked over at Odin and glared at him. “Are
you giving me the signal?”
What’s wrong? Everything was wrong. This whole ridiculous situation
was wrong.
“Congratulations,” I said, my voice shaking. “Looks like you found a
date for the Grampys. I didn’t even know you wanted to go.”
And then, before he could respond, before I could think better of it, I
upended the glass of beer over Everett’s head.
The foamy bubbles cascaded down his face, soaking into his crisp white
shirt. Everett sputtered, jumping to his feet. Simone let out a little shriek of
surprise.
“Pen, what the hell?” Everett gasped, wiping beer from his eyes.
But I was already moving, pushing past gawking speed-daters and
making a beeline for the exit. I could hear the murmur of shocked voices
behind me, could practically feel the weight of all those stares.
I didn’t care. I just needed to get out of there.
The cool night air hit me as I burst out of the bar, but it did nothing to
calm the storm of emotions raging inside me.
 “Penelope, wait.” Everett’s voice. Of course he’d followed me. I
quickened my pace, my heels clicking frantically on the pavement. I didn’t
even know where I was going. He’d driven me here, and it wasn’t like I was
going to walk all the way back to Thornminster.
“Pen, please. Talk to me, tell me what that was all about in there.”
His hand caught my arm, gently turning me to face him. In the glow of
the neon signs of the bars, clubs, and streetlights, I could see the droplets of
beer still clinging to his hair. He looked ridiculous.
He looked beautiful.
“What do you want, Everett?” I asked, hating how my voice cracked on
his name.
“I want to understand what just happened in there,” he said, his eyes
searching mine. “One minute you’re having a speed date with that
douchepotato, and the next you’re dumping his beer on my head and
running out.”
I laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Having a speed date? Is that
what you were doing when you just agreed to go to the awards show with
Simone while I had to sit there and listen to Odin talk about how brave I am
for daring to date while fat?”
Everett’s brow furrowed. “What? Pen, I didn’t agree to go with Simone.
I was about to tell her that I... Wait. He fucking said what? I’m going to
fucking murder him. Call my goddamn agent and tell him we’re going to
need that insurance on my hands tonight because I’m going to beat that
asshole to a bloody pulp.”
He clenched his fists but when I expected him to turn and run back
inside to defend my... honor, or body, or life, he just stood there, staring
down at me, so many emotions raging through his eyes. His chest rose and
fell like a man possessed, but his feet were glued to the ground in front of
me.
I shook my head, suddenly feeling very tired. “It doesn’t matter. None
of this matters. I don’t know why I thought I could do this. I don’t know
why I let you talk me into it.”
“Pen...” Everett’s voice was soft now, gentle in a way that made my
heart ache. “What’s really going on here?”
I looked up at him, at this man who’d turned my world upside down
without even realizing it. I wanted to tell him that Kelsey was right, that I
did have feelings for him. That somewhere along the way, when he was
teaching me how to date, I’d fallen in love with him.
I didn’t get the chance, because Everett grabbed my face in his hands
and crushed his mouth down on mine, kissing me, taking my breath away,
making me go weak in the knees.
Stealing my heart.

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 I N S TA S N A P P O S T

@BestiesBestie
[Selfie style pic of Penelope in a room full of local Colorado celebrities
with a speed dating sign in the background]

Caption:
Hey, Besties.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Whether it's
trying a new hobby, going on a date, or just wearing that outfit you've been
scared to rock. It’s okay to be scared and try something new.
Do it unafraid. You've got this.

What one thing can you do today that scares you?

Your BFF,
Mz. Besties’ Bestie - Penelope
#BestiesBestie #ComfortZone #LiveYourBestLife #IfICanDoItYouCanDoIt
#WhoSaidAnythingAboutSnakes?

OceanofPDF.com
 I S T H AT A N A N A C O N D A I N YO U R
PA NT S ?
EVERETT

I kissed Penelope.
I kissed her, and the world didn’t end. In fact, it felt like it was
finally beginning.
When I pulled back, Pen’s eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted. A
drop of beer had transferred from my shirt to her cheek, and I wiped it away
with my thumb.
“Ev,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “What... what was that?”
“Shit. Sorry, Pen. I did that all wrong. Let me try again.” I lowered my
lips to hers, almost touching but not quite. “Pretty Penny, can I kiss you?
Please? I might go crazy if I can’t, but it’s up to you. It’s what you want.”
“That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever asked me.” Her words
tickled my lips and my heart. “You don’t even need to ask, because I
definitely want you do kiss me again.”
“I do need to ask, sweetheart.” She deserved to be treated like the queen
that she was, and I’d make sure she was every single day, even if she didn’t
think it was necessary. “Enthusiastic consent is the sexiest thing from any
woman in the world, but it’s even better when it’s you.”
I was going to kiss her again. And then again, and again. But she needed
an answer to her question.
I took a deep breath, knowing that whatever I said next would change
everything. No more hiding behind the guise of being her teacher. No more
pretending I didn’t feel what I felt every time she smiled at me.
 “That,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended, “was something I’ve
wanted to do since the moment you asked me to teach you how to date.
Maybe even before.”
Pen blinked, processing my words. “But... but you’ve been trying to set
me up with other guys. You organized this whole speed dating thing.”
I let out a chuckle, even as my skin heated up for her. “Yeah, well, turns
out I’m not as much of a love guru as everyone thinks I am. I thought if I
could just find you the perfect guy, these feelings would go away. But
watching you tonight, seeing how amazing you were with all those men...
Pen, it was driving me crazy.”
“So when you said you were hoping to go to the awards show...” She
tipped her head and gave me that quizzical look I so enjoyed.
“I was going to tell Simone that I couldn’t go with her because I was
hoping to take you.” I ran a hand through my hair, grimacing when I felt the
stickiness of the beer. “But then you dumped a drink on my head before I
could get the words out.”
Pen’s face flushed a beautiful shade of pink. “Oh god, Ev, I’m so sorry. I
thought... I assumed...”
I pulled her close again, resting my forehead against hers. “It’s okay. I
probably deserved it for being such an idiot for far too long.”
She laughed then, a soft, breathy sound that made my heart skip.
“We’ve both been idiots, haven’t we? Because that day at the coffee shop
where you met Simone? I, uh, set that up. I was trying to help you find love,
because Jules said you wouldn’t play well if you weren’t in love.”
I almost choked on my own laugh. “You what?”
I was both going to torture my little sister and buy her a fucking pony.
“First of all, the saying goes that Kingman men play better when we’re
getting laid,” I teased, then sobered.
“But, Pen, I need you to know... You aren’t some one-night stand or
fling to me. I have real feelings for you. Feelings that Declan is going to
want to murder me for, but I’m willing to face his wrath for you.”
Pen’s eyes shimmered in the streetlight. “I’ve had a ridiculously huge
crush on you for a while. I even had some, umm, dreams about you.”
“Oh god, please tell me they were sex dreams, Pen. And then tell me
everything we did in them so I can do it all to you for real.”
She bit her lip through a smile, but her face went serious after. “I just... I
didn’t think someone like you could ever be interested in someone like me.”
 I frowned, cupping her face in my hands. “Someone like you? You
mean someone smart, funny, kind, and sexy as hell? Pen, you’re amazing.
Any guy would be lucky to have you in their life.”
“But you’re the only guy I want,” she said softly.
And just like that, I was kissing her again. This kiss was different from
the first—less desperate—but no less passionate. It was a promise, a
beginning.
When we finally came up for air, I knew I didn’t want this night to end.
“Come home with me,” I said, the words tumbling out before I could
second-guess them.
Pen’s eyes widened. “So we can act out my sex dreams?”
I nodded, suddenly more sure than I’d been about anything in a long
time. “Hell yeah. I want to be with you, Pen. No more lessons, no more
pretending. Just us.”
She bit her lip, considering for a moment, then smiled. “Okay. But you
might have to give me a few more lessons. I’ve been told I’m not very good
in bed.”
“Pen.” I shook my head and lifted her chin with my knuckles so she had
to look at me when I told her the truth she needed to hear. “I don’t know
what kind of absolute dumbasses you’ve been dating, but later, I will use
every bit of my fortune to hire angry honey badgers to neuter every single
one of them. I have absolutely no doubt that not only are we going to be
great in bed together, I’m betting you’re going to rock my fucking world
tonight.”
The drive to my house was a blur of stolen glances and tentative
touches. My fingers and thumb caressed Pen’s thigh as I drove and pushed
her dress up higher with every mile. Touching her like this felt surreal, like
a sex dream I was afraid to wake up from. But this was so much better than
any sex dream.
We pulled into my driveway, and reality came crashing back in the form
of a frantic woman pacing on my front porch.
“Is that... Billy’s mom?” Pen asked, squinting through the windshield.
I nodded, a knot of dread forming in my stomach. If Billy’s mom was
here this late, something was wrong. And given our history, I had a sinking
feeling I knew what it was about.
We got out of the car and approached the porch. Billy’s mom’s face was
a mask of anxiety, her eyes darting between us and the front door.
 “Mr. Kingman, thank goodness you’re here.” She ran a hand through
her already messy hair. “I’ve been trying to reach you for hours.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Thompson, we were at an event.” One that I was
hoping to continue sooner rather than later. “What’s going on? Is Billy all
right?”
She wrung her hands. “It’s that dumb snake of his. He’s escaped, again,
and... and I saw him slither into your house. I’m so sorry.”
The world tilted sideways. Snakey. In my house. My skin crawled at the
mere thought.
“Are... are you sure?” I asked, my voice embarrassingly high-pitched.
Mrs. Thompson nodded vigorously. “Positive. I’ve been waiting here,
hoping you’d come home. I even tried calling that nice snake wrangler lady,
but she’s not answering either, and I think I remember that she’s out of town
for Christmas.”
Bile roiled in my stomach and maybe I groaned. Pen must have noticed
because she squeezed my hand reassuringly.
“Okay,” she said, taking charge. “We need to go in and look for her. She
can’t have gone far, right?”
Mrs. Thompson and Pen looked at me expectantly. I swallowed hard,
trying to quell the panic rising in my chest. “Right. Yeah. We should... we
should go in and look.”
I fumbled with my keys, my hands shaking so badly I could barely get
the door open. As it swung inward, I half expected to see Snakey coiled on
the welcome mat, ready to strike.
But the entryway was empty. Silent. Which was even worse.
“I’ll check the living room,” Pen offered.
“And I’ll look in the kitchen,” Mrs. Thompson added.
They both turned to me, waiting. I opened my mouth, but no words
came out. The thought of walking into my own home knowing that slithery
demon was in here somewhere, probably in my fucking bedroom...
“Ev?” Pen’s voice was soft, concerned. “Are you okay?”
I shook my head, unable to lie. “I... I can’t. I’m sorry, but I just... I can’t
go in there knowing she’s loose.”
Understanding dawned in Pen’s eyes. She squeezed my hand again. “It’s
okay. We’ve got this. You wait out here, alright?”
Guilt and relief warred inside me as I nodded. I watched as Pen and
Mrs. Thompson ventured into the house, feeling like the world’s biggest
coward. I was going to turn that fucking snake into a pair of boots. Or
maybe a purse for Penelope.
Shit. No I wasn’t. Billy loved his stupid snake.
The minutes crawled by like hours. Every rustle, every muffled
exclamation from inside the house had me jumping. I paced the porch,
alternating between peering anxiously through the windows and staring at
the front door, willing it to open.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Pen and Mrs. Thompson
emerged. Their expressions told me everything I needed to know.
“We couldn’t find him,” Pen said gently. “We looked everywhere, Ev.
He must be hiding really well.”
I almost blurted out the question of whether she’d checked my pants,
but Mrs. Thompson would probably take that as a very inappropriate
innuendo, and I didn’t need more gossip about me and Pen floating around
the neighborhood.
Mrs. Thompson nodded. “We’ll have to wait for the snake wrangler. I’m
so sorry, Mr. Kingman. I feel terrible about this.”
I waved off her apology, my mind racing. I couldn’t stay here. Not with
Snakey on the loose. But I couldn’t ask Pen to leave, not after everything
that had happened between us tonight.
In a split-second decision, I turned to Pen. “You should go home. I’ve
got a plan.”
She looked like she wanted to argue, but something in my expression
stopped her. She nodded, kissed me on the cheek, and headed across the
street.
As I watched her pop inside Declan’s front door, I took a deep breath.
Time for Plan B.
I just hoped Dec wouldn’t mind an unexpected houseguest.
I waited seven whole minutes until I grabbed my go bag, packed for the
hotel for tomorrow night. It might be Christmas Eve, but Coach
Shananagan was still adamant that we slept alone the night before a game.
He did give us a bit more leeway and had a whole Christmas Eve party for
the guys with kids where he dressed up as Santa and gave out presents. The
guy might be tough on us, but he loved kids.
Ten long minutes after Pen snuck back into the house, I stood on
Declan’s porch, my bag slung over my shoulder. It was well past midnight,
and I felt a twinge of guilt as I knocked on the door. I sent him a text to say
I was coming over, but he didn’t even read it. Desperate times called for
desperate measures, and a loose snake definitely made me very desperate.
After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open. Declan stood there
in his pajama pants, looking confused and slightly annoyed. Kelsey was
behind him in nothing but one of his t-shirts. I’d definitely interrupted some
sexy times.
Sorry, not sorry.
“Ev? What the hell, man? It’s the middle of the night.”
I tried for a casual smile. “Hey, bro. So, funny story...”
Five minutes later, I was sitting on their couch, recounting the evening’s
events. Well, most of them. I left out the part about kissing Pen and inviting
her back to my place. Because I didn’t need to get murdered tonight.
“Let me get this straight,” Declan said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“There’s a snake loose in your house, and now you want to crash here?”
I nodded, trying to look as pathetic as possible. “Just until the snake
wrangler can come when she gets back after her Christmas vacation. Please,
Dec. You know how I feel about snakes.”
Declan sighed, but I could see the corner of his mouth twitching. “Fine.
You can stay in the basement. I just finished renovating it so Kels can have
a home studio, so try not to break anything, okay?”
Hells to the yeah. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
Just then, we heard footsteps on the stairs. “Dec? Kels? What’s going
on?”
My heart skipped as beat as Pen appeared, dressed in pajamas with her
hair up in a messy bun. She looked like she’d been in bed, but her eyes
were alert as they met mine.
“Ev?” she asked, surprise coloring her voice. “What are you doing
here?”
For a moment, I forgot how to speak. She looked so soft, so beautiful,
and all I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless.
Later.
Declan, oblivious to the tension, answered for me. “Apparently, there’s
a snake on the loose at Casa Everett. He’s going to crash downstairs until
it’s sorted.”
Pen’s eyes widened in understanding, and Kelsey gave her a
disconcerting look. “Oh. That’s... okay, that’s cool.”
 I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Yeah, I hope you
don’t mind me invading your space like this.”
She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Not at all. I
probably wouldn’t have even known you were here until tomorrow
morning, right?”
Declan yawned, stretching his arms above his head. But Kelsey folded
her arms and tapped her toe. “Well, now that that’s settled, we should all get
some sleep. And Jules wants to take the girls shopping for the gift family
gift exchange in the suite on Christmas.”
This was the perfect distraction for Kelsey. “It’ll be your first one with
us. You’re going to love it. You all get to have a whole-ass Christmas party
while we play.”
Pen nodded, her eyes flickering to mine. “Wouldn’t miss it for the
world.”
“Great,” Declan grinned. “Hey, Pen, remind me to tell you about the
bedazzled jockstrap Ev got for Christmas a few years back. It’s a classic
Kingman tale.”
Oh god. Older brothers were the worst. “Dec, I swear to God...”
Pen laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, I definitely need to
hear this story.”
Declan chuckled and started heading upstairs. “Tomorrow, I promise.
Now everybody go to fucking bed. Ev, you know what the blankets and shit
are.”
Declan had to practically drag Kelsey back up the stairs, and I swear she
wagged her finger at Pen. God, I hope she didn’t suspect. As their footsteps
faded, Pen and I were left alone in the living room. The air between us
crackled with unspoken words and barely restrained desire.
“So,” I said, taking a step closer to her. “Fancy meeting you here.”
She bit her lip, looking up at me through her lashes. “Seems like the
universe wants us together tonight, one way or another.”
I reached out, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “Maybe we should
stop fighting the universe, then.”
Pen’s breath hitched. “We definitely should.”
In one swift motion, I picked her up into my arms princess style,
capturing her lips in a searing kiss as soon as she wrapped her arms around
my neck. She melted against me as she kissed me back with equal fervor.
 When we finally came up for air, I rested my forehead against hers.
“Want to go break in Declan’s fancy new basement?”
“Why, Mr. Kingman, is that an anaconda in your pants or…?”
Oh Jesus. “Too soon, Pen, too soon.”

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 BAGGASFM
PENELOPE

M y heart pounded as Everett carried me down the stairs to Declan’s

newly finished basement. First of all, no one had ever carried me
anywhere in my entire life. And while I felt like I should be
worried about him dropping me, with visions of us both tumbling down the
stairs, he didn’t even grunt or waver. Not once.
I’d never felt more safe or secure.
Each step felt momentous, like I was walking towards something that
would change everything. Everett’s arms around me were so warm, his
thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin, which just juiced up the
butterflies in my stomach.
We reached the bottom of the stairs, and Everett released my legs,
slowly sliding me down his body. His eyes were soft and sparkling in the
dim light. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
I was exhilarated, terrified, and everything in between. It had been ages
since I’d let any man see me naked, much less had sex.
“Maybe if you lost some weight, I’d be more into it.”
“Leave your shirt on.”
“You’ve got plenty of cushion for the pushing I want to do to you.”
I shoved the voices away, focusing instead on Everett’s steady
breathing, on the way he held me like I was something precious. This was
Everett. He wasn’t like those other guys.
Everett must have sensed my nervousness because he pulled me close,
resting his forehead against mine. “We don’t have to do anything. If you
want to stay up all night talking, just holding each other, I’ll be happy. We’ll
never do anything you’re not comfortable with, you know that, right?”
“I know,” I whispered back. “I trust you, Ev.”
He smiled, that heart-stopping smile that made his eyes crinkle at the
corners. “Good. Because I’d really love to do a whole lot more than just
hold you tonight.”
As if to prove his point, his hands slid down to my hips and then
brushed across the bulge of my belly. I tensed instinctively, waiting for him
to pull away in disgust. Dammit. I knew he wouldn’t, but while my mind
wanted every dirty little thing we could do with each other, it was as if my
body was running on muscle memory of all my shitty past experiences.
I didn’t want to be anxious. I meant what said. I did trust him. But the
doing was a lot harder than the thinking, and that made me sad and mad.
But Everett definitely didn’t pull away in disgust. Instead, he leaned in
and kissed me, slow and deep, his hands never leaving my body. When we
finally broke apart, both breathless, I saw nothing but desire in his eyes.
“Do you have any idea what you do to me, Pen?” he murmured, his
voice husky.
My breath caught in my throat. Part of me wanted to say no, to deny
that I could possibly turn him on like this. The small, traumatized part of me
wanted to hide away the parts of myself I’d always been told were too
much, to repulsive to be attractive, to be loved.
But a bigger, better part, the part that had been silenced for too long,
whispered yes.
“Show me,” I said, surprising myself with how much I meant it, wanted
it.
Everett’s smile was radiant as he led me to the fancy new guest
bedroom, and once inside the doorway, his hands were all over me again.
He pulled me to the bed and sat me on the edge, then he knelt in front of
me, looking up with such adoration that it made my heart ache.
“Tell me that you want me as much as I want you.” Did I... did I detect a
little bit of uncertainty in his voice? Was there any question that any woman
he’d ever been with wanted him? Unlikely. He was one of the hottest men
in the whole entire world.
His hands rested lightly on my knees, waiting for my response. I
nodded, unable to look away from his intense gaze, and I remembered what
he’d said earlier about enthusiastic consent. That must be what this was.
Not self-doubt from him, but just him making sure I was doing okay. That
made more sense.
I smiled and cupped his cheeks in my hands. “I enthusiastically want
you, Everett Kingman.”
His smile lit up his whole face, and he slowly unbuttoned my pajama
top. With each button, more of my skin was exposed, and I fought the urge
to cover myself.
But then Everett leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my collarbone, then
another to the swell of my breast. “God, you’re so perfect,” he whispered
against my skin.
And for the first time in my life, I started to believe it might be true.
Everett’s hands were gentle as they pushed my pajama top off my
shoulders. For a fraction of a second, my muscles moved to cross my arms
over my chest, to hide from his gaze. But the way he looked at me—like I
really was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen—gave me the courage to
continue to stay open, vulnerable.
“Do you want me to take this off too?” he asked softly, his fingers
tracing the lace edge of my bra.
I nodded, then found my voice so he would never doubt that everything
he was doing was exactly what I wanted. “Yes,” I whispered. “Please.”
He reached behind me to unclasp my bra. As it fell away, I held my
breath, waiting for the moment his expression would change, for the
disappointment to set in.
But it never came. Because this was not some dickface from my past.
This was my future.
Everett’s eyes flashed and he cupped my breasts, thumbs brushing over
my nipples. I couldn’t hold back a soft moan. No one outside of my dreams
touched me so... reverently. Encouraged by my response, he leaned in,
replacing his fingers with his mouth.
“Ev,” I gasped. The sensation was overwhelming. I arched into him, my
fingers tangling in his hair.
He looked up at me, his lips curved in a smile. “Good?”
“So good,” I admitted, and I could hardly wait for more.
He slid his hands down to my waist, thumbs stroking the soft skin of my
belly. I tensed. I didn’t mean to, but I did.
His touch lightened, but he didn’t move away. “Tell me what you like or
don’t, sweet Penny. I want to hear a whole lot more of those soft little
moans.”
I bit my lip, embarrassed. “I’m not sure I like having my stomach
touched. It’s not exactly a sensual zone for me.”
Understanding dawned in his eyes, and I was trying so hard to be the
beautiful confident Penelope that he wanted.
“Pen,” he said, his voice serious. “I won’t touch you there if you don’t
want, but give me a chance to show you how every part of you is beautiful
to me first. Including this.” He bent down and pressed a kiss to my stomach,
right above my navel, then looked up to see my reaction.
I licked my lips and gave him the tiniest of nods.
He pulled the waistband of the pajama pants down. “And this.” Another
kiss, this time to that bit of muffin top right above my panties.
Everett must have sensed my nervousness because he paused, looking
up at me with those earnest blue eyes. “We can stop anytime, Pen. Just say
the word.”
But I didn’t want to stop. For the first time in my life, I felt truly seen.
Which was empowering, even if it was also uncomfortable.
“Don’t stop,” I said, reaching out to cup his face. “Please, Ev. I want
this. I want you.”
In a quick move that took my breath away, he pushed me back and
crawled up over me, his fingers playing with the waistband of my pajama
bottoms. “Can I take these off?”
“Yes,” I said, more confidently this time.
Slowly, reverently, he slid my pajamas and underwear down my legs. I
resisted the urge to close my thighs, to hide myself from him.
“And definitely this.” His lips brushed against a silvery stretch mark on
my thigh.
Tears pricked at my eyes. No one had ever touched me like this, like my
body was something to be cherished rather than tolerated.
He continued pressing kisses to my skin, telling me how beautiful each
little part of my body was. Including, and especially, bits that I’d definitely
always considered flaws. With each kiss, each word in praise of my body,
he crept closer to my pussy.
Oh my giddy vagina. Was he going to...? He pressed his next kiss the
curls on my mound, and then ducked his head lower.
He was. Everett was going down on me. I... I thought that was only in
romance novels. Guys didn’t actually like doing that, did they?
 “God, I’m going to love eating this sweet, soft pussy, Penelope.” He
pressed another kiss to my core, just above my clit, but didn’t touch it. “Put
your hands in my hair. Show me how you like it, where you want my
tongue and lips.”
“How am I supposed to know that?” I whimpered.
Everett’s head popped up and stared up at me like I just asked if he was
the Wizard of Oz. But then he shook his head and his eyes went narrow.
“Pen, if you tell me no guy has ever gone down on you before, I’m moving
murderous honey badgers for all of your exes higher up on my to-do list.
No, wait. Honey badgers are too good for the utter shit boyfriends you’ve
had, because I can already see it in your face. Snakes, Penny. I am sending
deadly-ass snakes to all of their houses immediately if not sooner.”
When he started this line of questioning, I was ready to curl up into a
ball and hide, but the way he was so utterly and adorably angry on my
behalf that he would threaten someone with his greatest fear, well, he made
me laugh instead.
That was everything I ever needed from him.
“I’ll help you find said assassin snakes, because I’m starting to think I
really did have shitty exes.” I wasn’t quite ready to tell him I wouldn’t
consider any of the schmoes I’d dated or slept with an actual boyfriend.
“First thing tomorrow. Because right now, I’m going to make you forget
every other man’s name. I want you chanting mine as I make you come on
my face at least a half dozen times.”
“A half dozen?” Yes, that did come out as a squeak. He was under the
impression my body did things that I wasn’t sure it was capable of.
He waggled his eyebrows at me. “Oh yeah. So put your hands in my
hair like I told you to so you can show me exactly what gets you all hot and
bothered.”
Everett dipped his head and pushed my thighs open wider, but he just
sort of hovered there. Now that he was face-to-face with my wide open
pussy, had he changed his mind?
“Penelope.” His voice was low and growly and somehow still sing-
songy at the same time. “Put your hands in my hair so you can show me
what you like. Unless you’re trying to tease me with how fucking wet you
are for me right now.”
“Okay, but my fingers are probably just going to sit there, because I
don’t—holy sweet mother of tongues.” I was very, very wrong about my
fingers not knowing what to do. With that very first swipe of his tongue
across my clit, I gripped his hair so hard, I may have pulled a few pieces
out.
He chuckled. Which I would have to be irritated about later because he
was so damn right about how many orgasms I was about to have, but I
couldn’t be mad because his laugh vibrated through me, and I was too busy
moaning and falling to pieces.
The closer he brought me to the edge of coming, the more I agreed that
we were hiring snake assassins for my previous lovers. This was
unbelievable and I could hardly wait to see what it would be like to give
Everett as much pleasure with my mouth as he was giving me.
Damn if he wasn’t also right about me chanting his name. I couldn’t
help it. “Everett, god, yes, Ev, Ev, Evvvvvv.”
With one more flick of his tongue, I came so hard, my mouth and brain
and body all clenched down and I saw stars as my body released. The
pleasure crashed through me, and yet Everett didn’t stop. No, he pushed
two fingers inside of me and drew out that orgasm until I thought I was
going to pass out.
It was too much and not enough. I needed more, but of what, I didn’t
know. He was already taking me so far beyond any pleasure I’d ever
experienced, and I was lost in the bliss. “Everett, please.”
He raised his head but continued to move his fingers inside of me.
“Please, what, pretty Penny? Tell me what you need.”
My hands fell to the blanket under me, and I gripped it just as hard as I
had his hair. “You, more of you.”
“I’ve got you, babe. Trust me?”
“Yes, totally, completely.” I let my eyes drift shut as more of the lovely
orgasm endorphins or oxytocin or whatever it was that made me feel
practically high washed through me.
“Good, then let me take you even higher.” He put one of my legs over
his shoulder and leaned against the bed so he was over me again. “Look at
me, Pen. Look at me.”
I opened my eyes and stared up at him. “I want to hear you scream my
name when I make you squirt all over me.”
I’d already questioned whether a guy going down on a girl was real or
just in romances. I didn’t think it wise to question whether squirting was
real or just in porn.
 Everett leaned forward a bit more, stretching the back of my thigh, and
moved his fingers inside of me. But this time, instead of pushing them in
and out like he had when his mouth was on me, he did something quite
different. It felt like he was dragging the tips across the inner walls, which
didn’t seem so very sensual, until he hit some magical spot.
“There it is,” he crooned.
He moved his fingers faster, and the moan I made wasn’t even my own
voice. It was otherworldly, just like whatever he was doing to me.
“Come on, Penelope, let, go, baby. Be a good girl and squirt for me.”
He flicked his fingers even faster and then pressed his thumb against my
clit, and I absolutely came apart.
This was a whole other kind of orgasm that rushed through me. Instead
of my body clenching down like before, it was like everything exploded in
pulsing waves.
“Yes, fuck, yes, baby, that’s it. That’s my girl.” His hand and arm were
drenched, and I was falling into euphoria.
I blinked up at Everett, the literal love guru who was smiling down
upon me. “What kind of sex magic did you just cast on me?”
“I’m just proving to you that you’re a sex goddess who deserves to be
worshipped.”
“Oh. Is that all?” I wasn’t even sure actual coherent words were coming
out of my mouth right now.
Everett leaned in and gave me a long, lingering kiss. “Yes. Because any
man who thinks you’re not good in bed is a dumbass. But I’m really
fucking grateful they were, because now I get you all to myself.”
His smile was radiant as he stood, quickly shedding his own clothes.
And then he was there, all golden skin and defined muscles, and I definitely
forgot the names of every other man on the planet.
“Like what you see?” he teased gently, but once again, I could see a hint
of vulnerability in his eyes.
“You’re... like a work of art,” I said honestly, because he was.
Everett joined me on the bed, pulling me up to the headboard and
pillows. Oh, and away from the huge wet spot at the foot of the bed. We’d
be doing some laundry before morning.
He wrapped his arms around me, so we were chest to chest, skin to skin.
The feeling was electric, intimate in another way I’d never experienced
before.
 He kissed my forehead and then rested his against mine. “Tell me what
you want from me, Penny.”
In answer, I kissed him, pouring all my desire, all my newfound
confidence into it. I whispered against his lips. “I want you. I want you to
make love to me now, Everett.”

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 A T H O U S A N D LI G HT N I N G S T R I K E S
EVERETT

I ’d always thought finding “the one” would be like lightning striking

—instant, electric, unmistakable. But as I gazed down at Penelope,
her skin flushed and her eyes shining with trust and desire, I realized
love could sneak up on you, building that electricity up until it exploded
and was impossible to ignore.
“You’re so beautiful,” I murmured, trailing kisses down her neck. “So
fucking sexy.”
And she was. Every curve, every dip, every mark on her skin told a
story, and I wanted to learn them all. My hands roamed her body, reveling
in the softness of her skin, the generous swell of her hips, the fullness of her
breasts.
I was going to make love to her, but as much as I wanted to be inside of
her, to claim her with my body, this night wasn’t really about me. I realized
that the second she admitted that no guy had every eaten that sweet, plump
pussy.
That was completely unbelievable to me, given how absolutely sexy and
sensual she was. I loved pretty much every woman’s body. And I wasn’t
afraid to admit, I could admire some men’s too. It didn’t matter their size,
shape, or what the scale said, I thought they were all beautiful.
But I also wasn’t completely obtuse. I full well knew that there were
real dumbasses out there who thought it was cool or funny to disdain big
girls. And it was very fucking clear that Pen had been on the sharp end of
that shit stick.
 Which really pissed me the hell off. Guys like Odin, or any stupid
fucking asshole like him, deserved to be eaten by a snake.
I was claiming the job of repairing at least a little of Pen’s trauma by
showing her exactly how sexy, beautiful, and wanted she was.
She was mine now, and I was going to prove to her every day that she
was the supreme sex goddess that ruled over my world.
And my heart.
When my fingers traced a stretch mark on her arm, I felt her tense. I
knew she would. I looked up, meeting her eyes. “These are beautiful too,
you know,” I said softly, pressing a kiss to the silvery line. “They’re part of
you, and every part of you is gorgeous.”
I saw the flash in her eyes that said she was trying to believe me but
wasn’t quite there. “Ev, I know. I do.”
“Mmm. I’m going to keep telling you so until you actually believe it.” I
smiled, but kept my tone serious, because I never wanted her to think I was
poking fun at her. “I mean it, Pen. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve
ever seen.”
And it was true. Not just because of her physical beauty, which was
undeniable, but because of who she was—kind, funny, brilliant Penelope,
who had stolen my heart without me even realizing it.
I kissed her again, deep and passionate, pouring all my feelings into it.
My hands continued their exploration, wanting to worship every inch of her.
When my fingers dipped between her thighs, she gasped against my mouth.
“Ready for more?” I asked, my voice rough with desire.
“I don’t really think it’s my turn again but,” she breathed, “please, don’t
stop.”
I didn’t. I couldn’t strip my eyes away, awed as pleasure bloomed across
her face. She clung to me, her body arching into mine, and I’d never get
tired of watching her take her pleasure from me.
“Ev,” she panted. “I need... I need...”
“What do you need, sweetheart?” I asked, my lips brushing her ear.
“You,” she said simply. “I need you. Inside of me.”
“I am inside of you.” I teased her with my fingers, and she groaned.
“Everett Kingman, let me be very clear. If you don’t put your dick
inside of my pussy, I’m going to⁠—”
I didn’t let her finish her sentence and gave her a quick but hard kiss.
Then I jumped off the bed and reached for my pants, grabbing a condom
out of my wallet. Because I’m a safety boy.
For the first time since I was a flirty teenager, my hands shook slightly
with anticipation and emotion. I got the thing rolled on and saw a flicker of
a question cross Penelope’s face. I pressed my forehead against hers,
wanting to reassure her. “I will always keep you safe, sweetheart.”
“I trust you,” she whispered, and those three words meant more to me
than any ‘I love you’ ever had.
Slowly, carefully, I entered her. The feeling was incredible, but what
took my breath away was the look in Penelope’s eyes—vulnerable, trusting,
and filled with the same overwhelming emotion I felt. I paused, giving her
time to adjust, my hand cupping her face tenderly.
I meant to tell her how amazing she felt, how perfect, but she squeezed
her inner walls around my dick, and I lost my fucking mind. “Fu-uck, Pen.
Fuck.”
She giggled. She actually goddamn giggled. “Now you know how I felt
five minutes ago.”
I kissed her again, and again, and again. I was never going to get
enough of her.
And then we were moving together, finding a rhythm that felt as natural
as breathing. It wasn’t just physical—it was like our souls were connecting,
laying bare every vulnerability, every secret part of ourselves.
This wasn’t just sex. This was making love in every sense of the word.
And I realized, with startling clarity, that this was what I’d been searching
for all along.
As our movements became more urgent, I watched Penelope’s face,
mesmerized by the play of emotions across it. She was letting go, I could
see it—letting go of every insecurity, every doubt. And in doing so, she was
more beautiful than ever.
I wasn’t going to last very much longer, and I wanted to push her over
the edge one more time before I even thought about coming inside of her. I
reached between us and found her clit, stroking her even as I drove into her
heat.
“Ev,” she gasped, her body tensing beneath me. “I’m... I’m...”
“That’s right, sweetheart, let go again,” I encouraged, feeling my own
release approaching, my balls screaming. But I wasn’t fucking coming
before she did. “I’ve got you.”
 She cried out, her body arching into mine, and the sight of her coming
undone pushed me over the edge, taking me with her. I followed her into
bliss, her name on my lips like a prayer. I’d follow her anywhere.
I buried myself deep inside of her, not ready to let go. She wrapped her
knees around my hips, and her ankles notched into my back, holding me as
tight to her as I needed. We both gasped for breath, I felt a sense of
rightness I’d never known before.
“This is going to sound ridiculous, Everett, but thank you,” she
whispered into the quiet.
I propped myself up on an elbow, looking at her quizzically. “For
what?”
She smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. “For making me feel beautiful.
For the first time in my life, I actually believe it.”
My heart swelled with love and protectiveness. I leaned down, pressing
a soft kiss to her lips. “You are beautiful, Pen. Inside and out. And I’ll spend
every day reminding you of that if you’ll let me.”
I lay there, Penelope’s warm body curled against mine, her soft
breathing the only sound in the quiet basement. My fingers traced lazy
patterns on her skin, marveling at how right this felt. How perfect.
She stirred slightly, nuzzling closer, and I dropped a soft kiss on her
forehead. How had I not seen it before? This amazing woman had been
right in front of me all along, hidden behind the label of student or friend
or... older brother’s fiancée’s assistant.
We’d deal with that later. Right now, she was mine and I was hers, and
nothing could take that away from us.
I reached up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. “This is... I don’t even
have words for how amazing this is.”
“For me too,” she said softly. “I’ve never felt like this before.”
I wanted to tell her right then and there that I loved her. I wanted to ask
her to marry me. The words were on the tip of my tongue, desperate to be
spoken. But it was too soon, wasn’t it?
We’d only just crossed this line from friends to... whatever we were
now. And while I was certain of my feelings, a small part of me worried that
Pen might not be quite there yet. I needed to give her enough space to grow,
to feel secure.
It’s not like I was going anywhere.
 But we also couldn’t risk staying in bed together like this. Not all night
like I wanted. I forced myself to move, finally pulled out of her soft, hot
body, and took care of the condom. I’d have to make sure I took out the
trash and did some laundry before Declan realized there’d been any hanky
panky going on in his basement.
The moment I returned back to the bed, Pen melted into me, her body
soft and pliant against mine. “This still feels a bit like a dream. I meant
what I said before. I never thought... I mean, someone like you with
someone like me...”
I frowned, cupping her face in my hands. “I know you feel that way
right now, babe. And I’m not going to try and tell you that your feelings
aren’t valid or real. But I absolutely believe you’re amazing, Penelope
Quinn. Smart, funny, kind, sexy as hell. I’m the lucky one here.”
A blush crept across her cheeks, but she held my gaze. “You really mean
that, don’t you?”
“Every word,” I assured her. “And I’ll keep saying it until you believe
it.”
She nestled back into my arms, her head resting on my chest. “I’ll work
on it. I promise.”
As we lay there in comfortable silence, I found myself imagining a
future with Penelope. Lazy Sunday mornings, game nights with my family,
her cheering from the stands at my games. It all seemed so clear, so right.
Even though I couldn’t say the words out loud just yet, I made a silent
promise to myself and to her. I would do everything in my power to make
her feel loved, cherished, and beautiful. Every single day.
Because that’s what she deserved. And that’s what she was to me—
everything.
What felt like a moment later, I jolted awake, disoriented by the
unfamiliar surroundings. Then I felt Pen’s warm body pressed against mine,
and everything came rushing back. A smile spread across my face, quickly
followed by a beat of panic as I realized where we were.
“Pen,” I whispered urgently, gently shaking her shoulder. “Pen, wake
up.”
She stirred, blinking up at me with sleepy eyes. “Ev? What’s wrong?”
“We fell asleep,” I explained, already scanning the room for our
scattered clothes. “In Declan’s basement.”
Her eyes widened as the implications sank in. “Oh shit.”
 We scrambled to get dressed, the peaceful afterglow of last night
shattered by the reality of our situation. I strained my ears for any sound
from upstairs, praying we hadn’t already been discovered.
As Pen buttoned up her pajama top, I ran a hand through my disheveled
hair. “Pen, we need to talk about what we’re going to do about us.”
She paused, looking at me with a mix of happiness and apprehension. “I
know.”
I took a deep breath. “We need to tell Declan and Kelsey. I know it’s not
going to be easy, but⁠—”
“Wait,” Pen interrupted, her voice tinged with panic. “Do we have to
tell them right away? Like now? This morning?”
I frowned, confused. “Well, yeah. I mean, Declan’s my brother, and
Kelsey’s your best friend. And given how protective Dec is of you, I’ve
probably got a black eye coming but...”
Pen bit her lip, a habit I was starting to recognize as a sign of her
anxiety. “It’s just... my whole life is always out there for everyone to see,
Ev. Being the Besties’ Bestie, everything I do is public knowledge. Once
this gets out, we’ll be under scrutiny hard core. For once, I’d like to have
something that’s just... mine. At least for a little while.”
My heart softened at her words, even as worry gnawed at my gut. But
we just needed to talk this through. “I get that, Pen. I do. But don’t you
think they’re going to be pissed if they find out we’ve been sneaking
around? We don’t need to hide our feelings from them. I’m sure they can
keep a secret.”
“I know, and we’ll tell them. Just... let’s wait until after Christmas. Give
me just a few days to float in this blissful new place where it’s just the two
of us. Please?” Her eyes pleaded with me, and I felt my resolve weakening.
“All right, Penny. It’s not like I want to share you with the world either.”
The words were still there, right on the tip of my tongue. I wanted to say
that she was mine, that I loved her, that I wanted to marry her.
Before I could get out another word, we heard footsteps on the stairs.
Panic shot through me as I frantically looked for a place to hide Pen.
“Ev?” Declan’s voice called out. “You up, bro? We’ve got practice.”
“Uh, yeah,” I called back, my voice embarrassingly high-pitched. “I’ll
be right up.”
I turned to Pen, speaking in a rushed whisper. “Okay, here’s the plan.
I’ll go up first and distract them. You wait five minutes, then sneak up and
act like you just woke up and came down for coffee. Got it?”
She nodded, her face pale but determined.
I took a deep breath, then headed up the stairs. Declan was in the
kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He raised an eyebrow as I emerged
from the basement.
“Rough night?” he asked, taking in my rumpled appearance.
I forced a laugh. “Yeah, that couch isn’t as comfortable as it looks.”
Declan chuckled. “Uh, there’s a whole ass bedroom down there,
buttface. Well, that’s what you get for letting a snake chase you out of your
own house.”
If only he knew the real snake in this situation was me, sneaking around
with the girl he saw as a little sister.
“Listen, Dec,” I started, knowing I needed to say something, even if I
couldn’t tell him everything yet. “About Pen...”
But before I could continue, Kelsey bustled into the kitchen. “Morning,
boys. Oh, Ev, you look terrible. Didn’t sleep well?”
I caught a flash of something suspicious in Kelsey’s so-happy-to-be-
awake-this-early attitude. But a movement behind them—Pen, sneaking up
the stairs as planned—kept me from examining that further.
“Uh, no, not really,” I mumbled, trying to keep their attention on me.
“Morning, everyone,” Pen’s voice rang out, sounding impressively
casual. “Is there coffee?”
As Kelsey fussed over Pen and Declan returned to his breakfast, I
caught Pen’s eye over their shoulders. The look we shared was filled with
relief, excitement, and a touch of guilt.
This couldn’t last. Eventually, we’d have to come clean. But for now,
I’d respect Pen’s wishes. She deserved to have something that was just ours,
even if only for a little while. We didn’t even really know what this
something was yet.
I headed back downstairs to shower before practice, and my mind raced.
How were we going to navigate this? How long could we keep it a secret?
And most importantly, how was I going to convince my family—especially
Declan—that this wasn’t just another fling but something real and
important?
I know they all thought my love guru persona got laid all the time and
left a trail of tears after one-night stands. But I wasn’t that guy. I didn’t
sleep with even a quarter as many women as they all thought I did.
 And maybe I played it all up a bit. But only because I didn’t need
anyone to see how often my own heart was broken when the women I went
out with turned out to want my money, fame, or body more than me.
Penelope wasn’t like that. She was the one I’d been searching for since I
was eight years old. And I’d face anything—even my overprotective big
brother—to keep her in my life and happy.
Just because I was ready to shout from the rooftops that I’d finally
found real love, didn’t mean she was. She’d been burned so badly by stupid
douchepotatoes that even the thought of finding a date, much less real love,
scared her.
I had no doubt that’s what this not telling anyone about us thing was
really about.
I had to be okay giving her space to feel comfortable in our new
relationship. But the Kingmans could smell secrets from a hundred yards
away. We’d be lucky to make it past Christmas before someone in my
family figured it out.

OceanofPDF.com
 K I N G M A N F A M I LY T R A D IT I O N S
PENELOPE

“P en, are you sure this disguise is enough?” Kelsey's voice was
muffled behind the oversized Mustangs scarf wrapped around her
face, leaving only her eyes visible. We were just about to pull up to
the stadium for the Mustangs' Christmas Day game.
I glanced at her, suppressing a smile. With her signature golden locks
tucked under a matching Mustangs beanie and her curvy frame drowning in
an enormous blue and orange puffy coat, she looked more like a mega fan
than a mega pop star.
“Trust me, Kels. No one's going to recognize you like this,” I assured
her, adjusting my own matching outfit and tote bag filled with carefully
wrapped presents. “Plus, stadium security knows the drill. We're just taking
extra precautions since the media and your fans all know how much you
love Christmas.”
Kelsey's parents owned a year-round Christmas store, which she'd
grown up in. She nodded, her eyes crinkling in what I assumed was a smile.
“You're right. We'll be in the VIP suite before anyone can blink. And this is
still better than hiding in the cleaning cart.”
I laughed, but my stomach did a little flip. If only she knew how much I
was hiding from her lately. The guilt of keeping my shiny new relationship
with Everett a secret from my best friend gnawed at me, especially since
she was the one who encouraged me to examine my feelings for him.
But I pushed it aside. We'd tell her and Declan soon enough. Today
wasn't about that. Today was about Christmas with the Kingmans.
 The thought sent a different kind of nervousness fluttering through me.
Christmas with Everett's family felt different from all the other times I'd
hung out with them all. Getting to be a part of a holiday like this was more
official. More... family.
Not that I actually knew. My dad and I never even did a Christmas tree.
“What do I know about real family?” I muttered to myself as the car
pulled up to the VIP entrance.
“What was that?” Kelsey asked, Wiener the Pooh yapping from inside
her coat as the security team opened the doors to usher us out.
“Nothing,” I said quickly, flashing the passes to the stadium security.
“Just making sure all of our ducks are in a row.”
Kelsey's eyes softened. “What would I do without you, Pen?”
I smiled weakly, hiding it behind my scarf. I was the one who was
supposed to support her, but she was always there for me. If only she knew
the real reason for my nerves. If only I did. My mind was a jumble ever
since Ev and I spent the night together.
What even was this life?
We made our way through the plush corridors, which weren't busy yet.
We were here early so we could have a whole Christmas dinner and present
exchange before the game.
I swiped our keycards for the suite, and before I could even lower my
hand to grab the handle and open it, the door flew open. We were
immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of noise and warmth.
“Penelope, Kelsey,” Jules's excited voice cut through the chaos. “You
made it. Oh my gawd, what are you wearing? You look like Mustang
Marshmallow people. Just watch, that look will be all the rage by New
Year’s.”
As Kelsey shed her disguise and Wiener the Pooh emerged to much
cooing, I found myself swept into the Kingman family's orbit once again.
The suite was a buzz of activity, with Mr. Kingman—still a Zaddy even in a
really crazy ugly Christmas sweater, was holding court with the Manniways
and the Jerrys near the big screen, showing pregame coverage.
“Glad you girls could join us,” he boomed, his silvering hair gleaming
under the lights. He rubbed his hands together like a little kid excited to
open presents. “Now we can do the white elephant exchange. Fair warning
ladies, the Kingmans play to win, even at Christmas presents.”
 I grinned, feeling some of my anxiety melt away, and stage whispered
to Kelsey. “Kingmans? Competitive at a game? I'm shocked. Shocked I tell
you.”
The next hour was a blur of laughter, good-natured ribbing, and
increasingly ridiculous gifts. I watched in awe as the Kingmans fell into
what was clearly a well-practiced routine, their banter flowing easily as
they unwrapped everything from novelty socks to a disturbingly realistic
rubber chicken, that, for some reason, made Trixie blush so hard she had to
excuse herself.
“Oh man,” Jules cackled as she unwrapped a pair of blindingly sparkly
mittens. “These are almost as bad as Everett's bedazzled jockstrap.”
I nearly choked on my spiked hot chocolate. “I'm sorry, what?”
Jules's eyes lit up with mischief. “Oh, you haven't heard that story? It
was Everett's rookie year, and he'd just gotten the KnightWear sponsorship,
you know, for the tighty-whities. So we decided he needed something to
wear for his photoshoot.”
Jules launched into the tale, complete with dramatic reenactments of
Everett's reaction, and I found myself relaxing into the warm, chaotic
embrace of the Kingman family Christmas. For the first time in years, I felt
a twinge of something I hadn't expected—a sense of belonging.
And as I sat there, surrounded by laughter and twinkling lights, I
allowed myself to imagine, just for a moment, what it might be like to truly
be a part of this family. To have this every year, to be more than just
Everett's secret girlfriend or Kelsey's assistant.
To be home.
The excitement of the gift exchange gradually gave way to a more
focused energy as kickoff approached. We all settled into our seats, a sea of
Mustangs orange and blue.
“Alright, folks,” Zaddy Kingman announced, his voice carrying that
unmistakable father slash coach's authority. “Let's see what our boys can
do.”
The players took the field. There they were—Chris, Declan, Hayes, and
Everett. Four brothers, all on the same professional team. It was like
something out of a movie. I only had eyes for number forty-seven though.
There was even a moment when I was sure he looked up to the suite
windows right at me.
“Go get ’em, boys,” Jules shouted, her enthusiasm infectious.
 The game was a blur of action. I'd never been much of a football fan
before Kelsey met Declan, and I still wouldn't say I even understood much
of the game. But today I found myself caught up in the action. Every time
Everett ran or blocked a man, and especially when he caught a pass, my
heart did a little flip. I had no idea whether it was just me or not, but I swear
he was playing better today than ever before.
During halftime, we feasted on a holiday spread that would put most
Christmas dinners to shame.
We ate, and nobody commented on how much or little was on anyone
else's plate. No one was judged or even looked at funny for going back for a
second piece of pie. Everything was fun and family and all about sharing
this meal and holiday together.
Isak drew me into a conversation with Flynn and Gryffen about which
of them was the better Mario Kart driver and whether I was coming to the
New Year’s stream-a-thon or not. Jules and I talked about how she'd already
been accepted to Denver State and that she planned to major in sports
psychology. Zaddy Kingman called me Pen, like I'd known him my whole
life, when he asked if I'd ever actually seen snow before.
It was surreal, chatting and laughing with the Kingmans, with Everett's
family like I belonged here. Like this could be my future. This family could
be mine.
And that was just too weird to even think about. Best not to get my
hopes up.
The perfect Christmas lasted right up until the fourth quarter.
It happened so fast. One moment, Hayes was sprinting down the field,
the ball tucked securely under his arm. The next, he was in the endzone, on
the ground under a huge pile of Cleveland Dawgs. We were all cheering,
watching, and waiting while the entire Dawgs defense that had piled on him
slowly got up.
There, lying in the grass, was Hayes, still clutching the ball to his chest.
The announcer declared the touchdown, but I don't think anyone even heard
him, even though the whole suite had gone silent.
Hayes wasn't getting up. He wasn't moving, and he wasn't getting up.
Chris and Everett jogged over to him, and Chris knelt beside him while
Everett frantically motioned to the sideline for the medical personnel to
hurry over to them.
My throat tightened as I watched the medical team rush onto the field.
 “No, no, no,” Jules muttered beside me, her earlier cheer replaced by
fear.
I reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. She looked at me,
eyes wide and scared, suddenly seeming much younger than her seventeen
years.
“He'll be okay,” I said, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt.
“Hayes is tough.”
But as the minutes ticked by and Hayes was carefully loaded onto a
stretcher, the gravity of the situation sank in. This wasn't just a minor injury.
“They're taking him to the hospital,” Mr. Kingman announced, his face
grim as he hung up his phone. “We need to⁠—”
“I've got it,” I heard myself say, standing up. All eyes turned to me, and
I looked at their worried faces. Faces of the people who meant more to me
than my own family. Something clicked into place. This was what I did. I
organized. I managed. I fixed things.
“Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Mr. Kingman, you should go to
the hospital now. Give me five minutes and I'll have Kelsey's car waiting at
the VIP entrance. I'll call ahead and make sure they're expecting you.”
I turned to the other boys. “Flynn, Gryffen, Isak, I don't want you
driving under this stress either. I can get a second SUV here in about twenty
minutes. Can you wait, or do I need to give you a task to distract you?”
The twins said in unison, “Task.”
“Okay. Gather up all the presents to take to the hospital. Hayes is going
to want to hear all about the Christmas shenanigans.”
They nodded, looking relieved to have a task. Isak held his hands up.
“I'm good. I'll just go look up concussion protocols.”
I gave him a side-eye but let him go when he pulled out his phone with
the League's page pulled up. Well, at least he'd be well-informed by the
time they got to the hospital.
“Marie, can you help me coordinate with the team's PR department? We
need to manage any media inquiries so speculation doesn't get out of hand.”
Sara Jayne Jerry raised her hand and gave her husband a shove forward.
“Mac can help with that too.”
“What about Willa?” Jules asked, her voice small. “She'll be freaking
out.”
Shit. Hayes's girlfriend. If it was me, I'd be more than freaking out.
“You're right, she will be. Do you feel okay enough to message her? Give
her the details of where to go? She's as new to this as I am and won't know.”
Jules, bless her, didn't even blink. “On it.”
Kelsey stood next to me the whole time I was giving everyone marching
orders. She gave me a pat on the back and looked around at the family.
“Don't worry about anything except getting to Hayes, okay?”
As everyone sprang into action, a strange calm settled over me. This
was chaos, yes, but it was the kind of chaos I knew how to handle.
I stepped out into the hallway to make the calls for the cars, my mind
already racing with next steps. As I dialed Willa's number, I caught a
glimpse of one of the screens in the corridor. The game was still going on,
and there was Everett, back on the field.
My heart clenched. He was out there playing, not knowing how serious
things were with his brother. And all I wanted to do was go hug him and tell
him everything was going to be okay, even though I didn't know if that was
true or not.
I pushed the thought aside. Later. I'd deal with that later. Right now,
there was work to be done.
It wasn't long until I was the last one left in the suite. But that was good.
It meant I did my job and took care of everyone around me.
The last few minutes of the game passed in a blur. I alternated between
pacing the suite, fielding calls and texts, and staring out at the field. When
the final whistle blew on a narrow victory for the Mustangs, I braced myself
for what was coming next.
It would take the guys a few minutes to get back to the locker room and
out of their gear. I didn't have access to the family room to meet the players,
but I'd sent a text to Everett to let him know I was here and had a car
waiting for him and his brothers. I'd meet them near the players’ entrance.
Before I even gathered my things to head downstairs, the door to the
suite burst open, and there was Everett, still in his uniform, his face flushed
from the game and creased with worry.
“Pen,” he breathed, his eyes finding mine immediately. “What do we
know? Where's Hayes?”
For a moment, I forgot about our agreement to keep things quiet. I
forgot about the complications and the secrets. All I saw was the man I
loved, scared and hurting. I crossed the room in three quick strides and
wrapped my arms around him.
 He stiffened for a second, probably surprised by my public display of
affection, but then melted into the embrace. I could feel him trembling
slightly, the adrenaline from the game mixing with fear for his brother.
“Your family is at the hospital with him now,” I murmured into his
chest. “The cars are ready to get you and your brothers there right away.
Everett pulled back slightly, his hands coming up to cup my face. The
tenderness in his touch made my heart stutter.
“You've been taking care of everything, holding my whole family
together, haven't you?” he said softly.
I shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. “I just did what needed to be
done.”
He shook his head, a mix of awe and something else, so much more
intense, in his eyes. “You're amazing, Pen. I don't know what we'd do
without you. What I'd do.”
The word we hung in the air between us, loaded with meaning. Not the
I, but the we. As in, the family. As in, you're one of us now.
The moment was broken by the sound of approaching voices—probably
the rest of his brothers coming to get the update on Hayes too. Everett and I
sprang apart, the spell broken. The secret relationship, the complications,
the uncertain future came crashing right in.
But as Everett gave me one last meaningful look before turning to face
his brothers, something shifted inside me. Maybe we didn't need to keep
this just between us. Maybe it was time to embrace this family that had
embraced me, complications and all.
That wasn't a scary thought. Not. At. All.

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 A B U C K E T LI S T O F T R O U B LE S
EVERETT

I stood on Hayes's front porch, my arms laden with snacks,

surrounded by my brothers. Willa opened the door, her eyes
twinkling with gratitude. This girl was a keeper. She'd called in the
cavalry, and we'd all come running.
“Thanks for coming, guys,” Willa said, her voice low. “He's...
struggling.”
My chest tightened. Of course he was. I'd seen the hit Hayes took,
replayed the way he laid there on the field like he was never going to wake
up in my mind a hundred times since. It could have been any of us.
We piled into the house, and Chris's voice boomed, “Willa called and
said we needed to come over and pull your head out of your asshole.”
I suppressed a chuckle. Trust Chris to cut right to the chase.
Declan, ever the protective older brother, added his own gruff
reassurance. “Don't make me smack you upside the head and give you
another concussion. We're here to fucking cheer you up.”
Ah, older brothers. What would we do without them?
I made my way to the couch, plopping down next to Hayes. His face
was drawn, eyes haunted in a way I'd never seen before. It scared me more
than I wanted to admit.
“Alright, little bro.” I injected as much cheerfulness into my voice as I
could muster. “Time for some good old-fashioned distraction therapy.”
Isak queued up Mario Kart, and I watched Hayes closely. The
reluctance in his movements, the tightness around his eyes, and the
unadulterated frustration brewing just below the surface all showed that this
went deeper than just cracking his head. He was scared.
I hated to see that in him. He was our little genius superstar. The best of
us all. I might be able to give him love life advice, and had, but I didn't have
a fucking clue how to fix this utter dread he was going through.
The best I could do, that any of us could do, was to be here for him.
It worked for a little while too. But I noticed the way Hayes struggled
with the controller. His fingers fumbled over the buttons, his coordination
off. Each time he died in the game, I saw the frustration building.
It was like watching a pot about to boil over. And when it did, it was
explosive.
“Damn it,” Hayes growled, throwing the controller down. “This is
pointless. I can't even play a stupid video game.”
I exchanged a worried glance with Declan. This wasn't just about the
game, and we all knew it. I wanted to say something, anything, to make it
better. But what? That I understood? I didn't really. We'd all had injuries,
but, knock on wood or, rather, our advanced tech helmets, none of us had
ever suffered a concussion. Plenty of pulled muscles, a few broken bones,
and more scrapes and cuts than you could shake a stick at, but nothing that
took us away from playing the game we all loved.
I certainly couldn't tell him that it would be okay. The words felt hollow,
even in my own mind.
Chris was the one to speak up. “Hayes, it's okay. This isn't your first
injury, kid, and it won't be your last. We've all been there. You're still
healing. No one expects you to be at the top of any game right now.”
I admired Chris's gentle approach, the way he could find the right words
when the rest of us were fumbling. It made me think of our mom, how she
always knew exactly what to say to soothe our hurts, big or small. He was
going to be a great dad someday.
But Hayes wasn't soothed. His laugh was harsh, bitter. “That's the
problem, isn't it? I'm not at the top of my game. I'm not even in the game.
I'm just fucking... useless.”
The rawness in his voice hit me like a tackle. I saw the tears welling up
in his eyes, and suddenly, I was transported back to that hospital waiting
room years ago, all of us huddled together, waiting for news about Mom.
The same helplessness washed over me. What if we couldn't fix this? What
if Hayes never fully recovered?
 But then I caught Dad out of the corner of my eye. He'd know what to
say and do. His voice cut through the tension. “Okay, boys, I think it's time
to call it a day. Let me have some time with Hayes.”
As we filed out, I paused by Hayes, giving his shoulder a gentle
squeeze. “We're here for you, bro. Whatever you need.”
The words felt inadequate, but they were all I had. I always thought I
was good at helping people with their problems, but I think I was simply
good at the fun parts. No one came to me for anything really serious. I was
the go to guy for... dating lessons.
And, suddenly, all I wanted was to see Penelope, to hold her close and
remind myself of what really mattered.
Family. Love. The precious, precarious present.
I pulled out my phone and dialed her number, my heart already lighter
at the thought of her voice. But she didn't answer. Probably just busy
working. She and Kelsey were deep into their super-secret sneaky planning
for announcing Kels’s next album.
So I sent her a quick text.
Sneak away when you can, and I make it worth your time
*winky face*

We'd only been able to steal moments with each other in the past few
days and... I missed her. Her reply was simply a matching winky face.
I trudged up the steps to my house, feeling like I'd just played a triple-
overtime game. The weight of the day—seeing Hayes struggle, feeling so
damn helpless—sat heavy on my shoulders. But as I pushed open the front
door, all that weight lifted.
Penelope was there, curled up on my couch, smiling at me like she
belonged there. Like she'd always belonged there.
“Pen,” I breathed, and suddenly I was across the room, pulling her into
my arms.
She came willingly, her body molding to mine as if we were two pieces
of the same puzzle. I buried my face in her hair, breathing her in, letting her
presence wash away the day's tension. And then her lips were on mine, soft
and insistent.
In seconds I had us both naked and slipped a condom on. I wanted
nothing more than to lose myself in her. But my sweet Penny was still the
slightest bit shy about letting me worship her body. She wasn't hiding it
from me, she wasn't covering herself up, but the way her fingers fluttered at
her side, and the way she held her shoulders forward like she wanted to
wrap her arms across her body, were such obvious signs that I still had
some work to do to help her believe she was the most beautiful woman in
the world to me.
I felt privileged as fuck that she was comfortable enough to give this
much of herself to me when it was so hard for her.
“Tell me what you want, Penny.” I ran my knuckles down her chin and
then cupped it, rubbing my thumb over her pink lips. “Tell me how I can
make you feel like my sweet sex goddess again.”
She sucked in a breath, but this one was more excitement than
trepidation. The sassy inner confidence I knew she had was winning out.
“Have you ever... no wait, I don't want to know the answer to that.”
“I probably have. I'm open to just about any kink, babe, especially if it's
one of yours.”
“Oh, ha, it's not even kinky, I don't think.” She bit her lip, but there was
a fire in her eyes, and I couldn't wait to hear what she wanted to do. “I've
always wondered what it would be like to be bent over a table, or whatever,
and fucked from behind.”
Holy hell. That's my girl. I spun her around and shoved a hand into her
hair, and then did exactly what she'd asked for, bending her forward over
the back of my couch. I leaned over her and whispered in her ear, “You
want this, Penny, because it shows you exactly how little I can contain
myself around you.”
I slid a hand between her thighs and stroked my fingers over her pussy
lips, teasing her. “You should know it takes all my will power not to do this
to you every time I see you.”
She squirmed and let out the softest, most enticing whimper.
“Make no mistake, I am feral for you.” I drew some of the moisture
pooling in her pussy and spread it across my cock. “Every bit of you drives
me insane wanting you.”
In the neediest whisper, she said, “Show me. Show me what makes you
crazy.”
I nipped at her earlobe and let out a low growl. With one long thrust, I
buried myself inside of her. “I'm feral for this cunt, Penelope.”
But this wasn't just about sex. I wanted her heart and her soul for my
own too. I gently pulled out and made us both groan with fast, hard thrusts.
“I'm crazy about your thick thighs.”
Her ass jiggled, and the couch moved each time I drove back into her. “I
go nuts even thinking about your plump tits.”
We were both breathing hard already, and I could feel her pussy
fluttering, squeezing me. But I wasn't done yet. “I want to lick and bite and
suck on every freckle, every stretch mark, every fucking inch of your
body.”
Penelope's soft little moans turned into keening, broken only by her
gasps. She was close and so was I. “Every day I don't wake up with you in
my arms, in my bed, my heart is ripped out of my chest, until I can be with
you again.”
The words were right on the tip of my tongue. Those three little words
wanted out, but I held them in. I was going to tell Pen that I loved her. But
not like this, not when she might think it was only about the sex. Showing
her I loved her body and showing her I loved her heart and soul were two
different things.
“If you don't come for me, right the fuck now, Penny, I might actually
lose my fucking mind.” To give her that last little bit to drive her over the
edge, I smacked her ass. Hard.
“Oh,” she cried out, but that surprise did its job and her exclamations
turned into a long, low moan as she came. I could feel her pussy squeezing
me over and over. It was so much more than I could handle, because none
of what I said was an exaggeration. I was absolutely wild about her.
I lost my rhythm altogether and came so hard, I literally saw stars and
was maybe a breath or two from blacking out. I leaned over Pen, sucking in
breaths, trying to get my equilibrium back so I could make sure she was
okay too.
She started giggling. “I can't believe you smacked my ass like that.”
Shit. I definitely hadn't planned that, and it wasn't something we'd
talked about before. I should have checked with her to make sure it was
something she wanted.
Before I could apologize, she laughed again. “How did you know that
was on my sexy times bucket list too?”
“I didn't. But I'll remember it for next time.”
Later, we lay tangled together on the couch, and Penelope's fingers
traced lazy patterns on my chest. She asked softly, “Want to tell me what
you were upset about when you got home?”
 I sighed, pulling her closer. “Hayes is... not doing great. And I just... I
didn't know what to say to him. I'm the guy who always has advice for
everyone, and I couldn't find a single useful thing to say to my own brother
today.”
Penelope propped herself up on an elbow, her eyes twinkling with
gentle mischief. “Well, if you were better at advice, I might have found a
date to the Grampys. Then where would we be?”
I let out a laugh, some of the tension easing from my chest. “Maybe I
was deliberately giving you bad advice so you'd fall for me instead.”
She rolled her eyes and grinned at me, and I knew there was a sassy,
snappy comeback headed my way, but Penelope's phone buzzed and buzzed
and buzzed. Someone was trying hard to get her attention. She reached for
it, her brow furrowing as she read the message.
“It's from Neith,” she said, sitting up. “She says there's something
brewing on FlipFlop with another influencer.”
I sat up too, immediately on alert. “What kind of brewing are we talking
about?”
Penelope clicked on the link, and it took her to somebody's account
profile page. “Apparently, some guy is starting an exposé series on his
socials. This pic says he's targeting what he calls 'fake' body positivity
influencers.”
Pen swiped and a video started playing. I recognized the guy in the
video. “Wait, isn't that the guy from the speed dating event? The one you
spilled your drink on?”
Penelope's face paled. “Oh god, you're right. It is Odin. He's changed
his handle or this is a new account. And look at the comments—people are
already speculating about who he might be targeting. Some are mentioning
Kelsey and... me.”
My protective instincts flared. “I will fucking eviscerate that axemunch.
You're not fake. You're one of the most genuine people I know.”
She gave me a weak smile, but I could see the fear in her eyes. “But
what if⁠—”
My phone chose that moment to start buzzing incessantly. I ignored it at
first, focused on Penelope, but after the fifth call in as many minutes, I
grabbed it. “Multiple missed calls from Declan.
A text popped up and it had a picture attached. I opened it to see what
he'd sent and then clenched my eyes shut.
 It was us, me and Pen. At the speed dating event. Together.
“Pen,” I said, my voice tight. “I think Declan knows.”
Her eyes widened as she looked at the picture. “But how—” She
stopped, realization dawning. “Odin. He must have taken it. This was at the
very beginning, before the event even started. Look.”
The implications hit us both at the same time. If Declan had this picture,
and it came from Odin...
“He might have already posted something about us,” Penelope
whispered, her voice shaking. “And if he took this beforehand, this was...”
My mind raced. This could blow up into something bad if we didn't get
ahead of it. “We need to⁠—”
A knock at the door cut me off. We both froze, staring at each other.
Through the peephole, I could see Declan. He wasn't mad, but his face was
etched with worry. “It's Dec.”
Penelope's eyes met mine, panic clear in their depths. In that split
second, we had to decide whether to face this together right here, right now.
Which was going to be really fucking hard, considering we were both
butt naked.

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 W E R I D E AT D AW N, B IT C H E S
PENELOPE

M y heart pounded against my chest so hard I thought it was going

to pop out. Everett's hand hovered over the doorknob like he was
seriously considering opening the door. Naked.
Declan was on the other side, and with him, the potential collapse of my
lovely little bubble. I'd thought I could just live in this ideal place, getting
loved by Everett and not having to face my real fears or feelings for a while
longer.
My career, my newfound confidence, my relationship with Everett—all
of it felt so precarious, and I wasn't ready for it to all go away.
“Wait,” I whispered, grabbing Everett's arm. He turned to me, surprise
and concern etched on his face. “I can't... I can't do this right now.”
Everett's brow furrowed. “I know he's going to freak out, and he might
punch my lights out, but Pen, he's family. Once he sees how we really feel
about each other, he'll understand. We're gonna need that support system.”
Family. The word echoed in my head, foreign and frightening. I shook
my head, willing him to understand. “No, no, I need to talk to Neith and
Kelsey first. We need to figure out what kind of damage control we're
looking at before we involve your whole family.”
I could see the conflict in Everett's eyes. He glanced at the door, then
back at me. “Pen, hiding isn't going to make this go away.”
“I know, I know,” I said, my words tumbling out in a rush. “But please,
just... give me some time. Let me talk to Kelsey and Neith. We need a plan.
I have to figure out a fix first.”
 Everett ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear in every line of his
body. “I don't like lying to my brother.”
“It's not lying,” I argued, even as guilt twisted in my gut. “It's just...
postponing the truth. Please, Everett.”
He held my gaze for a long moment, and I could see him weighing his
loyalty to his family against his feelings for me. When had I ever won out in
a battle like that?
“Okay, baby. Go do what you need to do. But Pen, we tell them soon.
All of them. Promise me.”
I nodded quickly, relief flooding through me. “I promise. Soon.”
Just as soon as I fixed this.
Everett stole a quick kiss and then waited for me to grab my clothes and
pull them on. I grabbed my things, my hands shaking as I tried to smooth
my rumpled clothes, then I bent over to be as small as I could and scooted
toward the back door.
From the side of the house, I could hear Everett's deep voice greeting
Declan, making up some excuse about getting ready for a shower.
I hurried across the street to Declan and Kelsey's house, guilt and fear
warring within me. Everett's words sent all kinds of alarm bells off
inside. For him, family meant support, unconditional love, a safety net. For
me? Family was my father's disappointed sighs, my mother's absence, a
lifetime of feeling like I was both too much and not enough.
I shook my head, pushing away the memories. I couldn't think about
that now. I had a crisis to manage.
At Kelsey's front door, I took a deep breath, steeling myself. Whatever
storm was coming, I'd weather it. I had to. I'd worked too hard, come too
far, to let someone like Odin tear it all down.
With one last glance back at Everett's house, where I knew he was
facing Declan alone because of me, I let myself in. It was time to face the
music—just not the tune Everett had in mind.
“There you are.” Kelsey's voice, tinged with worry, greeted me before I
even rounded the corner. She and Neith were huddled on the couch, a laptop
open between them. “We've been texting you for ages.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled, self-consciously smoothing down my rumpled
clothes. “I was... preoccupied.”
Kelsey's eyebrow quirked up, a knowing look in her eye that made me
squirm.
 “I bet you were,” she said, but her tone was gentle. “With Everett, I
assume?”
Heat crept up my neck like little ant bites. Of course Kelsey would put
two and two together.
Neith, ever the professional, cut straight to the chase. “Have you seen
Odin's video yet?”
I shook my head. Ever since I'd admitted earlier this year that I was the
woman behind Besties' Bestie, my entire life was all over social media. It
was the life I'd chosen, and I was proud to have the platform I did and help
Kels spread her really important body positivity message to people all over
the world.
But why did my hardest struggles have to be so damn highlighted? Why
couldn't everything just continue to be the best parts of my life? No one
needed to see the battles, the hardships, the pain.
But I had a feeling they were about to.
Kelsey and Neith exchanged a look. Kelsey turned the laptop towards
me. “You need to see this.”
As Odin's chiseled face, his open flannel shirt showing off his six-pack
abs and tattoos, filled the screen, my stomach clenched. His voice, dripping
with false concern, filled the room. “Hey, beautiful people. Today, we're
talking about real body positivity. Not the fake stuff you've been fed.”
I watched in growing horror as Odin walked through a wooded area, his
axe over his shoulder, and expounded on how true self-love meant taking
care of your health, which, in his narrow view, inevitably meant losing
weight. Each word felt like a personal attack on everything I stood for.
But was he right about me. Did I genuinely love myself?
I didn't want to answer that.
“But don't worry,” he said with a wink that made my skin crawl. “In my
next few videos, I'll be exposing the biggest frauds in the body positivity
movement. You won't believe how these so-called advocates really feel
about themselves.”
The screen flashed, and suddenly I was looking at myself. It was a
screenshot from one of my Besties' Bestie posts, where I'd talked about my
journey to self-acceptance. The image lingered for just a moment before
flashing to another of me, standing outside the speed dating event, looking
stressed. Then Odin's face returned, promising more truth to come.
 “That manipulative jackass,” Kelsey growled, breaking the silence.
“Who the fuck does he think he is?”
Neith leaned forward, her eyes intent. “Penelope, do you have any idea
what he might be about to say about you? Any... compromising statements
or photos?”
The image of Everett and me at the speed dating event flashed through
my mind. I swallowed hard. “I... I'm not sure. But I met him at a speed
dating event before Christmas. I may have ignored him and spilled my
water on him. But I swear that was an accident.”
“Ooph. So he's feeling scorned. I see. We need to get ahead of this and
shut it down before the Grampys,” Neith said, already tapping furiously on
her phone. “We need a statement, maybe a counter-video. The Besties
will⁠—”
“Wait,” Kelsey interrupted, her gaze fixed on me. Her voice softened.
“Pen, honey... I think it's time we talk about what's really going on between
you and Everett.”
I looked between Kelsey and Neith, seeing concern in both their faces.
The urge to deflect warred with my desperate need for help, for someone to
tell me what to do. I was the one who always took care of everyone and
everything else, and I didn't know how to be anything else. I didn't know
how to take care of... me.
And I was exhausted. And sad. And mad.
I was smadsausted. All the way to my core and back.
In that moment, looking at these two women who had become more
than just colleagues, I made a decision. To let someone else help me for a
change. I took a deep breath and said, “You're right. Everett and I are... it's
more than just dating lessons now. I... think I'm in love with him.”
The admission hung in the air, and I braced myself for their reactions,
wondering if I'd just made the biggest mistake of my life. Who says
something like that? Who admits to falling for a guy who was so much
more than a ten, he was like an eleventy-hundred?
The silence that followed my admission felt endless. I watched as
Kelsey's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and something else—was that joy?
—flickering across her face. Neith, ever the professional, merely raised an
eyebrow, her mind no doubt already racing with the PR implications.
“Oh, Pen,” Kelsey breathed, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “I had a
feeling. That's huge. I'm so happy for you.”
 I nodded, feeling simultaneously lighter and more terrified than I had in
years. “I've never felt like this before. But it's all very new. That picture was
taken before we... got together. I don't want to drag Everett or the Kingmans
into this mess.”
Neith leaned forward, her expression serious. “Penelope, I understand
your desire to protect Everett, but we need to consider all angles here.
People have already seen the picture of you two together.”
“Neith's right,” Kelsey said gently. “Plus, take it from someone who's
dated a Kingman in the public eye—they're tougher than they look.” She
grinned, some of her usual spark returning. “And they look pretty tough to
begin with.”
Despite everything, I found myself smiling back. “I just... I don't know
what to do. I'm supposed to be the social media maven here, and I, well, this
is why I hid behind a secret handle for so long. I barely know how to be in
the public eye. How do we handle this?”
“Well,” Neith said, slipping into strategy mode, “we have a few options.
We could get ahead of it, release a statement about your relationship before
Odin has a chance to twist it.”
My stomach clenched at the thought. “I don't know if I'm ready for
that.”
Kelsey nodded understandingly. “What about a joint statement from the
two of us? We could challenge Odin's narrow view of health and body
positivity, without necessarily addressing your personal life.”
“That could work,” Neith mused. “We could also reach out to other
influencers, create a united front against this kind of attack.”
As they bounced ideas back and forth, a whole new feeling washed
through me. It was warm and calming. Gratitude. Here I was, facing what
felt like the biggest crisis of my career, and I wasn't alone. It was a novel
feeling, one that both comforted and terrified me.
My phone buzzed, and for the first time in a long time, I dreaded
looking at it. Expecting it to be Everett, I was surprised to see Jules's name
pop up on the screen.
“Guys, hold on,” I said, interrupting their discussion. “It's Jules.”
I opened the message, and despite everything, it tugged a smile from me
at its contents:
 Saw Odin's skibidi fucking Ohio video. Gathering the Take Up
Space Network as we speak. We ride at dawn, b*tches.
#BodyWarriors

“What is it?” Kelsey asked, leaning over to peek at my phone.

I read the message aloud and Kelsey burst out laughing. “God, I love
that girl. Odin should be afraid. Very afraid.”
Neith raised a finger. “I'm guessing skippity fucking Ohio is bad? And
the Take Up Space Network?”
“I don't know about the Ohio part. I think that state is kind of nice. The
Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame is there.” Kelsey shrugged. “But the Take Up
Space Network is a group Trixie started with Marie Manniway and Sara
Jayne Jerry for plus-size celebrities to support each other. I'm in it. Just
haven't done much with it yet.”
I nodded, confirming Kelsey's answers, a wave of emotions washing
over me.
“This is perfect,” Neith said, her eyes lighting up with possibilities.
“Having them on our side could be a game-changer.”
They went all in discussing how to leverage the Network's support.
Jules knowing about this meant that soon, the whole Kingman clan would
be in on it. The thought was both terrifying and oddly comforting.
I'd spent so long feeling like I had to face everything alone, and now,
suddenly, I had not just Kelsey and Neith in my corner, but potentially an
entire network of body-positive influencers and the infamous Kingman
family too.
“Pen?” Kelsey took my hand again and squeezed. “You're good with all
of this, right?”
I looked up, trying really hard to hold back the tears, mostly ones of
gratitude. “Yeah, I'm just... processing. It's a lot, you know? Going from
trying to hide everything to suddenly having all these people ready to fight
for me.”
Kelsey's expression softened. She reached out and squeezed my hand.
“This is what having people in your corner feels like, and I'm sorry if I
never made you feel that way before now.”
Oh cheez its. Those tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I
blinked them back. Now wasn't the time for crying. We had work to do.
“Okay,” I said, straightening up and looking between Kelsey and Neith.
“Let's get organized. We've got a lot to do.”
 Odin thought he could tear us down, but he had no idea what he was up
against. We had love, family, and an army of body-positive warriors on our
side.
And as Jules so eloquently put it, we would ride at dawn.

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 C O N F E S S I O N S O F A L OV E-A H O LI C
EVERETT

I took a deep breath, my hand hovering over the doorknob. On the

other side stood my comeuppance, and even through the wood I
could practically feel his signature scowl and the pummeling I was
going to get for sneaking around with Pen.
For a moment, I considered pretending I wasn't home, but I knew better.
Declan was like a dog with a bone when he wanted something, and right
now, that something was my ass and probably some answers.
I mentally inventoried my freezer for bags of frozen peas or steaks for
the eventual black eye I'd be nursing. That would look great or game
footage on Sunday. Steeling myself, I opened the door.
“Took you long enough,” Declan growled, shouldering past me, barely
even noticing my state of undress. His eyes scanned the room, and I knew
he was looking for signs of Penelope. “Where've you been?”
“Sorry,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual. “I was getting ready for
a shower.”
Declan's eyebrow rose skeptically. “For three hours?”
I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance but probably hitting somewhere
closer to guilty as hell. “Lost track of time. You know how it is.”
“Uh-huh.” Declan's tone made it clear he wasn't buying it. He turned to
face me, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration that I'd seen a
thousand times growing up. It was the look that usually preceded a lecture
about responsibility or teamwork or some other big brother wisdom.
But instead of launching into a speech, Declan pulled out his phone.
“Want to explain this?”
 He held up the screen to show me that same picture he'd sent. There, in
high-definition glory, was that photo of me and Penelope at the speed dating
event. We were leaning in close, laughing at something. But that wasn't the
problem. It was the way I was looking at her.
Like I was on fire... for her.
“Where did you get that?” I asked, my mouth suddenly dry.
“Does it matter?” Declan countered. “What matters is what it means.
Are you fucking Penelope?”
I almost snapped back that what we were doing was so far beyond
fucking, that it meant so much more to me than that. But I hesitated, caught
between the urge to deny everything, admit everything, and the bone-deep
weariness of keeping secrets from the most important people in my life.
Declan glared at me, but not in a you're-dead-meat way. It was like he
was trying to see into my brain.
“Look, Ev,” he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. “I just want to know
what's going on. Penelope's... she's important to Kelsey and to me. She's
become family, to all of us.”
The unspoken 'and we don't want to see her hurt' hung in the air
between us. Indignation flared deep in my gut, and I was ready to spew
flames. Did my own brother really think I'd hurt Penelope?
Those flames were quickly doused by a wave of shame. Wasn't that
exactly what I was doing by keeping our relationship a secret?
I sank onto the couch and dropped my head into my hands. “It's
complicated.”
Declan snorted, dropping into the armchair across from me. “Your love
life always is.”
I looked up sharply, stung by the implication. “What's that supposed to
mean?”
“Come on, Ev,” Declan said, leaning forward. “You've got a different
girl on your arm at every event. You're always talking about the perfect
woman, the perfect relationship, but you never stick with anyone long
enough to see if they are right for you. And now you're sneaking around
with Penelope? What's really going on here?”
“When did you become the one to shill out love life advice? I thought
that was my job.” Yeah, that was deflecting at its finest. But I met Declan's
gaze, and I saw something beyond the gruff exterior. Concern. Genuine
concern, not just for Penelope, but for me.
 And suddenly, I was tired. Tired of pretending, tired of hiding, tired of
being the Everett everyone thought they knew.
“You're right,” I said quietly. “It is complicated. But not in the way you
think.”
I took a deep breath, preparing to lay it all out for my brother. It was
time for the truth, whatever the consequences might be.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. Declan
waited, his usual impatience tempered by something I rarely saw in my
older brother, concern.
“Pen asked me to give her... dating lessons,” I said the words, and even
to me they sounded made up. “At first I didn't want to, because I knew how
you felt all big brotherly for her. But, dude, she turned those pleading little
puppy-dog eyes on me, and, fuck, well, I was dead. I'd have taught her how
to fly to the moon and back. I'm telling you, Wiener the Pooh's got nothing
on Pen when it comes to begging.”
Declan's eyebrows shot up. “Okay, so you're not sleeping with her?”
“Uh, well...” I rubbed the back of my neck and turned my face away.
Maybe if I didn't look right at him, he wouldn't punch me directly in the
face. I surreptitiously dropped my other hand to cover my junk. “Remember
that night I fled my snake-infested house and crashed downstairs at yours?”
“God dammit. I knew all that noise wasn't Pooh having crazy dog
dreams like Kelsey said.”
Here it came. I closed my eyes and tensed up my muscles, trying to
predict where he was going to punch me first.
“Are you in love with her?”
Ooph. That was not the punch to the gut I was expecting. I peeled an
eye open and looked to see if he was just suckering me into engaging so he
could tackle me with my eyes wide open before he pummeled me into the
ground.
He wasn't. Declan waited, studying me, seeing me better than I saw
myself.
“I'm so fucking in love with her, I don't even know what to do.”
“I knew it.” Declan gave a little fist pump. “That's why you've been
playing so damn good the past couple of games. Chris owes me money.”
“You bet on my love life?”
“Yeah.” The duh in his voice was loud and proud. “And it wasn't no five
bucks either. I'm gonna buy Kelsey a new fucking car. But why the hell are
you sneaking around like teenagers?”
I leaned back deeper into the couch and stared up at the ceiling. “Pen
wants to keep it quiet. Said she wanted something just for us, away from the
social media circus.” I paused, the next part harder to admit. “And now,
with this Odin situation... she wants to fix it before we go public. She's
afraid of the ridicule, the judgment.”
Understanding dawned on Declan's face. “Damn. Kels was right. She's
been worried that Penelope's insecurities have been eating at her. She only
posts super cheerful, positive stuff on the socials and Kelsey knew she was
hiding something.”
I nodded, protectiveness for my girl prickling across my skin. “She's
working on herself, Dec, and that's fucking hard. She's come so far, and I
have to support her, but⁠—”
“You're not okay with hiding?” Declan asked, filling in the words I was
having a tough time saying.
I opened my mouth to defend our decision, but the words stuck in my
throat. Declan's gaze softened.
“Ev,” he said gently, “are you sure that's the only reason you haven’t
told any of us about your feelings for Pen?”
I jerked back like he had actually punched me. “What the fuck do you
mean by that?”
Declan leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “I mean… are you sure
you're not hiding because you're scared too?”
Oh, shit. The denial was on the tip of my tongue, but something in
Declan's expression made me pause. I thought about Penelope, about the
depth of what I felt for her, about the reticence, honestly, the fear that had
gripped me every time I thought of telling her... I made excuses not to say
it.
“I love her, Dec,” I admitted quietly, the words carrying the weight of
everything I'd been holding back. “I'm in love with her, and it scares the hell
out of me.”
Declan nodded, no trace of surprise on his face. “Does she know?”
I shook my head. “I haven't told her. We've only been together for real
since Christmas Eve. I'm not sure she feels the same way. She's still so
guarded sometimes, and I... I don't want to push her.”
“So you're both hiding,” Declan said, but there was no judgment in his
tone. “You from your feelings, her from the world.”
 Put like that, it sounded ridiculous. I let out a humorless laugh. “Some
love guru I am, huh?”
Declan snorted, a hint of his usual gruffness returning. “You've always
been better at dishing out advice than taking it, little brother.”
Ouch. I'd been prepared for a beating, but the kind of punches Declan
was dishing out were hitting way harder than his fists. “I told her we need
to come clean to the family at least. I hate lying to you guys.”
“Good,” Declan nodded approvingly. “Because we've got your back, Ev.
Both of you. Even when you're being idiots.”
Something loosened in my chest, a tension I hadn't even realized I'd
been carrying. “You're not mad?”
Declan rolled his eyes. “Mad? Nah. Fuck off with that shit. I've watched
you fall in and out of love with every woman you meet. We were all
worried you'd never actually let yourself be happy.”
What the shit? I opened my mouth to refute him, but nothing came out.
He shook his head at me like the all-knowing older brother telling me
how fucking dumb I was being. “You're always so busy trying to help the
rest of us be happy and find love, and you know what? It's easier to do that
than to find it for yourself.”
Again... What. The. Actual. Shit? “You really are fucking mean.”
Declan smiled and shrugged. “But it hurts so good, doesn't it?”
I shook my head, not sure that it did.
Declan stood up, and this time he did punch me, in the arm. “I'm happy
for you, you little dumbshit. Penelope is one of the coolest chicks I know
and you two are going to be great together if you don't fuck it up. Now put
your goddamned clothes on. This social media situation is looking like it's
gonna be bad, for your girl and mine. The best defense is a good defense.”
That was not how the saying went, but Declan probably believed his
stance was more the one true way. He was very Mace Windoo, Jedi Master
about being on defense.
“Ev,” his expression turned serious, “if you love her, if this is real, then
you fight for it. Out in the open where everyone can see. She needs to know
you'll burn down the fucking world for her.”
Jesus. How was I the love guru in this family? Dec was clearly the one
we should all be going to for advice. Not me. I nodded, a new resolve
settling over me. “You're right. I need to talk to Pen. We need to face this
together, no more hiding.”
 A slow smile spread across Declan's face, one I hadn't seen since we
were kids. “Well, look at that. My little brother's finally growing up.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't keep the grin off my face. “Shut up.”
Declan stood, clapping me on the shoulder. “So what's the plan? How
are we handling this Odin situation?”
“I don't have a fucking clue. All I ever put on my socials is some
pictures of practice or a touchdown dance and I get a million views. It's not
like I have a whole lot of big stuff on my platform.”
Which, now that I was thinking about it, maybe I should do something
to help make the world a better place since I did have an actual platform.
“I think the fans of your KnightWear tighty-whities ads would argue
with that.” He glanced down at my lap and back up with a smirk on his
face.
Was... was he making a dick joke? Who was this man and what had he
done with my grumpy-ass older brother? Just as I was about to dish it back,
my phone buzzed. It was a text from Jules:
Bro. This Odin douchepotato is beyond sus. Gathering the
Take Up Space Network ASAP. Get your pookie, because it is
on like Donkey Kong.

I blinked at the message six or seven times before I showed it to Dec.

Guess Jules was in the loop now, because I'm fairly sure 'my pookie' meant
Penelope. I was so gonna call her that.
“Well, well,” Declan said, a smirk playing on his lips. “Looks like your
nemesis is in for a world of hurt. Jules on the warpath is scarier than... I
don't know, anything. He'd better keep an eye on his Cheerios and his ass.”
“No kidding,” I agreed, feeling a surge of pride for our little sister.
“That girl's a force of nature that should be both worshipped and feared. I
almost feel bad for the guy.”
Declan's expression turned mischievous. “You know, we could always
sic Billy's snake on Odin. Squeeze the truth out of him about what an
asshole he's being. Might be a kinder fate.”
As much as I hated the guy, that was… too far. I shivered, trying to
shake it off. “Don't even joke about that, man.”
Declan burst out laughing. “Come on, Ev. You can stare down 300-
pound guys trying to crush you, but you're still scared of a little snake?”
“Little? That thing's a monster,” I muttered, suppressing a shudder as I
remembered my last encounter with Billy's pet. “And now I have the
heebie-jeebies like she's here watching me. Let's go find the girls and make
a plan that does not involve snakes.”
We crossed the street to Declan's house, the short walk giving me just
enough time for my nerves to kick in. What if Pen wasn't ready for this?
What if she pushed me away again?
Kelsey answered the door, ushering us into the living room where
Penelope and Neith were huddled over a laptop. When Pen saw me, her
eyes widened, a mix of surprise and panic flashing across her face.
“Ev,” she said, her voice tight. “What are you doing here?”
I moved towards her, my heart clenching at the fear in her eyes. She
glanced around the room, looking like a cornered animal. “I haven't figured
out how to handle this yet. And the playoffs, this is going to be a huge
distraction to you and⁠—”
“Babe,” I said softly, taking her face in my hands. She put hers over
mine, and I could feel them trembling slightly. “I know you're scared. But
hiding isn't going to help. Not from my family, not from the world, not from
each other. I promise I will do everything in my power to keep you safe
however I can, and I will be there to soothe the hurts I can't stop.”
“But—” she started to protest, to pull away, and I couldn't let that
happen.
I was raised to respect boundaries, to seek enthusiastic consent, and
allow people to make their own mistakes and learn from them. But I was
also raised in a home where love and family trumped all. I didn't think
Penelope had that in her life.
This was just one more way I would show up for her. So even though I
was about to push her boundaries, and she could smack me later for not
asking for her consent, I showed Penelope, and everyone else in that room,
exactly what she meant to me.
I kissed Penelope for them all to see. This kiss was not soft, not sweet,
and not like anything but a man possessed by and obsessed with her.
I kissed her so that no one would doubt exactly how I felt about her.
Including her.

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 U N P R E T T Y A N D T H E S L AY S Q U A D
PENELOPE

“Y ou want to know how we're going to handle this? Together. That's

how. Because I love you, Penelope Quinn. I'm in love with you,
and I'm not ashamed of it. I'm proud of it. Of us.”
The room fell silent. I could feel everyone's eyes on us, but all I could
see was Everett. He loved me. Everett Kingman, the man who could have
any woman he wanted, loved me. And I couldn't even say it back.
“I love you, Penelope.”
He said it again. Out loud. In front of everyone. Like I hadn't heard him
the first time. Since I didn't say a damn thing, be probably thought I didn't
hear him or I didn't understand. No taking it back now.
I stood there, frozen, aware of everyone's eyes on us. The room was
silent, but out of the corner of my eye, I could see Kelsey was beaming,
Neith looked surprised but pleased, and even Declan had a hint of a smile
on his usually grumpy face. But all I could focus on was Everett, his eyes
full of hope and fear and love.
Love. For me.
Fear that I didn't love him back.
This couldn't be real. Men like Everett didn't fall for women like me. It
had to be a mistake, a cruel joke. Any second now, he'd laugh and say, “Just
kidding.”
I couldn't breathe. My chest was caving in.
Because while the traumas of my past were bubbling and boiling just
under the surface, hurting me to get my attention, I didn't actually believe
that.
 Everett loved me.
And I loved him.
I looked into his eyes, saw the vulnerability there, and I knew this was
all real, if I let it be. This was Everett, my Everett. The man who'd seen me
at my worst, spewing verbal diarrhea all over poor unsuspecting men, who'd
then snuggled up with me to watch rom-coms and eat popcorn so I wouldn't
think about how I'd made a total embarrassment out of myself, who laughed
when I'd spilled coffee on him while trying to hook him up with someone
else, and who fell in love with me when I poured a beer over his head.
The man who'd never once made me feel less than beautiful.
I was the only one who made me feel unpretty.
I was tired. Tired of doubting. Tired of letting my insecurities win. I just
wasn't sure how to change that.
But I never would fix my problems by hiding. And nothing in the
history of the world had ever been made better by denying love. Especially
not when it was right in front of you.
Everett opened his mouth, and I was sure he was going to say he loved
me again. But I pressed my fingers over his lips and let my heart take over.
“I love you too,” I said, my voice stronger than I expected. “I love you,
Everett, and I'm scared, and excited, and you're the only person I'd want to
go through all of this with.”
Everett's face broke into a grin so bright it could have lit up the whole
room. He pulled me into his arms, and I melted into his embrace, not caring
that we had an audience.
“Well, thank God for that,” Kelsey's voice broke through our bubble. “I
was about ready to lock you two in the basement again until you figured it
out.”
I laughed, turning in Everett's arms to face our friends. The room
suddenly felt warmer, safer. This was my family now, I realized. These
people who supported us, who were ready to fight for us.
“Alright, lovebirds,” Declan grumbled, but I could hear the affection in
his voice. “Now that we've got that settled, can we please figure out how to
take this fatphobic douchecanoe down? I volunteer to just go sit on him
until he cries uncle.”
The reality of the outside world, the people who wanted to hurt me,
came crashing back. And I wanted to throw up. Which wasn't a very nice
thing to do ten seconds after someone just declared they loved you.
 So I held it in. I let it bubble and boil inside.
We had barely started brainstorming when the front door burst open, a
whirlwind of energy sweeping into the room.
“Alright, fam, the slay squad has arrived,” Jules announced, striding in
with Trixie close behind. “Oh, and Pen? I'm totally calling you sis from
now on. You snuck in on me. Love it. Welcome to the Kingman Queens.”
Everett's little sister was cool as hell. Her enthusiasm was infectious,
and it made me smile too.
Trixie, ever the calm in the storm, gave me a warm hug. “How are you
holding up, honey? Are we ordering in commiseration ice cream before
planning Odin's trip to Valhalla or are we going straight to the Valkyrie
ride?”
“Better now,” I admitted, glancing at Everett. He winked at me, and my
face warmed like I’d had too much red wine, but there was also the heat in
my stomach worrying about how any of this was going to help.
“Okay, people,” Neith said, taking charge. “We need a plan. Odin's
threat is real. He's got a lot of followers, and while you two were playing
kissy face, I was monitoring the socials. He's got his garbage followers
already reposting and there’s some content from them popping up already.
We need to get ahead of it.”
Jules plopped down on the couch, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Oh, I've got plans. That axeface won't know what hit him.”
“Jules,” Everett warned, but I could see he was fighting a smile.
Trixie pulled out her tablet. “I've sent the bat signal out to the Take Up
Space Network. We're ready to mobilize at a moment's notice. We just need
to know the plan.”
“What exactly are we dealing with here?” Declan asked, his brow
furrowed. “What's this guy's angle?”
I took a deep breath. “Odin's planning an exposé series. He wants to
reveal what he calls 'fake' body positivity advocates. And... I am clearly his
first target.”
Kelsey huffed. “You’re an important voice, Pen.”
Neith nodded and said, “Yes, but most of your platform is the Besties. I
think he's going to wait and see how this hits, and if he gets traction, you're
likely next Kelsey.”
“God, I'm so sorry I opened you up to this, Kelsey. It might be better
if... if I separated from the company.”
 The room fell silent for a moment and Everett's arm tightened around
me. But Kelsey pointed at me and shook her head. “Not on your life. If
anything, I should be the one apologizing to you. He's picking on you
because he's afraid of me.”
“As he fucking should be,” Declan cut in.
“He knows he can hit at my platform, my fans, my people, through you,
but he thinks he won't feel my wrath if he doesn't strike directly at me?
That's some bullshit right there. And we are going to take him down.”
Her voice was powerful, low, and fierce. “We will hit back in a way he
won't even see coming.”
We all waited with bated breath to hear her plan.
“With positivity. When he goes low, we go high. We're going to flood
social media with real stories, real bodies, real love. We are going to drown
him in pure unadulterated joy.”
“I like it,” Neith nodded. “We could do a video series, get influential
voices to speak out against body shaming.”
“Ooh, I feel a hashtag campaign coming on,” Jules exclaimed.
“#RealBodyLove or #OdinCanSuckOnHisAxe or something like that.”
The room buzzed with ideas and energy, and a familiar feeling tightened
my chest. Everyone was so ready to fight, so confident in our ability to take
on Odin. But inside, I was still that insecure girl, waiting for the other shoe
to drop.
“Guys,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The chatter died down,
and all eyes turned to me. I took a deep breath. “I appreciate all of this,
really. But... I don't know if I can do this.”
Everett's arm tightened around me. “Pen, what do you mean?”
I looked up at him, fighting the roiling in my chest and stomach. “Even
when you told me you loved me, my first thought was that you must be
kidding. That this couldn't be real.”
Hurt flashed across his face and hurried on. “It's not that I don't believe
you love me, Ev. It's me. These doubts... they don't just go away because we
said I love you to each other.”
The room fell silent. I could feel the weight of everyone's concern, and
it made me feel even smaller.
“Oh, honey,” Kelsey said softly, moving to sit on my other side.
“Remember what we talked about at the spa?”
 I shrugged. I remembered feeling empowered that day, and I'd declared
that I was stronger, but what had felt like a giant leap had turned out to be
one small step for chubby-girl-kind.
Kelsey, who knew me and the journey I'd been on since meeting her
better than anyone else, saw right through me. “I know you don't believe it
yet, Pen, but we weren't blowing smoke up your ass when we told you that
no one is totally confident all the time. We all struggle against these
ridiculous beauty standards.”
“But that's just it,” I said, the words tumbling out now. “I'm supposed to
be this beacon of body positivity. I tell people to love themselves, to
embrace their bodies. But what if... what if Odin found out I don't believe in
what I'm preaching? What if he exposes all the times I've felt insecure, all
the posts where I claimed to be happy with my body when, deep down, I
was struggling?”
Jules leaned forward, her usual mischief replaced with something so
powerful, I couldn't even begin to understand what was stoking the fires in
her soul. “Pen, that doesn't make you fake. It makes you human.”
Trixie nodded in agreement. “Authenticity isn't about being perfect. It's
about being real, struggles and all.”
“They're right,” Everett said, gently turning my face towards his. “Your
journey, your struggles—they’re what makes your message so powerful.
You're not speaking from some unreachable place of perfection. You're in
the trenches, fighting the same battle as everyone else.”
I bit my lip and looked him right in the abs. “Everyone?”
“Baby, you should have seen how nervous I was at the KnightWear
photoshoot.” He glanced over at his brother and shrugged. “I've never told
anyone this, but I threw up twice.”
“What? But...” He was fit, he was perfect by every standard out there.
He had a six pack and those deliciously wide shoulders, and muscles where
I didn't even know muscles grew.
“And do you know that they still photoshopped the pictures? You've
seen my ass. It's not shaped like that. That's an artist's rendering of my
butt.” He made a disgusted face that said he did not approve of these
messages.
I took his hand and kissed his fingers. “I'm sorry that happened to you.
I'm flabbergasted too. I... I guess everyone really can have body
insecurities.”
 Neith, ever the pragmatist, spoke up. “Penelope, your vulnerability
could be your greatest strength here. What if, instead of trying to hide your
struggles, we embrace them?”
Ugh. Now I was going to be the one to throw up twice, because I had a
horrible feeling I knew exactly what she wanted me to do. I asked anyway
just in case I was wrong. “How do you mean?”
“What if we get ahead of Odin? What if you share your journey, doubts
and all, on your own terms? Show the world that body positivity is a
journey, with twists and turns and falls and mountains, not some sunny,
beachy, perfect destination.”
I was right. I was going to throw up. “But what if I suck it up, buttercup,
and let people see that struggle, those vulnerabilities, and it's not enough?
What if people feel betrayed? Because that's not what I've been saying all
along.”
“Then we help them see by the rest of us also showing them the truth,”
Kelsey said firmly. “We show them that body positivity isn't about never
having doubts. It's about loving yourself despite those doubts, about
fighting back against a world that tries to make us feel small.”
I looked around the room and saw nods of agreement.
“Look, Pen,” Everett said, his voice gruff and gravely, “you've got an
army behind you. We're not fighting because we think you're perfect. We're
fighting because we know you're real. And that's worth a hell of a lot more.”
I blinked a hundred times, holding back the tears welling up, but for the
first time in forever, they weren't tears of fear.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “All of you. I... I don't know if I'm strong
enough to do this. But I want to try.”
Everett pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my temple. “You are strong
enough. And on the days you don't feel strong, you've got all of us to lean
on.”
I still felt the weight of my insecurities, of the self-doubt that I'd tried
my best to shove under the carpet for years. But now, it felt a little lighter.
Maybe, just maybe, my struggles could help others feel less ashamed, less
alone, and less unloved too.

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 B E S T I E S F A C E S PA C E G R O U P LI V E

[Kelsey Best and Penelope Quinn on camera in front of a fireplace]

Penelope: Hey, Besties. We've got a very special live for you today and
look who’s here with me.
Kelsey: Hey, everyone. Welcome to our live stream.

Penelope: Thanks for joining us today, Besties.

Kelsey: We wanted to come on here and have an honest conversation with
all of you about body positivity and what it really means.
Penelope: That's right. Recently, there's been some talk about whether
people like us are “authentic” in our body positivity message. And you
know what? It's time for some real talk.

Kelsey: Absolutely. Here's the truth: Body positivity isn't about being
confident 100% of the time. It's not about loving every single thing about
yourself every single day.
Penelope: Exactly. I'll be honest with you all. I have days where I struggle.
Days where I look in the mirror and don't love what I see. And for a long
time, I harbored a lot of guilt about that.
Kelsey: Me too, Pen. I think a lot of people believe that because we're in
the public eye, we must have it all figured out. But that's not true.
Penelope: Not at all. And that's what we want to talk about today. Body
positivity isn't about perfection. It's about acceptance, it's about treating
yourself with kindness, even on the hard days.

Kelsey: It's about recognizing that your worth isn't determined by your size,
your shape, or how you look in a bikini.

Penelope: Exactly. It's about understanding that everyone—and I mean

everyone—has insecurities. But those insecurities don't define us.
Kelsey: That's so true. I remember a time when I was about to go on stage
for a big performance. I was feeling so nervous and insecure about how I
looked. But you know what? I went out there anyway.

Penelope: And you rocked it, as always. But it's important for people to
know that even someone as amazing as you has those moments.

Kelsey: Absolutely. So here's what we want to say to all of you: It's okay to
have doubts. It's okay to have days where you don't feel your best.

Penelope: What matters is how you talk to yourself on those days. Are you
kind to yourself? Do you remind yourself of your worth beyond your
appearance?

Kelsey: That's the real heart of body positivity. It's not about always feeling
confident. It's about treating yourself with respect and kindness, no matter
how you feel.
Penelope: And it's about creating a world where everyone feels valued,
regardless of their size or shape.

Kelsey: So, we want to hear from you. Share your stories with us. Tell us
about your journey with body positivity—the good days and the
challenging ones.

Penelope: Use the hashtag #RealBodyLove. Let's show the world what true
body positivity looks like—real, raw, and resilient.

Kelsey: Remember, you are worthy of love and respect, from others and
from yourself, no matter what.
Penelope: Thank you all for being here with us today. Your support means
the world to us.

Kelsey: We love you all. Keep spreading that real body love.

OceanofPDF.com
 B AT T LE S TAT I O N S
EVERETT

I was in the TE room with the other tight ends going over blocks and
pass protection with our coach when my phone started buzzing like
crazy. Coach shot me a look that could've melted steel, but
something in my gut told me this wasn't just another fan tagging me in a
workout video.
“Sorry, Coach,” I muttered, sliding my phone out just enough to see the
screen. My heart dropped when I saw Jules's name followed by a string of
angry emojis and just two words.
Douchepotato posted.

“Kingman, you need to step out?” Coach asked, his voice gruff. I wasn't
usually one of his problem children. I did my best to keep the drama in my
life outside of football to the minimum. But sometimes life got in the way.
I nodded, already on my feet. “Sorry, guys. I'll be right back.”
The moment I hit the hallway, I messaged Jules.
Send it to me.

A moment later, my phone pinged with a link. I hit play and instantly
wished I hadn't.
I fast forwarded through Odin's intro about how he was going to save
the fucking world from fake influencers, but when I got to the cut, I
instantly realized what I was seeing. That fucker had followed me and Pen
out of the bar and recorded our conversation in the parking lot.
 The video was grainy, clearly shot from a distance, and mostly focused
on Penelope. Pen's voice came through, distorted but clear enough, though
he'd also added subtitles.
“I just... I didn't think someone like you could ever be interested in
someone like me.”
Then the close up cut to me, and I was frowning.
Of course the video cut off there, making it look like I'd rejected
Penelope. Like I'd been disgusted. Fucking hell.
The video jumped to Odin's smug face, and I was ready to smash my
phone.
“Is this your body positivity icon?” He didn't sneer like I expected. He
shrugged, making out like he was just posing the question to make the
viewers think. Like he was fucking doing them a favor. “Seems like even
she doesn't believe the lies she's selling. Stay tuned to this series where I'll
help you find a better path to being the best you.”
“That manipulative piece of sh—” I bit off the curse, aware I was still in
the practice facility.
I immediately dialed Pen. Straight to voicemail. Same with Kelsey's
phone. It wasn't like I could call Dec. He was here at practice too.
“God fucking damn it,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. I
needed to get to Pen, now.
I burst back into the meeting room. “Coach, I gotta go. Family
emergency.”
I was in my car and peeling out of the parking lot before I even had a
chance to think. I sped towards Declan and Kelsey's place, and my phone
was going ballistic with notifications. I glanced down at a red light, seeing a
flood of reactions pouring in.

@BodyPosiFitGurrrl: I knew it. @BestiesBestie has always made my

alarm bells ring with the way she hides herself in videos
@BigGirlBody143: Give her a break. We all have insecurities. That's
the point.
@GetFitFanatic81: No wonder she went after a notorious chubby
chaser. She knows she can't get better. #GetFitNotFat
@OzLife2001: There're so many ways to lose weight. I don't get why
she doesn't even try. #Lazy

That last one made me see red. I gripped the steering wheel so hard my
knuckles turned white. These people didn't know Pen. They didn't know
how hard she worked, how much she cared, how she'd helped so many
people.
I screeched into Declan's driveway like I was driving a getaway car and
sprinted through the door. “Pen, Kelsey, it's me, I'm here.”
I found Kelsey on the phone pacing, her usual sparkle dimmed by
worry. “Yes, I want triple the regular security around the house. Yes,
immediately. Thank you for your help.”
Once she hung up, she just gave me a nod and pointed to the stairs. “She
won't come out of her room.”
I took the steps two at a time, my heart pounding. When I reached Pen's
door, I knocked gently. She needed me calm and steady right now. I could
punch walls later. “Pen? It's me. Can I come in?”
Silence.
“Penelope, please,” I said, leaning my forehead against the door. “I'm
not going to let you hide, baby.”
I heard a muffled sob, and I fucking snapped. I wouldn't stand here and
listen to her cry. I wouldn't let her isolate herself when she needed support
the most.
“I'm coming in,” I announced, turning the handle. The door was locked.
Not for fucking long. I took a step back and threw my shoulder into it. The
lock gave way with a crack, and I stumbled into the room.
Pen was curled up on her bed, her face buried in a pillow. She looked up
at me, her eyes red and puffy. “What are you⁠—”
I didn't let her finish. In two strides, I was at the bed. I scooped her up in
my arms, cradling her against my chest.
“Everett,” she squeaked, surprised. “What are you doing?”
“Taking care of my woman,” I said, my voice gruff with emotion. I
carried her out of the room, down the stairs, and into the living room where
Kelsey, who'd been joined by Neith and Jules, was waiting.
“Everett, you can put me down now,” Pen protested weakly, but her
arms tightened around my neck.
 I looked at the girls and shook my head. “Pen's moving in with me.
Right now. We'll be back for her things. Do what you need to set up battle
stations at my house later.”
Neith's eyebrows shot up, but Kelsey gave me that small nod, smile, and
wink of approval. Jules held the door open for me and gave me a salute.
“Ev, we can't just—” Pen started, but I cut her off with a gentle squeeze
and then threw her over my shoulder and smacked her ass.
“Yes, we can,” I said firmly. “You're mine now, and you’re not going
through this alone, Pen. I won't let you.”
I'd barely gotten Pen home and settled on the couch when the doorbell
rang. Opening the door, I found Kelsey, Neith, and Jules, arms laden with
laptops, cameras, and what looked like enough snacks to feed my entire
offensive line.
“Troops reporting for duty,” Jules announced, marching past me with
determination.
Well damn. I'd hoped to be able to relax my girl with a couple of
orgasms before we went into battle, but duty called. I had to hand it to the
girls for rallying the troops, supplies, and equipment so fast.
As they set up in the living room, I caught Pen's eye. She looked
overwhelmed, but there was a glimmer of something else there too—hope,
maybe.
“Alright, team,” Neith said, taking charge for today's crisis. “We need to
counter Odin's narrative and fast. He wants us on the defensive. We're
changing the conversation on him entirely.”
Kelsey nodded, pulling out her tablet. “Trixie's headed to Marie
Manniway’s, and they're calling in the Cowgirls and CowPals. A lot of them
also have solid followings, so we're going to be able to get the message out.
They're ready to mobilize, but we need a unified message.”
“I think I know what we need to do,” Pen spoke up, her voice quiet but
steady. “We focus on the reality of what it means to be a big girl, chubby,
fat, and body positive. Not just the good days, but the struggles too.”
All eyes turned to her. I moved to her side, placing a supportive hand on
her shoulder.
“Go on,” Neith encouraged.
Pen took a deep breath. “Odin's trying to paint me, and honestly the
whole body positivity movement, at least the side with fat people, as a
fraud. Because we have insecurities. But that's part of the journey, isn't it?”
 “Yeah,” Kelsey nodded and closed her eyes. She tipped her head to the
side and her fingers danced, as if she was playing a piano in her mind.
Pen must have found that totally normal, because she continued on.
“When we were at the spa the other day and you all told me about your
stories of when you didn't feel beautiful, or secure, that helped me. It
empowered me, even if it was only for a day.”
No one said a word, because we were, or at least I was, completely
riveted by this step forward in her own journey that Penelope was taking
right before our eyes.
“What if we show that? Real people, real struggles, and the real side of
body positivity where we work our way through it.”
Pride swelled in my chest. Even in her darkest moment, my girl was
thinking of others.
Jules snapped her fingers and bowed her head, cheering on Pen's ideas,
her strength. “Yas, queen, yas. It'll be fast and easy to do a bajillion short
videos. Everyone shares a moment of doubt they've had, but then how they
overcame it or are working to overcome it.”
“Real bodies, real stories,” Kelsey mused. “I like it.”
For the next few hours, our living room transformed into a production
studio. Jules coordinated logistics, Neith crafted the overall strategy, and
Kelsey kept humming a tune I didn't recognize. Through it all, Pen was the
quarterback, the coach, their cheering fan.
I watched Pen slip into her element, offering words of encouragement to
a nervous influencer on a video call, suggesting tweaks to the messaging.
She was still hurting, I could tell, but she was also fighting back.
Odin had no idea what he was up against.
But I could see the toll the day was taking on her.
“Hey,” I said softly, cupping her face in my hands. “How are you
holding up?”
“I'm scared, Ev,” she admitted. “What if this isn't enough? What if
people don't understand?”
I pressed my forehead to hers. “Listen to me. What you're doing here?
It's brave as hell. You're not just defending yourself, you're standing up for
everyone who's ever felt like they weren't good enough. That's powerful,
Pen. That's real.”
When she opened her eyes, I saw a flicker of her usual fire. “You really
think this will work?”
 “I think you're changing the game,” I said firmly.
She took a long, deep, empowered breath and got right back to work.
That first day was fucking brutal, but I loved waking up with her in my
bed, in my arms the next morning. No matter what happened, I wasn't ever
letting her go.
I gently kissed her awake, crawled over her, and planned on making
sweet love to her. But Penelope had other plans.
“All these stories of women overcoming their fears have me thinking,”
she gave me a little shove on the shoulder, “about all kinds of things I've
never done because I was worried about my size.”
“That's great, baby. You know I'm happy to help you work on any of the
items on your list.” Please let there be a couple that she wanted to try in
bed.
“You know how the wives, girlfriends, partners, and lovers are the
Cowgirls and the CowPals?”
Holy shit, I hope she was going where I thought she was with this line
of thought. “Yeah.”
“Do you know why they call themselves that?”
I played dumb. Which wasn't a stretch since the way her eyes were
twinkling at me and the way she pushed me down so I was laying on my
back had all the blood from my brain headed other places farther south.
“Why, Penny?”
“Because cowgirls ride Mustangs.” She slapped a condom into my hand
and just barely waited for me to get it on before she straddled my hips and
sank down onto my dick.
My eyes rolled back in my head, and I was barely able to get moaned
words out. “Ride 'em, cowgirl.”
Two orgasms later, three for her, and I was on my way back to practice.
I'd rather have stayed and let her check off every item on her bucket list and
support her in what promised to be another busy day, but she insisted I get
back to practice. And I was smart enough to know when to do what I was
told.
The rest of the week flew by in a blur of practices for me and social
media strategy for her, besides the work she and Kelsey had to do to get
Kelsey's next album ready for release. But we managed to get in some
stolen moments.
 Odin didn't let up, making reply videos, gathering his own forces to
post, and generally stirring up a shitstorm. The last thing I wanted to do
over the weekend was leave for the last game of the season before the
playoffs. I stood in our bedroom, packing my bag, the weight of leaving Pen
feeling heavier than any tackle I'd ever taken.
“You know,” Pen said from the doorway, “I could still come with you.
Kelsey and I don't have to skip this one.”
I zipped up my bag and turned to face her. The circles under her eyes
spoke volumes about the stress she'd been under. “Pen, you need to rest.
Focus on taking care of yourself for a few days.”
She nodded, but I could see the worry in her eyes. “Go beat those big
kitty cats for me, okay?”
I laughed. She knew full well the team was called the Pumas. “You got
it, babe,” I promised, sealing it with a kiss.
The drive to the airport was quiet, my mind torn between game
strategies and worrying about Pen. It had been a while since I'd flown with
the team, but we'd let Hayes and Willa take the Kingman plane on some
impromptu trip since he was still out with his concussion. It had been Dad's
idea to leave Hayes out of the loop on this for now. He had enough to worry
about trying to recover.
I boarded the team plane, and when we landed, my phone buzzed with a
text from Jules.
Operation Pen Protection is in full effect. We got this. Now go
kick some Puma ass.

Honestly, I was going to miss having her in the stands this weekend. But
some of the tension eased from my shoulders. Pen wasn't alone. She had
good friends and family looking out for her, and I couldn't ask for better
than that.
The flight and pregame prep passed in a haze. I was hyper-focused,
channeling all my worry and frustration into my game plan. I had a job to
do, one that I was very good at, and I'd be damned if I let Odin or any of
these trolls affect my game.
The match was brutal from the start. The Pumas came out swinging, and
we were on the back foot for most of the first half. But every time my focus
slipped, I thought of Pen—her strength, her determination. It fueled me,
drove me to play harder than I ever had before.
 Because Kingmans play better when we're in love.
By the fourth quarter, we were behind by six. With just minutes on the
clock, I slammed through a big ole defensive tackle who'd decided I was his
target for the day, and I sprinted down the line. Chris's spiral landed right in
my hands. There was no stopping me as I ran that sucker in for a
spectacular touchdown run.
The Mustang fans erupted, my teammates mobbed me, and I pointed
right at the cameras, hoping Pen saw and knew it was all for her.
But football, like life, can be cruel. In the final seconds of the game, the
Pumas managed a fucking field goal that won them the goddamned game.
The whistle blew, and just like that, we had our first and only loss of the
regular season.
As I showered and changed, my mind was already racing ahead to Pen.
I needed to call her, to make sure she was okay, to tell her⁠—
My thoughts were interrupted by a commotion near my locker. A group
of my teammates were huddled around someone's phone, their faces a mix
of anger and concern.
“Ev,” Declan called out, his voice tight. “You need to see this.”
He handed me his phone, and my heart dropped. I expected more
backlash from Odin. I didn't expect it from the sports reporters and fans.
Speculation was running wild about why Kelsey and Pen weren't at the
game. The comments section on one of the major sports network's post
about the game was a war zone, with fans taking sides and slinging
accusations.

@IncognitoMosquito: Guess the Kingmans finally realized being

Besties was bad for their brand.

@QueenofGoss: Sources say Declan Kingman is distancing himself

from the social media drama. Wedding's probably off.
@GridironPatriot: No wonder the Mustangs lost. Too busy dealing
with fake body-positive drama queens to focus on the game.
#BoycottBesties

For fuck’s sake.

 Now I had to burn the internet to the ground, and I had a feeling Declan
was going to help me do it.

OceanofPDF.com
 S H A R E YO U R OW N S T O R Y
PENELOPE

I paced the length of the living room, my stockinged feet sinking into
the plush carpet with each step. The Mustangs' flight had landed
over an hour ago, and I knew Everett would be home soon. My
stomach twisted with worry. They'd lost the game and the internet was
basically blaming me.
Why they didn't blame Odin for starting shit in the first place was a
mystery to me. Well, not really, he was a mediocre white guy. They never
got in trouble for anything.
The sound of a key in the lock made me jump even though I was fully
expecting it. I turned towards the door as it swung open, revealing Everett.
His jaw was set, eyes blazing with barely contained fury. Despite his
obvious anger, my heart still skipped a beat at the sight of him.
“Ev,” I breathed, crossing the room.
He dropped his bag and enveloped me in a fierce hug. I could feel the
tension in his muscles as he held me tight. I hated that I was the source of
that tension.
“Those vultures,” he growled into my hair. “How dare they suggest we'd
distance ourselves from you and Kelsey? As if we're not loyal. As if you're
not family.”
I pulled back slightly, cupping his face in my hands. “I know, Ev. It's
awful. But we can't let them get to us. It's what they want.”
If I'd learned anything since the beginning of this disaster, and honestly,
even since doing social media for Kelsey in the first place, it was that trolls
on the internet wanted a negative reaction to their shit-stirring. They craved
the attention, and the smartest thing to do was not only to ignore them, but
to be positive in spite of the negative poo they were slinging.
All the posts from the Take Up Space Network, Besties, and others were
teaching me life lessons I hadn't even realized I'd missed growing up and
clearly, desperately needed to learn. And I think I was. Today, even though
the media was doing their best to tear us down, I didn't feel even a smidgen
as bad as I had a week ago.
Part of the reason for that was standing right here in front of me. Everett
was the supportive man every woman in the world dreamed of having by
their side. I was lucky and so grateful he was mine.
Everett's eyes flashed. “They're implying our relationship affected my
game. That it made us, me, play badly. It's bull⁠—”
There was a place inside of me that got a little hot and bothered by how
protective of me and our relationship he was being right now. I could hardly
wait to show him exactly how appreciative of him I was. Naked. But after I
calmed him down.
“Everett,” I interrupted gently, guiding him to the couch. We sat down,
and I took his hands in mine, but that wasn't enough for him, and he pulled
me into his lap. “Tell me about the game. Did all of this affect you?
Because I may rethink our positivity only strategy if it did.”
I really was all in on the kill him with kindness plan, but if what Odin
was doing hurt my man, I was ready and willing to move on to the just kill
him plan. Grr. I am woman, hear me murder. Then dig a deep grave, toss an
animal carcass on top to confuse any cadaver dogs, and plant a whole-ass
field of endangered plant species to make it really damn hard to get
permission to even search for, much less dig up, any bodies.
Not that I'd thought about it much or anything.
He took a deep breath, some of the anger seeming to deflate out of him.
“Honestly? It was one of the best games I've ever played. Even Shananagan
said so in the press conference afterward. When they let him get a word in
edgewise.”
“But you lost,” I said softly. I knew it wasn't my fault, but it still
worried me that I might be making his job harder.
A wry smile tugged at Everett's lips. “Yeah, we did. Because sometimes
the other team plays great too. It's okay, Pen. Every team loses sometimes.
Even the Mustangs. That's part of the game.”
 “Okay. As long as that axehole didn't get to you.” I squeezed his hands.
“That's what matters.”
“But he did get to the media.” He narrowed his eyes again, and I think
he even growled. “They are having a field day with this.”
“The media thrives on drama.” Didn't I know it. I'd seen them come
after Kelsey in the past, and I admired her strength in facing them now
more than ever. “We can't control what they say, but we can control how we
respond.”
Everett's brow furrowed. “So what, we just ignore it? Let them spew
their lies?”
I shook my head and stroked the delicious stubble across his skin. “No.
We stay positive. We continue to show them who we really are.”
I reached for my tablet on the coffee table. “Look at this.”
I pulled up the video montage Kelsey and I were working on with some
other plus-size celebrities and a bunch of the Besties. It showcased women
of all shapes and sizes sharing their stories of insecurity and battling
through to self-acceptance. It wasn't quite ready to go yet, but when it was,
it was going to be powerful.
Everett watched intently, his grip on my hand tightening as the intensity
of the messages filled the room. They were heartbreaking, they were
empowering, and they were honest.
When the video ended, Everett was quiet for a moment. “This is... wow,
Pen. This is incredible. You're right, this is so much better than burning
down the internet, which is what Declan and I planned to do.”
Something amazing had bloomed this week in the community of
women all around me, and it was slowly but surely changing the way I
thought about myself. “It's not just us. So many women have been sharing
their stories. It's like we've tapped into something that was just waiting to be
released.”
“It's beautiful. You're beautiful, and I can't tell you how proud I am of
you right now.” He pulled me down for a long, lingering kiss and slid his
hands up underneath my shirt.
“I'm aching for you to touch me, taste me.” He'd been gone one night,
barely twenty-four hours, and it felt like a thousand million years.
And it was going to be a billion katrillion more because there was a
knock at the door, and Declan's booming voice. “Put your clothes back on
love birds, we're coming in.”
 I sagged against Everett, and he shook his head. “After we destroy
Odin, my big brother is next on the list.”
Declan threw the door open before I'd even gotten off Everett's lap, and
he had Kelsey in tow. I'd lived with the two of them long enough to
recognize Kelsey's sex hair and satisfied smile. Dammit. Everett and I were
going to have to practice quickies.
Declan rolled his eyes at me and Everett still entwined on the couch.
“Come on, I gave you fifteen whole minutes after Kelsey's third orgasm.
You need to work on your game, love guru.”
I'd seen how competitive the brothers were with each other, and I was
not going to be sad to benefit from some “who can get their girl to come
more times” contests between them and us. Everett must have read my
mind, or maybe just the lascivious look on my face, because he waggled his
eyebrows at me.
Sadly, he moved me to the cushion beside him but not before giving my
earlobe a little nip and whispering, “No quickies for us, Penny. I'm going to
love you long and hard, bent over the couch, just the way you like it, baby.”
Ooph. The anticipation of that was going to be fun for the next few
hours. Maybe I could just ask Declan and Kelsey to come back tomorrow?
No. Yes. No. But I was going to try to keep this meeting as short as
possible.
A few minutes later, our living room had transformed back into the war
room. Kelsey and Declan had dragged Chris and Trixie along too, and the
six of us were sprawled across the furniture, laptops open and phones in
hand.
“I say we hit back hard,” Declan grunted. “And not just online. Have we
figured out where this asshat lives yet?”
Trixie raised a finger. “I didn't go to school for years to become a
librarian for nothing. I'm excellent at that kind of research.”
Everett nodded vigorously. “I'm with Dec. We can't let them get away
with this garbage. You sit on him, Dec, and I've got some violent plans for
him.”
“Don't you boys worry,” Chris sat across from us with his arms around
Trixie and looking very much like he was gloating. “Trix and I have
experience with blow hards. You let your big brother take care of this
bully.”
 I exchanged a worried glance with Kelsey. This wasn't the direction
we'd planned for our campaign.
“Guys,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm, “I get that you're angry.
Trust me, I am too. But fighting fire with fire isn't going to solve anything.”
Kelsey nodded in agreement. “Pen's right. We've been making real
progress with our positive message campaign. Do we really want to derail
that by getting into a mud-slinging match?”
Everett ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of
his body. “So what, we just let them walk all over us? Let Odin spew his
hate without consequences?”
“No, we don't let them walk all over us. We rise above it.” I turned to
Everett, remembering our earlier conversation. “You said you wanted to
contribute, right? What if... what if you guys shared your own stories?”
Declan's brow furrowed. “What do you mean, 'our own stories'?”
Kelsey and I had bandied about this idea yesterday while we were
watching the game. “What if you shared times when you weren't
completely confident in your bodies too? This doesn't just have to be about
women's stories. Men have tons of body insecurities as well.”
Showing that men have body insecurities too would reach an even
bigger audience of people who needed to hear this kind of message.
The room fell silent as they considered this, and we gave them that
space to think. Declan was the first to speak up, his eyes glued to Kels as he
did. “Being the biggest guy around, I've had my fair share of body shaming
thrown my way too, and I'm a professional goddamned athlete. I think that's
part of what pisses me off about this whole thing so fucking bad.”
Everett nodded slowly, a smile spreading across his face. “I did already
tell you about throwing up at my KnightWear photoshoot. I could tell that
story. But I should probably check with them first. They've treated me well,
and I don't want to tarnish that relationship.”
Chris frowned. “You never told me that.”
“Exactly,” Everett said. “Because we're always trying to project this
image of perfect confidence. But what if we showed that it's okay not to be
confident all the time? That what matters is how you push through it?”
“Isn't that giving Odin and the haters more ammo?” Chris shook his
head and pulled Trixie closer. He didn't want to see her get hurt.
I got that, but this was a promising idea.
 “No,” I said firmly. “It's showing strength, it's normalizing. It's saying,
'Yeah, we have insecurities too, but we don't let them define us.' It's exactly
what we've been encouraging our followers to do.”
“I know you hate showing your vulnerabilities to anyone but me,
sweetheart,” Trixie ran a hand through Chris's hair, “but look around the
room. Do you think any less of anyone here for being vulnerable?”
He stared down at Trixie, his eyes flicking back and forth between hers
for a few breaths. Then he gave her a soft nod.
“No. Don't tell them,” he stage-whispered to her, “But I think they're all
tougher and braver than I am.”
“I won't say a word.” Trixie smiled up at him with so much love, and I
wondered if I looked at Everett that way.
“Okay, I'm in,” Chris looked around the room at us and said, “But how
do we do this?”
The next hour flew by as we brainstormed ideas, drafted scripts,
planned out a shooting schedule, and made calls to their agents to make
sure the companies that sponsored them were on board with their stories.
Watching the Kingman men throw themselves into the project with as
much passion as they'd initially wanted to use to attack our critics, I was
almost overwhelmed with the amount of unexpected support and joy.
This was more than just damage control now. This was a chance to
create real change, to challenge the toxic standards that had hurt so many
people—including our big tough men.
I caught Everett's eye across the room. He winked at me, a smile
playing on his lips. His anger had transformed into determination, and I
knew that together, we could turn this mess into something truly positive.
Something bigger than Odin and the other fatphobic people out there,
bigger than all of us.

OceanofPDF.com
 I N S TA S N A P P O S T

@BoulderYuppyAndPuppy
[Pic of a woman and her dog sitting in a field with the Front Range
Flatirons in the background]

Caption:
I've held onto this memory for years, but it's time to let it go. Back in high
school, I was walking to my car in the parking lot my senior year and
standing nearby was a group of boys. They were laughing, and one of them
said, “Dude, she's got so many rolls, I can't tell which is her tits, and which
is her big ole belly.”

They knew I could hear. They didn't care.

Those words lived rent free in my head for years. They shaped how I saw
myself, how I dressed, how I moved through the world. I let those
thoughtless boys define my worth.
But you know what? I'm done with that. Seeing women like @KelseyBest
and @BestiesBestie share their journeys, their struggles, and their
triumphs... it's awakened something in me.
I'm not saying I'm 100% confident now. I'm not saying I love every inch of
my body every day. But I'm working on it. I'm learning to appreciate my
body for what it can do, not just how it looks. I'm learning that my worth
isn't determined by some random, stupid boys from high school.
This journey isn't easy, but it's worth it. And I'm not alone. We're all in this
together.

#LearningToLoveMyself #BodyPositivity #SelfLoveJourney

OceanofPDF.com
 V U LN E R A B I LIT Y I S W H AT M A K E S
YO U B R AV E
EVERETT

I paced the length of my kitchen, phone pressed to my ear, listening

to the rings. My mind was still upstairs in bed with Pen. I'd rather
spend the day with her under me, over me, with her thighs wrapped
around my head. But I had practice and needed to make this call to my
agent before I headed out. On the fourth ring, Maguire's booming voice
filled the line.
“Everett, my man. You were on fire on Sunday. You're not listening to
the press, are you? Sara is very excited about the Take Up Space work she
and the ladies are doing.”
I was really enjoying my agent's enthusiasm. He was usually a bit of a
grump. “Hey, Maguire. Yeah, that's sort of what I wanted to talk about.”
“Great. What's the plan, what can I do?”
I took a deep breath. “I need to reach out to KnightWear. I'm going to do
some work on this body positivity campaign, and I want to make sure
they're okay with that.”
“Hold up,” Maguire interrupted. “Are you sitting down? Because man,
do I have news for you.”
I frowned, lowering myself into my desk chair. “What's going on?”
“KnightWear called me this morning. They're launching a new inclusive
clothing line called KnightNight, and they want you to be the face of it.”
For a moment, I was speechless. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack,” Maguire chuckled. “They said, and I quote, 'If we
had known Everett was such a body positivity advocate, we would have
approached him ages ago.'”
I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. “This is... wow. Talk about
perfect timing.”
“You're telling me,” Maguire said. “But wait, there's more. They've got
an ad spot booked for the Super Bowl, and they want to get some footage of
you telling your story ASAP.”
“My story?” I'd never mentioned the puke story to Mac.
“Yeah, you know, your journey with body image, why this matters to
you. That kind of thing.”
This couldn't have aligned more perfectly if we'd planned it ourselves.
“Maguire, this is incredible. When do they want to shoot?”
“They're pushing for next week. I told them they'd need to work around
your practice schedule since you’re starting the playoffs, but I figured you'd
want to make this work.”
“Absolutely,” I said, already mentally rearranging my commitments.
“Set it up.”
“Will do. Oh, and I heard through the grapevine that Swoosh wants to
match energy too. Looks like they're jumping on the body positivity train as
well. So tell Dec to get on the phone with Alexis.”
I let out a laugh that was excited and relieved that fate seemed on our
side. “You're kidding. Dec and Kelsey will be over the moon.”
“From what I hear, they're already planning his video shoot. You
Kingman boys are going to be all over the bowl this year.”
I hung up with Maguire and blinked a few times at the screen. This was
more than just a sponsorship opportunity. This was a chance to make a real
difference, to amplify the message Pen had been working so hard to spread.
There was no fucking way Odin could match this energy. People were
going to forget he even existed, and that was going to be worse than death
for a narcissist like him.
I headed back upstairs, eager to share the news with Pen. I found her
curled up with all the blankets on the bed. Was I pleased with myself for
fucking her so well this morning that she was completely zonked out? Yeah.
I was. I almost didn't want to wake her up, but this news was too good to
wait.
“Hey, baby.” I pushed her hair from her face and nibbled on her ear the
way she liked. “Wake up, sweetheart. I've got good news that you're going
to want to hear.”
 I was this close to crawling back under the covers with her. She groaned
and peeked one eye open at me, and it was so fucking cute. “No more
orgasms, Ev. I need sleep, you sex god monster.”
“Pen,” her name was half of a chuckle. “You're not going to believe
this.”
As I filled her in on the KnightWear opportunity, she sat up and rubbed
the sleep from her eyes. “Ev, this is amazing. It's like the universe is
aligning to help us spread this message.”
I pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. “It feels that way,
doesn't it? And it's all because of you, you know. You inspired this.”
Pen shook her head, but I could see the pleased flush making her glow.
“We inspired this. Together.”
The next two weeks were a rollercoaster of emotions and events. Odin,
true to form, posted more videos, but his venom seemed to be losing its
sting. He definitely didn't have the same reach as before.
Instead, stories of body positivity were trending, with more and more
people sharing their own journeys of self-acceptance. It felt like we were
really turning the tide. Pen's campaign was gaining momentum, and I
couldn't have been prouder of her.
On the field, despite the media focusing way too much on how much
Kelsey and Pen were seen at our games, the Mustangs were killing it. We'd
clinched two playoff victories, the team operating like a well-oiled machine.
But Hayes's absence was felt keenly. There was a Hayes-shaped hole in our
offensive line that no one else could quite fill.
He was finally back at practice this week, and if he could get cleared to
play for the last playoff game, it would be a game-changer. Not just for the
team, but for Hayes himself. Being sidelined had eaten at him, and I
honestly believed if Willa hadn't been at his side, he might not be back
playing at all. That girl was good for him.
Winning the fucking bowl this year would cheer him up. I had a great
feeling we were gonna do it too.
I was really grateful that KnightWear was willing to fly in a whole film
crew, director, and staff to film my spot for their upcoming KnightNight ad.
I stepped onto the set, the bright lights immediately warming my skin.
The studio buzzed with activity, crew members adjusting equipment,
makeup artists hovering nearby, and the director, a no-nonsense woman
named Samantha, studying her notes.
 We'd already done the underwear part of the shoot, although this time, it
was silk boxers instead of tighty-whities. But now I was back in a t-shirt
and jeans, and the makeup artist touched up my face while Samantha ran
through the outline of the shoot. “We want authenticity, Everett. Real stories
that show why body positivity matters to you.”
I nodded, feeling confident. This was familiar territory. I'd rehearsed my
answers, prepared my story. I could do this.
Once the cameras started rolling, Samantha dove right in. “So, Everett,
tell us why body positivity is important to you.”
I leaned forward, channeling my media-trained charm. “Well, it's funny
you should ask. When I did the first photo shoot for KnightWear's
underwear campaign, I was a nervous wreck. I actually threw up twice
before we even started.”
Samantha's eyebrows shot up. “Really? The great Everett Kingman,
nervous?”
I chuckled, warming to my story. “Oh yeah. I had all these worries
about what my body was going to look like blown up to fifty feet in Times
Square, especially my butt. Crazy, right? But that's the thing. Everyone has
insecurities, even professional athletes.”
The crew nodded appreciatively, and I was pleased at their responses.
This was going well.
But then Samantha's expression shifted, her eyes gleaming with
curiosity. “That's perfect, Everett. Let's get a little bit more. I understand
your mother was April De la Reine, the plus-size supermodel. How did her
experiences shape your views on body positivity?”
The question hit me like a tackle I hadn't seen coming. My mouth went
dry, and my carefully constructed façade went crumbling, crumbling down.
“I... uh...”
Samantha must have noticed my discomfort because she leaned in, her
voice softening. “It's okay, Everett. Take your time.”
I wanted to step away, to compose myself, to put my media face back
on. But then I remembered Pen's campaign, the power of vulnerability she'd
been championing. Wasn't that half the point of what we were doing?
Taking a deep breath, I decided. I'd be vulnerable, raw, in a way I'd
never allowed myself to be publicly before. Because this campaign
mattered, more than even Pen knew.
 “My mom,” I started, my voice rougher than I'd like, “she was
incredible. Beautiful, inside and out. But not everyone saw that.”
I paused, gathering my thoughts. The studio was silent, everyone
hanging on my words.
“When I was a kid, just eight years old,” which was the same year she
died, “there was this boy at school. He... he teased me because my mom
was fat.”
That little shit meant it as an ugly insult. And at the time, I didn't really
understand why that was bad. But the way it was being said, even in my
child-like way, I knew it was being weaponized.
“I was so angry, and we got into a fight over it on the playground. The
school called my mom, and she had to come to school to get me.”
I could see my mom's face so clearly in that moment—her gentle eyes,
her soft smile, the way she'd wiped away my tears. “My mom sat me down
and told me something I've never forgotten. She said, 'Everett, honey,
people will always try to put others in boxes, to tell you what you should
be. Those boxes can hurt if you let them. But the best way to blow those
boxes up like firecrackers on Independence Day, and the most important
thing, is to be authentically you. That's how you find love in this world—by
being true to yourself and loving yourself first.'”
My voice cracked on the last words, and I realized I had tears in my
eyes. But I pushed on.
“She taught me that beauty isn't about fitting some arbitrary standard.
It's about confidence, kindness, and being true to yourself. That's what body
positivity means to me. It's not just about looks. It's about embracing who
you are, all of you, and knowing your worth doesn't depend on anyone
else's opinion.”
As I finished, I became aware of the utter silence in the studio. Then,
slowly, applause began to build. I looked up to see tears in Samantha's eyes.
“That was... incredible, Everett,” she said softly. “Thank you for sharing
that with us.”
I nodded, feeling drained but oddly liberated. As the crew began to buzz
with activity again, I sat back in my chair, processing what had just
happened.
I'd never spoken about my mom like that publicly before. Never
allowed myself to be so raw, so open. But it felt right. It felt true to what
Pen and I had been working towards with our campaign.
 When I got out of the studio, I had a message from Jules. Hayes and
Willa were back from their trip to Japan, and whatever had happened there
had prompted an urgent family meeting. If ever I wanted my family around
me, it was today.
“Thank you all for coming,” Hayes said, his voice steady despite the
obvious nerves. “Willa and I need your help.”
As Hayes laid out their dilemma, their love, their fears, the impossible
choice they faced between Willa's need for adventure and Hayes's ties to
Denver, a knot of hissing snakes formed in my stomach. It was all too
familiar.
Hayes was trying so hard to live up to expectations he thought were
being placed on him, by us, by society, but more importantly, by himself.
And honestly, weren't we all?
It was all bullshit.
The room erupted into a flurry of suggestions and opinions. I watched
as Hayes and Willa rejected idea after idea, each unwilling to let the other
sacrifice their dreams. It was admirable, but also frustrating. Couldn't they
see they were talking themselves in circles because of all these
expectations?
Kelsey sat up straighter, her eyes sparkling with that look she gets when
she's had an idea. She waved Penelope, Jules, and me in close.
“I think I might have a solution,” Kelsey whispered once we'd huddled
close. “What if Willa came to work for me? We travel all over the world,
but we're based here. I'm just not sure in what capacity.”
Penelope nodded and her face lit up. “What about having her travel
ahead of you on tour?” Pen suggested, her voice low but excited.
“She could scout locations, check out hotels, make sure everything's set
up properly for you and your team. It would let her travel and solve
problems, which she loves.”
My chest tightened watching Penelope because my heart was so fucking
full. Here she was, barely a part of our lives for any time at all, and yet she
was right in the thick of things, using her insight and creativity to help solve
our family's problems. She fit so seamlessly into our chaos, offering ideas
and support with that unwavering positivity of hers.
The others nodded enthusiastically at Pen's suggestion, and I realized
just how important she'd become, not just to me, but to my entire family.
She wasn't an outsider looking in, she was one of us, through and through.
 Kelsey beamed at Penelope. “That's perfect. Let's pitch it to them.”
We broke our huddle and Kelsey cleared her throat. “Willa, I think I've
got an idea. See what you think.”
The room fell silent as Kelsey outlined the plan, explaining about her
upcoming album and tour, then dropping the proposal for Willa to work for
her.
Surprise and uncertainty flickered across Willa's face. “I... I don't know,
Kelsey. That's an incredible offer, but am I really qualified for something
like that? I don't know anything about the music industry.”
Hayes squeezed Willa's hand, his eyes lighting up. “You'd get to travel,
see the world, talk to and charm new people, and I'm sure there will be
crazy weird problems to solve. It's everything you're good at, babe.”
But I could see the hesitation in Willa's eyes. “But I'd be away from you
the whole time. It's no different than if I just got another teaching job
abroad. We need a way for us to be together. Maybe I should just⁠—”
As the discussion heated up, something important built up inside me.
All the emotions from the KnightWear shoot, the raw vulnerability I'd
experienced, the lessons I'd learned about being true to yourself—it all
came rushing to the surface.
“Okay, you two, listen up,” I heard myself say, my voice ringing out
clear and strong. All eyes turned to me, surprise evident on their faces. I
rarely raised my voice like this.
“There will never be a perfect solution. There is no such thing as
perfect. Relationships are all about compromise, and you two are the worst
at compromising I've ever seen. You'll compromise to make the other
person happy, but not yourselves? What the hell?”
I found myself pacing the room, my voice rising with each word.
“You're already defying expectations by refusing to allow the other to give
up their dreams for you. Everyone would expect Willa to give up her life to
be with Hayes because it's always the women who follow the players in
football. They give up everything for us. But you two have already said
that's not what you're going to do.”
I marched right up to Hayes and Willa, my eyes blazing. “I've been
trying to tell all of you lovesick fools that you need to be true to yourselves.
Stop trying to fulfill everyone else's expectations of what they think you
should be or how your relationship should look. All of you need to get your
heads out of your asses and go after what you actually want the most.”
 With a final huff, I stormed out of the room, leaving a stunned silence in
my wake. As I stepped outside, the cool air hitting my face, I took a deep
breath. I hadn't meant to explode like that but seeing Hayes and Willa
struggle under the weight of all these expectations, I'd never missed my
mom more.
We all needed her advice right now.
I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes. Maybe I'd gone too far. But
after everything I'd been through, everything I'd learned about being true to
yourself and embracing vulnerability, I couldn't stand by and watch them
make those kinds of mistakes.
The door creaked open, and Penelope stepped out, her eyes meeting
mine with a mix of concern and pride.
“Hey,” she said softly, coming to stand beside me. “That was quite a
speech in there. I'm proud of you. That was the real Everett Kingman in
there, vulnerable and authentic. That's the man I fell in love with.”
Her words hit me hard, and I intertwined our fingers. This moment with
Penelope felt more real than any carefully curated image I'd ever tried to
maintain. “That's the man I always want to be for you.”

OceanofPDF.com
 T H E R E A L R E V E N G E I S T O L OV E
YO U R S E LF
PENELOPE

I grabbed a drink and looked around the VIP suite, my heart racing
with a mix of excitement and nerves. The energy in the room was
electric, a buzz of anticipation that hummed in the air. The Bowl. I
still couldn't believe we were here.
Well, I could. The Mustangs had absolutely killed it in the final playoff
game, and they were favored to win over the New England Presidents.
Helped a lot that Hayes was back on the field and the Kingman brothers
were together again.
Even though I'd only ever watched the Bowl for the commercials in the
past, I was actually excited for the game part today too. But whoo-boy, the
debut of the KnightWear and Swoosh commercials had me feeling all tingly
from my head to my toes too.
“Pen, don't be stingy with those nachos. Bring them over here.” Kelsey
waved from across the room, her megawatt smile impossible to miss. She'd
been extra bubbly and bouncy this week but wouldn't tell me why. She was
probably just as excited about being at our first bowl game and seeing the
body positive commercials too.
But I had a feeling it was more.
Although, she did often get like this right before we announced a new
album too. She loved keeping secrets and laying out clues. Since the
Grampys were just another week away, and she'd be announcing her new
album there, her energy was through the roof.
 I made my way over, weaving through the crowd of familiar faces. The
entire Kingman clan was here. Zaddy Kingman, was deep in conversation
with Maguire Jerry and Johnston Manniway, as was his usual pregame
routine. The twins, Flynn and Gryff, were loading up on snacks, while Isak
was glued to the window overlooking the field. These suites had windows
that slid open, and we were only a few feet above the fans seated in front of
us. It was pretty cool, and plenty were already trying to get selfies with
Kelsey in the background.
“I may have been to three other bowl games like this, but I never get
tired of it.” Jules sidled up next to me, linking her arm through mine. “I
freaking love seeing the boys play at the top of their games.”
I grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. “It's surreal,” I admitted. “I keep
thinking I'm going to wake up.”
“Oh, trust me, it's real,” Trixie chimed in, joining our little huddle. “And
I cannot wait to see these commercials.”
Right. The commercials. My stomach did a little flip at the thought.
Everett's KnightWear ad, the one he'd been so vulnerable in, was set to air
today. We'd gotten to see a preview of part of it, just the section that Everett
was in. He was incredible and it definitely made me cry.
And then there was the mysterious Swoosh ad that Declan and Kelsey
had been so tight-lipped about.
“Speaking of,” Sara Jayne Jerry piped up, her eyes twinkling with
mischief. “Kelsey, any hints about that NDA-worthy Swoosh commercial?”
Alexa, Declan's agent, wagged her finger. “Nice try, SJ. You'll just have
to wait and see like everyone else.”
“Ugh, you're no fun,” Marie Manniway groaned, but she was smiling.
The vibe was so incredible here and I just wished the boys could feel it
too. I drifted towards the windows, wanting to see Everett and mentally
telepath him all this positivity. Down on the field, I could just make out his
jersey as he stood on the sidelines with the team.
For the first time ever, I was wearing a matching jersey with his name
and number on it. He'd gone a little bit feral this morning when he'd seen
me in it for the first time. That's when I learned that it was just as fun
getting bent over hotel couches as it was at home.
“He's going to do great,” a deep voice said beside me. I turned to find
Mr. Kingman standing right next to me.
“I know he will,” I replied, smiling up at him.
 His eyes crinkled at the corners as he returned the smile. “And not just
on the field. That commercial of his... well, let's just say I'm proud of him
for reasons that have nothing to do with football today.”
“Me too,” I managed to say around the lump in my throat.
Mr. Kingman moved away to talk to Kelsey, Willa, and Trixie too. None
of us were even actually family... yet, and he absolutely treated us like we
were. He was the best father figure, and it almost made me want to call my
own dad and try to have a better relationship with him. Maybe after the
bowl and the Grampys, I'd try.
I took a deep breath, letting the magnitude of the moment wash over
me. Today wasn't just about a game or some commercials. This was about
changing perceptions, about showing the world that every body was
beautiful and worthy of love and respect.
“Alright, everyone.” Kelsey called out, raising a glass. “To our boys on
the field, to loving ourselves, and to changing the world one ad at a time.”
A cheer went up around the room, and as I joined in, hope mixed with
relief swarmed all the dark places I’d been hiding from in my mind.
Whatever happened today, we were in this together. And that felt like a
victory already.
The first quarter of the game flew by in a blur of excitement and nail-
biting plays. And holy cow were there some great commercials. That one
for the car company had us all laughing out loud, and the beer people were
freaking geniuses, matched only by the nacho chip people.
But in the very first commercial break of the second quarter, a hush fell
over our suite. We all knew what was coming.
“Here we go,” Kelsey murmured, squeezing my hand.
The first two ads were a blur, one for some kind of pillow and the other
for another car company. But then a sleek, high-energy commercial filled
the screen. My stomach dropped as I realized what I was watching. It was
for FabFlex, a fitness company I'd seen on all the socials, who were well
known for getting influencers to pimp their stuff out. But as the ad
progressed, my unease grew into horror. Because right there, front and
center, was Odin.
Fucking Odin was in a bowl commercial.
The commercial was blatantly fatphobic, featuring before-and-after
shots that made my skin crawl. But it was the tagline at the end that felt like
a slap in the face. “Real body positivity is about being your best self, not
accepting mediocrity.”
“Are you kidding me?” Jules sputtered, her face flushed with anger.
I fumbled for my phone, my hands shaking slightly as I pulled up social
media. My heart sank as I scrolled through the responses. While there was
plenty of outrage, there was also a disturbing amount of support for
FabFlex's message.
“Don't,” Kelsey said gently, placing her hand over my phone. “Don't
torture yourself with that right now. Our ads haven't even aired yet.”
I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. She was right, of
course, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in
my chest.
Suddenly, a burst of raucous laughter erupted from the neighboring
suite. The sound carried clearly through the open windows, followed by
some crude comments about “fatties” that made my blood boil.
“Holy crap. Are the FabFlex people in the next suite over?” Marie
asked, her voice tight with anger.
Mr. Kingman's face darkened as he nodded. “Apparently so.”
The game resumed, but the excited atmosphere in our suite had
dimmed. I tried to focus on the plays, on Everett's powerful runs, Chris's
strategic moves, Declan's crushing tackles, and Hayes's beautiful catches,
but my mind kept drifting back to that awful commercial and the jeering
voices next door.
When the next commercial break hit, I held my breath. This time, it had
to be ours. And it was. The KnightWear ad lit up the suite screen, filled with
Everett's face, his eyes sincere and vulnerable in a way I'd rarely seen them
in public.
He began to speak, sharing his story about his mother and his own
struggles with body image. As the commercial progressed, other voices told
parts of their stories too. People of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds
sharing their journeys to self-acceptance. All while wearing the new line of
size inclusive bed and loungewear from the company, cutely called their
KnightNight line.
Tears pricked my eyes as pride swelled in my chest. This was what we'd
been working towards, what we believed in. As soon as the commercial
ended and the game started back up, I checked the socials again.
KnightWear had posted some pics on InstaSnap from the photoshoots for
the commercial, and so far, the comments totally passed the vibe check.
Phew. This was good. This was great. It was everything we hoped for.
But the moment was shattered by more derisive laughter and cruel
comments from next door.
“What a bunch of losers,” a male voice sneered loudly. They definitely
knew we could hear them. “Kingman's gone soft. Notice how he's only run
the ball today. Bet he can't even catch anymore with all that feelings crap
weighing him down.”
“Ha, not to mention his so-called girlfriend.” An all too familiar voice
floated over. I steeled myself for the comment. It didn't matter. Nothing they
said could get to me. Not anymore. “She's probably broken his back trying
to ride her Mustang.”
Mr. Kingman was sitting right next to me, and I literally saw the
muscles in his jaw clench. His eyes flashed with a fury that quite honestly
scared me a little bit. Without a word, he stood up and strode towards the
door.
“Dad?” Jules called after him, worry clear in her voice.
But Zaddy Kingman didn't respond. He walked out of our suite, and we
all held our breath as we heard him knock on the door next door.
The silence that followed was deafening.
The minutes stretched like hours as we waited for Bridger to return. The
game had resumed, but none of us were really watching it anymore. Our
eyes kept darting between the door and the suddenly silent neighboring
suite.
Finally, the door opened, and Bridger walked back in. His face was
calm, but there was a glint in his eye that spoke volumes.
“Dad?” Jules asked hesitantly. “What happened?”
Bridger simply shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of his
mouth. “Oh, nothing much. Just met our neighbors and had a little chat with
them. Told them they were being too loud and needed to calm down.”
Jules leaned in close to me and whispered, “He probably threatened
something worse than death.” Oh yeah, it was tons of fun to imagine the
formidable Bridger Kingman putting those jerks in their place.
As we settled back into watching the game, I noticed the complete
silence from next door. They even shut their windows. Whatever Mr.
Kingman had said, it had certainly been effective.
 The halftime show was spectacular. It was a female artist that had been
mega popular about twenty years ago and was having a bit of resurgence
due to a popular FlixNChill television show and some virality on social.
Adorably, Mr. Kingman knew the words to all of her songs and sang along.
Could he be any... Zaddy-er? Adorable.
The boys came out strong in the second half, and Hayes scored his
second touchdown of the night. We were ahead, but only by those seven
points. The second half was going to be intense. The next commercial break
approached, and I was so nervous and excited I almost dropped my phone
out the window. This was it, the Swoosh ad that Declan and Kelsey had
been so secretive about.
The screen filled with a pulsing power ballad beat, and then Kelsey's
voice filled the air. My jaw dropped as I realized this was a brand new song,
one I'd never heard before. The lyrics washed over me, speaking of self-
love and acceptance, of rising above hate and finding strength in
vulnerability.

“When they look at me and tell me I'm trash

Because of the size of my... sass,
I've tried to hide, to change, to be what they want to see
But I'm tired of living life for somebody else but me.
They say I should be smaller, quieter, less.
But I'm done trying to be anything but my best.”

I looked over at Kelsey. She was grinning like a loon. I had no freaking
idea how she'd kept this secret from me.
As her voice resonated through the suite, through the stadium, images
began to flash across the screen. People of all shapes, sizes, and colors,
wearing Swoosh shoes doing various activities, like playing sports, but
there was also a mom pushing a stroller, a man walking his dog, someone
mowing a lawn, and another person sitting in a tree. All of them were
making heart shapes with their hands. Some of these were the images that
we'd been putting into a montage for social media. But this was so much
more.
Her chorus blasted out and went right into my heart.
 “The best revenge is to love myself.
Won't let their words sit on my shelf.
No matter my shape, no matter my size,
I'm beautiful in my own eyes.
They can judge, they can hate.
But I'll rise above, it's never too late.
The best revenge, I'm finally free,
Is learning to love the skin I'm in—authentically.”

And then, to my utter shock, I saw myself. There I was, smiling at the
camera, making a heart with my hands. The image shifted to Everett doing
the same, then Declan, then Jules, Trixie, Chris, Hayes, Willa, the twins,
Isak, and even Bridger Kingman.
I gasped, turning to Kelsey with wide eyes. She was beaming at me, her
eyes shining with unshed tears.
“Surprise,” she mouthed, squeezing my hand as her song continued.
Then the bridge hit, and I forgot how to breathe. It was so powerful, and
everything we'd brought these people together to bring into the world. It
was light, and hope, and love.

“To all the haters, all the doubters,

I wish you healing, I wish you power,
To find the strength to love yourself
'Cause that's the real path to wealth.
The best revenge is to love myself.
Yeah, the best revenge is to be myself.”

As the commercial ended with the tagline “Love Yourself. Don't Try, Do
It.” flashed across the screen. And it was over.
I felt the tears streaming down my face, but I didn't mind. I didn't even
wipe them way.
The suite erupted in cheers and applause. I found myself engulfed in a
group hug, surrounded by the warmth and love of this incredible family I'd
somehow become a part of.
“We did it,” Jules said, her voice choked with emotion. “We really did
it.”
 As we all turned back to the game, I couldn't stop smiling. The
negativity from earlier felt like a distant memory now. We faced the hate
and responded with love. We took a stand for what we believed in, and we
did it together.
I looked down at the field, easily spotting Everett among his teammates.
He couldn't have heard our cheers or seen the commercial, but I felt so
connected to him in that moment. We were changing the world, one ad, one
song, one person at a time.

OceanofPDF.com
 F LI P F L O P V I D EO

@SportyIsh

Voice over on footage of a plus-size woman playing various sports:

See that woman spiking the volleyball? That used to be me. The one
defending the soccer goal? Also me. Hitting home runs, carving up the ski
slopes, doing the butterfly at a swim meet? All me.
I loved sports growing up. The rush of competition, the teamwork, that
perfectly exhausted feeling at the end of the game. But I was always the
biggest one on the team. I heard the whispers, the snide remarks from other
athletes, even spectators.

“She's gonna hurt herself, or someone else.”

“She's slowing the team down.”
“Ha. A fat athlete? Yeah, right.”

It got to me. Eventually, I quit. I let their words steal my fun.

Now, years later, I realize how ridiculous that was. Those people? They
were the problem, not me. Their fatphobia took away something I loved,
and I'm angry at them, but also at myself for letting it happen.
But guess what? I'm back. I'm playing every sport that brings me joy.
Because sports don't have a size limit. They don't have a weight
requirement. Do you have a body? You can play.
To anyone who's ever felt too big, too slow, too anything to play sports:
You're not. Your body is an athlete's body if you're an athlete. Period.

So come join me. On the court, the field, the slopes, or in the pool. Let's
reclaim our love for sports, one game at a time.
#RealBodyLove #AthletesComeinAllSizes #BackInTheGame

OceanofPDF.com
 THE COMMERCIALS ARE THE BEST
PA R T
EVERETT

M y heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. Two

minutes left on the clock, we were down by six, and it was fourth
and two. We certainly weren't going to turn it over. The
Presidents' defense had been relentless all night, but this was it. We were
not going to lose this fucking game. Do or die.
I looked over at Chris in the huddle, his eyes blazing with
determination. “Alright, boys,” he said, his voice steady despite the
pressure. “We're running our tight end tush push, left on forty-seven. You
get me that first down, Ev. Ready?”
We all nodded, breaking the huddle. As I lined up, I could hear Declan
shouting encouragement from the sidelines. “You got this, boys. Let's go.”
The ball snapped, and Chris surged forward like he was going to try to
rush through the line, but I hooked and he handed it off to me. The two guys
behind me and Chris literally shoved my ass up and over the Presidents'
linebackers. But damn, they were big sons of guns, and I wasn't going to
make it. There was only one option.
I stepped on some guys back and leapt toward that thirty-yard line.
For a moment, I was airborne, the ball secure in my hands, my body
stretched out over the Presidents' defensive line. A hand grabbed at my
ankle, but it was too late. I crashed to the ground, the impact knocking the
wind out of me, but the ball was still clutched tight to my chest.
First down.
 We were still in the game. The stadium erupted and hands grabbed me,
pulling me to my feet. Chris was there, slapping my helmet. He yelled over
the noise, “That's what I'm talking about.”
But there was no time to celebrate. The clock was still ticking.
We hurried to the line, Chris calling out a good old-fashioned hitch and
go play. I knew my role, block for Chris so he could throw it to Hayes who
was going to run the hell out of that ball when he caught it. As the ball
snapped, I charged forward, engaging the cornerback. Out of the corner of
my eye, I saw Hayes streaking down the sideline. Chris gave a good fake
pump, catching the cornerback's attention, but I held him at bay. Then Chris
threw a beautiful pass into the air.
The ball arced, a perfect spiral headed down the line. Hayes leapt,
snatching it out of the air over the outstretched arms of two of the
Presidents. He landed and took off, his legs pumping furiously.
I disengaged from my block and sprinted after him. A linebacker was
closing in, but I threw myself in his path, feeling the impact rattle my bones
as Hayes zoomed past.
The roar of the crowd was deafening as Hayes crossed into the end
zone. Touchdown. We'd tied it up.
But we weren't done yet. Dion Prince, our kicker, and the special team
jogged onto the field for the extra point. The stadium fell eerily quiet as he
lined up the kick. This was it. Everything came down to this one moment.
The snap was clean. The hold was perfect. Dion's foot connected with a
solid thud.
The ball sailed through the air, curving slightly to the left. For a heart-
stopping moment, I thought it might go wide. But it snuck just inside the
upright.
Good for one god blessed extra point.
The stadium exploded. We'd done it. We'd won the Bowl.
The next few minutes were a blur of pure, unadulterated joy. I found
myself in the middle of a massive group hug with my teammates, all of us
yelling incoherently. Water and green sports drink rained down on us,
courtesy of the rookies, and I couldn't stop grinning even as the icy liquid
drenched me.
“Hell yeah,” Chris shouted in my ear, his arm around my shoulders.
“We fucking did it.”
 I could only nod, too overcome with emotion to form words. This was
ring number two for Chris and Declan and the first for me and Hayes. It's
what we'd all dreamed of since we were kids throwing a football around in
the backyard. And now, here we were, champions.
That initial frenzy began to die down, and friends, family, and fans
filled the field. I scanned the crowd, looking for one face in particular, my
girl. Where was Penelope? I needed to see her, to share this moment with
her. She was the only thing that would make this night even better, and I
couldn't imagine celebrating without her.
Finally, I spotted her. Penelope and Kelsey surrounded by Kels’s
security were making their way onto the field with Jules, Trixie, Willa, and
my dad and brothers. I broke away from the cameras in my face and ran
towards my woman.
“Pen,” I shouted, scooping her up in my arms and spinning her around.
She laughed, her arms wrapping tightly around my neck.
“You did it, Ev.” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with tears of
happiness. “I'm so happy for you. That was one of the coolest things I've
ever seen.”
I set her down gently, cupping her face in my hands, and kissed her.
Cameras flashed around us, someone whistled, and I didn't care one bit.
This was the cherry on top of my football sundae, and it was the best part.
When I broke the kiss, we were engulfed in a massive family hug. My
dad gathered us all around him.
“Boys,” he said, his voice gruff with emotion as he pulled Chris,
Declan, Hayes, and me into a tight embrace. “I'm real fucking proud of the
way you played today. Your mom would have enjoyed the hell out of this
game.”
My throat went tight and tingly at his words. She would have, I knew.
Not just because of the game, but because of everything else we'd
accomplished today too.
“Hey, Kingmans, Declan, Everett,” A reporter approached us, her
cameraman in tow. “Can we get a quick word about the KnightWear and
Swoosh commercials? They're already generating a lot of buzz online.”
Declan and I exchanged a look. We'd hoped this was coming, and we
knew we'd likely be getting extra media attention in part because of
Kelsey's fame, but we also wanted to be sure we could direct the discourse
if it started out on the field instead of at the after game press conference.
Our girls were vulnerable, and no way either of us were going to let them
take any pot shots at them.
But I'd interacted with this reporter a few times. She knew her shit and
didn't cause any. I liked her. “Of course,” I said, turning to face the camera.
Penelope squeezed my hand supportively.
“The commercial... it means a lot to me,” I began, choosing my words
carefully. “It's about more than just clothes or even body positivity. It's
about honoring my mom's memory and the lessons she taught us about self-
love and acceptance.”
We all got distracted with a huge commotion up in the stands, near the
suites. Some guy was hanging out the windows, yelling and screaming
about something. Security guards were struggling to pull him down. Some
attention seeking asshole whose team probably just lost. But my stomach
dropped when I recognized the figure.
Odin.
He was shouting something that no one but those hard-working security
guards were going to be able to hear over the general noise of the stadium. I
quickly turned away from the cameras and leaned down to talk to Pen
without her answer needing to be on camera. “Did you know he was here?”
She gave me an eyeroll so big she might have sprained her brain. “Yeah.
He and the FabFlex people were in the suite next to us, making a ruckus.
But your dad took care of it.”
Oh, I couldn't wait to hear this story. “Who or what the hell is
FlabbyFlex?”
Pen laughed. “Exactly.”
More reporters swarmed around us, but with Dec and I blocking, and
Hayes and Chris distracting them with their swagger, we pushed our way
over to the stage for the presentation of the Tiffany trophy. No one else even
cared about some crazed fan up in the stands. All eyes were on us.
Chris riled everyone up with his rousing rendition of the opening bars of
that champion song and got the whole team to sing along. He must have
been hanging out with Kelsey or something, because I didn't even know he
could sing at all.
Hayes was awarded the MVP. Fucking rookie. God, I loved that kid. By
the look on her face, so did Willa.
After the on-field celebrations, we were ushered into the press room for
the official post-game press conference. The coaching staff sat at the long
table with Chris. Hayes and I, and a couple of other guys, stood by to
answer the questions they wanted us for too. Declan didn't do press if he
could help it.
The questions came fast and furious, mostly focused on the game.
Coach fielded most of them, breaking down key plays and praising the
team's performance.
“Coach,” one reporter asked, “what do you think was the turning point
in today's game?”
Coach leaned into his microphone, his voice gruff but proud. “That
fourth and two conversion in the final minutes. E. King's leap over the
defensive line showed the heart and determination of this team. It set the
stage for H. King's game-winning touchdown.”
“Chris,” another reporter shouted out. “This puts you another ring closer
to having a dynasty. Do you credit any of that to having half your family
playing on the team with you?”
“We're a little early to be talking dynasties, although I fully intend to get
my team that distinction.” Hell to the yeah. If we were all lucky, we'd all get
to play for the Mustangs for a long time to come. “But, yeah, playing with
guys I've known literally my whole life, and who I'd trust with it, is a
benefit.”
“Coach Shananagan, there're three more Kingman players waiting in the
wings playing at DSU. Any plans to add more to the roster?”
The crowd chuckled. It would be pretty hilarious if all seven of us
played for the same team.
Coach narrowed his eyes at the ridiculous question and the reporter
shrank in front of him. Ooph. Coach did not like stupid questions. “I'll take
every fucking Kingman I can get if they keep winning games like these
ones do.”
The room collectively breathed a sigh of relief. I wondered if that clip
would make the rounds on the sports channels. Even more, I wondered if
Coach and his staff really were planning on grabbing Flynn and Gryff in the
upcoming draft.
“Everett, Declan.” That reporter who'd grabbed me out on the field
called our names when she was called on next. Dec rolled his eyes at me,
but we sat in the two chairs on the end.
“There's been a lot of buzz about the ads featuring you two along with
Kelsey Best and her assistant Penelope Quinn. Can you talk about your role
in these very body positive ads?”
I glanced at Declan, who shook his head slightly, not wanting to answer.
He hated this stuff.
“Actually,” I said, leaning towards the microphone, “I haven't seen the
Swoosh Ad. We've been a little preoccupied,” I added with a chuckle,
gesturing to indicate the game we'd just played.
The reporter's eyes lit up. “I have it right here if you'd like to see it.”
She held up her phone, the screen already queued to the ad. I nodded,
and she passed her phone to an assistant who brought it to us. Declan sat
back, obviously having seen it, since it was his sponsorship and he was in
the ad, while I hunched over the small screen, aware of the room's
anticipation.
As Kelsey's voice filled the air and images flashed across the screen, a
lump formed in my throat. People of all shapes and sizes making heart
shapes with their hands, and then there we were—me, my brothers, even
my dad. The power of Kelsey's lyrics hit me like a tackle.
When it ended, there was a moment of stunned silence. I blinked
rapidly, trying to process what I'd just seen.
“Wow,” I finally managed, my voice rough with emotion. “That was...
incredible.”
The reporter who had shown us the ad leaned forward. “What are your
thoughts on the message of the ad, especially with how it contrasts with
FabFlex's?”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I haven't seen their ad or
even heard of FlabFlex, so I can't speak to that, but what Swoosh and
KnightWear have done with these ads is powerful and necessary.”
I wished Pen was here to help me express just how important this was,
not just to me, but to her and everyone who'd been impacted by her journey.
She'd started a revolution, and I wasn't sure she even knew it. “For too long,
we've let others’ expectations dictate what's beautiful or worthy. This ad and
the women behind it, Kelsey, Penelope, and so many others, they're
changing that narrative. They're showing that true strength comes from
loving yourself exactly as you are.”
Declan nodded in agreement and shocked the shit out of all of us by
speaking into the microphone. “It's not just about athletes or celebrities,” he
added. “It's about everyone. We're hoping to inspire people to embrace
themselves, to see their own worth regardless of shape, size, gender, or any
other factor.”
“And how does this tie in with the KnightWear commercial you were
involved in, Everett?” another reporter asked.
“They're two sides of the same coin,” I replied. “The KnightWear ad
was about honoring my mom's memory and the lessons she taught us about
self-love and acceptance. It's about changing the conversation around body
image, especially for men, who often don't have these discussions openly.
Both ads are pushing for a world where everyone feels valued and
represented.”
As we continued to field questions, most circling back to the game, I sat
there with a tingling all up and down my skin and spine. We'd won the
Bowl, yes, but this felt like the start of something even bigger. We were part
of a movement that could genuinely change lives.
Finally, the press conference wrapped up, and we were free to go.
As we pushed through the doors of the press room, the sounds of
celebration hit us like a wave. The hallway was packed with family, friends,
and team staff, all eager to continue the festivities.
Penelope was standing with Kelsey, Jules, and Trixie, her eyes lighting
up as she spotted us. I made my way over, unable to keep the grin off my
face.
“Hey, champ,” Penelope said, wrapping her arms around me. “Ready to
really celebrate?”
Before I could answer, she was already pulling out her phone, her
organizational mode in full swing. “Okay, I've got cars waiting outside to
take us all to the venue for the celebration. I rented out the whole place for
the team and families. The first round's on me, but don't go too crazy. We've
got those morning show interviews tomorrow.”
I did not hold back my laugh. Of course Penelope had already planned
everything down to the last detail. “Have I told you lately that you're
amazing?” I said, pulling her in for a quick kiss.
She grinned and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Hmm. Tell me
again later when we're celebrating... in bed.”
“I'm more than happy to skip the partying and go straight to that portion
of the celebrations.”
“Now come on,” she shook her head and pulled my hand to lead me
down the hallway, “let's get this party started.”
 As we made our way through the crowd towards the exit, I saw similar
scenes playing out around us. Hayes was hand in hand with Willa, both of
them grinning from ear to ear. Chris was already regaling a group with a
play-by-play of the final touchdown. And there was Dad, looking prouder
than I'd ever seen him.
The night was young, we were champions, and we had a bar full of
people waiting to celebrate with us. Tonight was for reveling in our victory.

OceanofPDF.com
 H EY B E S T I E S
PENELOPE

T he bar I’d rented out for the bowl win was alive with energy as we
stepped through the doors, my hand intertwined with Everett's. The
bar, usually a local hotspot, had been transformed into our own
private victory haven. The neon signs and dark wood were now adorned
with Mustangs banners and blue and orange balloons. A giant screen
dominated one wall, replaying highlights from the game.
“Pen, this is incredible,” Everett said, his eyes wide as he took in the
scene. I smiled, happy with what I'd accomplished mostly in secret.
Organizing this celebration had been exactly in my wheelhouse, and since
this wasn't the first party I'd thrown for the Mustangs, Marie Manniway let
me run with it. Besides, it made it easier to have Kelsey's security in place
so she could have an enjoyable time too.
We made our way further into the bar, and we were engulfed by a sea of
orange and blue. Players, coaches, and their families filled every corner,
their laughter and excited chatter creating a symphony of victory. The
clinking of glasses and the pop of champagne bottles punctuated the air.
“Penelope,” a familiar voice called out. I turned to see Marie with
Johnston in tow, making their way towards us. Her warm smile was
infectious as she pulled me into a hug. “Darling, you've outdone yourself.
This is fabulous.”
“Thanks, Marie,” I said, returning her embrace. “I'm just glad
everyone's having a good time.”
Marie linked her arm through mine and addressed Everett. “Young man,
I'm stealing your lady for a few minutes. There are some people I need her
to meet properly.”
Everett nodded and he waved me off. Marie guided me towards a group
of women, but I stole one backward glance at Ev for support. He was
starting at my ass, so I gave it a little wiggle for him.
I recognized many of the faces in this group from game days and charity
events. The Cowgirls and CowPals, the wives, girlfriends, partners, and
lovers of the Mustangs players. They welcomed me with open arms and
bright smiles.
“Ladies, I believe you all know Penelope,” Marie said, her voice
carrying a hint of pride. “But tonight, we're officially inducting her into our
little family.”
A cheer went up from the group, and the best kind of happiness spread
through me. These women and men, many of whom I'd admired from afar,
were embracing me as one of their own. I looked around the circle, feeling
a little surge of shyness. They all seemed very glamorous and put together.
For the briefest of seconds I bet that none of them ever suffered from a lack
of confidence.
Then I mentally gave myself a little smack. Of course they did. They
were... people, humans, and just as susceptible to insecurities as the rest of
us. While I could be mad at myself for that little slip, I understood better
than any time in the rest of my life that thoughts like that were normal,
would probably happen again, and that I was okay, despite it.
“We saw the commercial,” said Fern, one of the girlfriends, her eyes
shining. “It was absolutely amazing. You and Kelsey are going to change so
many lives.”
She wasn't the only one looking at me like I was some kind of
superhero, and I had to press my lips together so I didn’t smile so wide I let
out all the butterflies they were letting loose in my heart. There was
beautiful diversity in the body types in this group, but it definitely leaned
more toward the curvier, thick girls. These were my people, and that
actually surprised me a little.
“Thanks. It means a lot to hear that.”
“She's being modest,” Trixie appeared at my side and handed me a glass
of bubbly. “The response has been insane. #LoveYourself is trending on all
the socials right now.”
A ripple of excitement went through the group.
 “That's badass.” Elisha, who was sitting across from me raised her
glass. “You know, seeing you and Kelsey up there... it made me feel seen.”
Several other women nodded their heads, and it wasn't only the bigger
girls. A sweet looking, tall woman who I didn't know yet gave me a shy
smile. “Yeah, like maybe I could be beautiful too.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “You are beautiful. We all are. We
just have to give ourselves enough grace to believe it. That's the whole
point.”
Marie raised her glass. “To changing the world, one commercial at a
time.”
As we clinked glasses, I caught sight of Everett across the room. He was
with his brothers and some of the other players, recounting what looked like
an exciting play. His eyes met mine, and he flashed that heart-melting
smile. God, I loved that man.
As the night progressed, I felt like Everett and I were holding court. So
many people stopped by to say something about the commercials to us.
Including the Swoosh and KnightWear reps who were here and buying
rounds for everyone, basking in the glow of their successful campaigns.
“Penelope, Kelsey, Everett, Declan.” Mo, the KnightWear rep, joined us
with a big smile on his face. “What're you drinking? It's on us tonight.”
Isabel, the Swoosh rep, was right behind him and practically glowing.
I waved them to the seats next to us. “Mo, Isabel,” I greeted them both.
“Having fun?”
“Are you kidding? This is incredible. The response to both campaigns
has been off the charts. Did you know that our site crashed after the spot
aired because we were getting so many orders the servers couldn't handle
it?” Isabel said.
“Really?” I couldn't keep the excitement out of my voice. “That's
amazing.”
Mo nodded enthusiastically. “It's like you and Kelsey opened the
floodgates. People are ready for this message. They're hungry for it.”
As we chatted, a sense of accomplishment skittered though me. This
wasn't just about winning a game or making a successful ad. We were
starting a movement.
The night continued in a blur of laughter, dancing, and celebration. At
one point, I found myself in the middle of the dance floor with Kelsey,
Jules, and Trixie, all of us singing along to the music at the top of our lungs.
 As the song ended, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist. I
leaned back into Everett's chest, tilting my head up to look at him.
“Having fun?” he asked, pressing a kiss to my temple.
I nodded, a wide smile on my face. “So much.”
The party was in full swing, laughter and music filling the bar, when a
commotion at the entrance caught my attention. I turned to see a familiar,
unwelcome face arguing with the security guards.
Odin. Looking a little worse for the wear, and all on his own. When was
this guy going to quit?
His voice carried over the music, sharp and bitter. “Hey, look at the
chubby chasers and their chubby ball bunnies.”
Everett tensed beside me, his jaw clenching. But before he could move,
I placed a hand on his arm. “Let's not give him the attention he wants.”
I surprised myself with the steadiness in my own voice. “I arranged for
extra security tonight. Let them handle it.”
As if on cue, Kelsey's security team moved in, surrounding Odin. But
he wasn't done yet. As they began to escort him away, he shouted, “This
isn't over. I'm dropping a new video tonight that'll show everyone what
frauds you are.”
Kelsey pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen.
“He's live streaming right now,” she said, her voice tight.
We huddled around her phone, and Odin's face filled the small screen.
“...they're selling you a lie, and they've got a big brand behind them helping
them do it. But being fat isn't healthy, and⁠—”
Before he could continue, I reached out and grabbed Kelsey's phone.
Without hesitation, I dropped it to the floor and brought my heel down hard,
shattering the screen.
A collective gasp went up from our group. Kelsey's eyes were wide with
shock. “Pen, what the⁠—”
“We don't need to let that kind of negativity into our lives,” I said
firmly. “Not tonight. Not ever.”
There was a moment of stunned silence, then Everett burst out laughing.
“That's my girl,” he said, pulling me into a hug.
I glanced down at the shattered phone and gave it one more kick for
good measure. “I'll get you a new phone in the morning. Sorry, but also, not
sorry.”
 Kelsey shook her head, a slow smile spreading across her face. “You
know what? You're absolutely right. And I needed an upgrade anyway.”
An idea struck me. “Hey, let's make our own video. Show everyone how
we're really celebrating tonight.”
Kelsey's eyes lit up. “I'm down to clown.”
I pulled out my phone and gathered everyone around. With a deep
breath, I channeled all the confidence I'd gained over the past months.
“Hey, Besties.” I chirped, grinning at the camera. “It's Mz. Besties'
Bestie, Penelope Quinn here, coming at you live from the most super after
the bowl party where we're celebrating not one, but two massive victories
tonight.”
Kelsey jumped in, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “That's right.
Not only did our amazing Mustangs just win the Bowl, but our body
positivity commercials are taking the world by storm.”
Of course because Kels was actually joining in, the chat exploded. Her
fans were plenty used to me showing them shots of her rehearsing or at a
concert, but she rarely actually got on camera to address them herself. But
tonight meant something really important and her fans understood this kind
of message better than any other ones in the entire world.
“So here's to victories on and off the field,” I said, raising my glass to
the camera. “And remember, Besties. The only opinion about your body
that matters is your own. Keep loving yourselves.”
I panned the camera around, showing the joyous faces of our friends
and family. “This is what real celebration looks like, Besties. It's about love,
acceptance, and being surrounded by people who lift you up.”
Everett appeared behind us, wrapping his arms around me and snagging
the phone out of my hand. “And it's about knowing that you're perfect just
the way you are.”
He pressed a kiss to my cheek and handed the phone to Kelsey,
indicating she should flip the camera to the one on the back to point at us.
“Hey, Besties. Kelsey here,” she said into the camera, “I think Everett
Kingman has something he wants to say.”
She pointed the phone at us, and I got a tingling feeling that started in
my scalp and worked its way all the way down my arms and legs, giving
me goosebumps. So much of my life was on video, online, but this felt as if
it was something that actually should be recorded for posterity, and I didn't
even know what was happening.
 Everett waved to the DJ, and the music faded. A hush fell over the
crowd. Kelsey kept the phone trained on us, broadcasting every moment to
who knows how many viewers.
“Pen,” Everett began, his voice soft but clear. “Can I tell everyone how
we first got together?”
“Uh...” I dropped my voice hoping the entire internet and all the people
in the bar couldn't hear me. “You mean in your brother's basement?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “No, I mean the thing you asked me to
help you with.”
Oh. A couple of months ago, I was ashamed as all get out that I had to
ask someone to help me learn how to find a date. Now I didn't see that as
something embarrassing.
I smiled and looked around, then right at the camera. “Oh, ha-ha, that.
Yeah. I asked Everett 'Love Guru' Kingman for dating lessons.”
A titter went through the crowd, but I didn't feel like I was being
laughed at. They were all just enjoying the beginning of this story. It was a
doozy.
Good thing Kelsey was circling us with the phone, capturing every
angle of this moment like she was a freaking professional camerawoman.
Everett smiled, his eyes never leaving mine. “I was so conflicted. Here
was this amazing woman asking for my help, and all I could think was how
much I wanted to be the one you were learning to date.”
A collective “aww” went up from the crowd. I could imagine the flood
of heart emojis on the live stream.
“But you were off-limits,” Everett continued. “You were my brother's
fiancée's assistant, someone he felt protective of. And I... I was scared.
Scared of my feelings, scared of messing up our friendship.”
“I didn't know you were scared.” I looked around the crowd again. “Of
anything but snakes.”
He shook his head and shivered. “I will get you for that later.”
“Can't wait.”
He cleared his throat and continued. “I always thought falling in love
would be like lightning striking—one big, unmistakable moment. That's
how it always seemed to happen to the men in my family. But with you,
Pen, it was different. It was a thousand little lightning strikes, each one
illuminating another reason to love you.”
 He was being so incredibly sweet, and I didn't even know why, but tears
welled up in my eyes hearing him tell me all this.
“Every lesson, every conversation, every shared laugh—they were all
strikes of lightning. And before I knew it, my universe was lit up by you.
You taught me that love isn't always a sudden crash of thunder. Sometimes
it's a slow-building storm that leaves you soaked to the bone before you
even realize it's raining.”
And then, to my utter shock, Everett dropped to one knee. A collective
gasp went up from the crowd.
“Penelope Quinn,” Everett said, pulling a small box from his pocket.
“You came to me for dating lessons, but you ended up teaching me the most
important lesson of all—how to truly love. Will you marry me?”
For a moment, I couldn't breathe. I stared at Everett, at the ring glinting
in the box, at the faces of our friends and family surrounding us, and at
Kelsey's phone, broadcasting this moment to the world.
And the voices in my head didn't try to tell me this wasn't real, that it
was a joke or dream. This was the most genuine moment I'd ever
experienced, and I was embracing it with everything I had in me.
“Yes,” I managed, my voice choked with emotion. “Yes, yes, yes. I'll
marry you and love you and all the things I never thought would ever
happen to me.”
The room erupted in cheers as Everett slipped the ring onto my finger.
He stood, pulling me into a kiss that conveyed every ounce of love we felt
for each other.
When we finally broke apart, I became aware of the cacophony of
congratulations surrounding us. Kelsey was right there, her face split in a
huge grin as she kept filming.
“You heard it here first, Besties.” she exclaimed. “The ship has
officially sailed. Penett is engaged.”
I laughed, burying my face in Everett's chest for a moment before
turning back to the camera. “I can't believe this is happening,” I said, my
voice still shaky.
“Believe it, babe,” Everett said, his arm tight around my waist. “Looks
like those dating lessons paid off after all.”
“Best teacher ever,” I replied, beaming up at him.
As our friends and family swarmed around us, offering hugs and
congratulations, I caught snippets of the live stream comments on Kelsey's
phone.
“OMG. This is better than any rom-com.”
“From dating lessons to 'I do'? I'm sobbing.”
“Body positivity AND a fairytale romance? Dreams do come true.”
Amidst the chaos, Everett leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I love
you, Pen. Thank you for teaching me what love really is.”
As we shared another kiss, the cheers of our loved ones mixed with the
virtual excitement of thousands of viewers around the world.
I whispered another promise to him. “Next I'll teach you how to get
over your fear of snakes.”

OceanofPDF.com
 B E S T I E S F A C E S PA C E G R O U P P O S T

@ItsMeAgain
[Image: A selfie of a smiling plus-size woman sitting in a cozy coffee shop,
wearing a cute outfit and looking nervously excited]

Caption:
#RealBodyLove moment for my fellow Besties—I never thought I'd be
posting something this personal, but here goes...
I'm 33, and today is my first ever first date. Yes, you read that right. I've
spent my whole life believing that men wouldn't find me attractive because
of my size. I convinced myself that love wasn't for me, that I didn't need it.
That I didn't deserve it.
But you know what? I'm done letting those thoughts control my life. I want
love. I want connection. I want to experience all the joys (and yes, even the
heartbreaks) that come with putting yourself out there.
So here I am, about to meet someone new. I'm nervous, excited, and proud
of myself for taking this step.

To anyone else who's held themselves back because they didn't think they
deserved love: You do. We all do. Our size doesn't determine our worthiness
of love and affection.
Wish me luck.
#FirstDate #PlusSizeDating #SelfLove #BodyPositivity

OceanofPDF.com
 L A DY A N D T H E C H A M P
EVERETT

I was sprawled on the couch, idly flipping through sports channels. I

fucking loved the first week of the off-season. We had absolutely
nothing to do, and I was filling it with rest and relaxation, and
spending a lot of time in bed... with Penelope under me, whimpering my
name, as I made her come. Again. And again.
The doorbell rang. The doorbell never rang. The only people who came
over to our house—I absolutely loved thinking of it as ours instead of just
mine—were my family. They didn't ring the doorbell. They just walked in.
Weird.
Pen looked up with a raised eyebrow. She'd been tapping away on her
tablet at the other end of the couch with her legs all wrapped up in mine.
“Expecting someone?” she asked.
I shook my head, hauling myself up. “Nope. I was gonna ask you the
same thing.”
I peeked through the window and didn't see anyone. Maybe some kind
of a delivery?
But when I opened the door, it wasn't a delivery I found. It was Billy,
our young neighbor, looking like his favorite pet had gone over the rainbow
bridge. If I could only be so lucky.
“Hey, Billy.” I crouched down to get on his level. “What's going on,
kiddo?”
He shuffled his feet, not meeting my eyes. “Um, Mr. Kingman, sir? Is
it... is it okay if I hang out here for a bit? My mom and dad are yelling at
each other again.”
 My heart sank. Billy's dad was a dick, but his mom seemed nice. I
hadn't realized it had gotten this bad.
“Of course, buddy. Come on in,” I said, stepping aside to let him enter.
Pen was already on her feet, her face a picture of concern. “Billy, honey,
are you hungry? I was just about to make some snacks.”
Billy shook his head, but I saw the way his eyes lit up at the mention of
food. “Maybe, if you've got, like, peanut butter and jelly? I know how to
make that myself.”
“I love me some PB and J. So I'll make some for me and you both,
okay?” Pen headed to the kitchen, her phone in hand. She caught my eye
and mouthed “calling his mom” before disappearing down the hallway.
That left me to entertain the kid. “Hey, you want to go throw the ball
around for a bit? I could call my brothers over, have a scrimmage.”
It might be February, but we were having one of our three hundred days
of sunshine, and it was sixty-some degrees outside. For the first time since
he'd arrived, Billy's face broke into a genuine smile. “Really? That'd be
awesome.”
I grinned back, already reaching for my phone. “You got it, champ. Let
me just call in the cavalry.”
I sent a message out to the family chat, and within a half an hour, the
backyard was a hive of activity. Chris, Declan, Hayes, and the twins all
showed up, along with Trixie, Kelsey, and Willa. We needed to find the
twins some partners of their own too. I loved seeing my brothers happy.
And I was feeling some love guru advice coming on.
But first, football. We divided into teams, while the ladies decided to
make it a full on gathering and whipped up way more than sandwiches.
“Alright, Billy,” I said, holding the ball out toward him. “You're gonna
be my star receiver. Think you can handle it?”
He nodded solemnly, his earlier sadness forgotten in the excitement of
the game.
What followed was a hilarious and heartwarming scrimmage. My
brothers, professional and college athletes that they were, played with
exaggerated clumsiness, allowing Billy to dodge past them and make
spectacular catches.
“And Billy 'The Bullet' scores another touchdown,” Hayes
commentated dramatically as Billy crossed our makeshift end zone. “The
Kingman brothers are being absolutely destroyed out here, folks.”
 Billy was beaming, his cheeks flushed with exertion and joy. As he
high-fived me, affection for this kid skittered through me in a whole new
way.
What would it be like to have a kid like this of my own? Pen and I
hadn't talked about that part of our future yet, and I'd definitely be bringing
up sooner rather than later. Because I could imagine a whole gaggle of kids
running around in my backyard tossing the ball around.
I fucking loved family.
The game wound down as the sun began to set, and we all trooped
inside, sweaty and laughing. Pen waved us over to a spread of food that
would put most buffets to shame. My dad, Jules, and Isak were already at
the table, chowing down.
“Fuel up, boys,” she said, smiling as we descended on the food like a
pack of wolves. As we munched, I noticed Billy got quiet again.
“Everything okay, buddy?” I asked quietly.
He sighed, putting down his half-eaten sandwich. “I don't wanna move.
Mom says we have to. And... and we can't take Bananaconda with us.”
My stomach lurched at the mention of the snake, while I also held in a
laugh at the new name he’d chosen, but I pushed past both reactions. I did
my best to keep my voice steady. “That must be really tough.”
Billy nodded, his eyes welling up. “I don't know how I'm gonna find her
a new home. Nobody wants a snake.”
I caught Pen's eye across the room, seeing the mixture of sympathy and
determination on her face. I knew that look. It meant we were about to do
something either very brave or very stupid.
Probably both.
Billy looked up at me, his eyes wide and hopeful. “Mr. Kingman? Do
you think... maybe you could adopt Bananaconda?”
Aw, shit. Yep. I knew it was coming, and I still couldn't breathe. Why
was the room spinning? “Me?”
Adopt a snake? Fuck that.
But before I could stammer out a kid-appropriate response, Pen's voice
cut through my panic.
“You know, Ev,” she said gently, “this could be a great way to work on
your fear of snakes.”
Really? Throwing me into the deep end was a great way? I thought
maybe we'd go to the zoo and look at the snakes from far, far away or
something. Not get a snake as a freaking pet. Couldn't we get a dog or
something first?
I looked at her, torn between love for her support and terror at the
prospect of living with a snake. But then I saw Billy's face fall, and
something in me shifted.
“You're... you're afraid of Lady Bananaconda Hisstledown?” Billy
asked, his voice small and confused.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “Yeah, buddy. I
am. Since I was about your age.”
There was only one other person in my family that knew this story, and
she wasn't here to tell it anymore. When I was about Billy's age, we went to
visit my Aunt May who lived in a really old house out in the middle of
nowhere, Texas. And the absolute urban legend of the snake in the toilet
actually happened to me. Except that snake had actually bitten me on the
ass.
And my mom has saved me. Just like it was no big deal, she pulled that
snake off my butt and tossed it out into the yard. All before anyone else in
the house was even awake. I'd been afraid of snakes, and old farmhouse
toilets, ever since.
And when she died, my fear of snakes got worse. Because who was
going to save me from snakes if she was gone?
To my surprise, Billy's face lit up with understanding. Then he cupped
his hands and held them near my ear to whisper to me. “Like how I'm afraid
of the dark sometimes?”
I gave him a nod and a chuckle. “Yeah, kind of like that.”
“But you're so big and strong,” Billy said, his brow furrowed in
concentration. “If you're scared... does that mean I'm not being a big baby if
I'm scared of stuff too?”
The question hit me like a ton of bricks. Here I was, a professional
athlete, a grown man, being given a lesson in representation by a kid. I
glanced around the room and caught my dad's eye.
Oh. He knew. Of course he did. Mom would have told him. He gave me
the slightest of nods.
“You know what, Billy?” I said, my voice stronger now. “It's absolutely
okay to be scared of things. Everyone is afraid of something. But the
important thing is to let the people around you help you get over that fear.
When you're ready.”
 Billy nodded solemnly. “Like when my mom reads to me until I fall
asleep?”
“Exactly,” I said, feeling a surge of affection for this wise little guy.
“And maybe... maybe it's time I faced my fear too.”
The words were out of my mouth before I could really think about
them, but as soon as I said them, I knew they were right. Pen was at my side
in an instant, her hand slipping into mine.
“Billy, if it's okay with your parents, we'd be happy to give
Bananaconda a home.”
The joy that spread across Billy's face was worth every ounce of fear I
felt. He launched himself at me, wrapping his arms around my waist in a
fierce hug. “Thank you, Mr. Kingman. Thank you so much.”
I hugged him back and caught my family all looking syrupy sweet at the
sight of us. Declan gave me scowl, and Flynn was pretending to wipe away
a tear.
“Aww, look at our baby brother,” Chris said dramatically. “All grown up
and adopting danger noodles.”
I rolled my eyes at him, but I was grinning too. “Yeah, yeah. You're all
going to help me set up the terrarium, right?”
“Oh no,” Chris laughed. “This is all you, snake charmer. We'll be
cheering you on from a safe distance. Your new pet would like to eat ours.”
“We'll help,” Kelsey said. “I've already hung out with Lady
Bananaconda. She's cool.”
Declan gave her a look like she was crazy. Ha. I was definitely making
him help me. In fact, I'd make him babysit someday when Pen and I went
on our honeymoon.
We all laughed, and I stretched the muscles in my neck that had been
tensing since the subject of the snake started. Yes, I was still terrified at the
thought of having a snake in the house. But I was also excited. Excited to
face this fear, to grow, to make Billy happy, and to share that story with
Pen.
She was looking at me with such pride and love that my heart swelled
so much I could hardly breathe. “You're adorable and amazing, you know
that?”
I pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I'm just following
your example, babe. You've taught me a lot about being a brave example.”
Bring on the danger noodle. I was ready.
 We were still discussing the finer points of snake care when the doorbell
rang. Billy's face fell, and he and I knew instantly who it must be.
“I'll get it,” Pen said softly, squeezing Billy's shoulder as she passed.
A moment later, she returned with Billy's mom in tow. She looked
exhausted, her eyes red-rimmed and her shoulders slumped.
“Billy,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It's time to go
home, sweetie.”
Billy didn't move from his spot next to me on the couch. “Mom, Mr.
Kingman said they'd adopt Bananaconda. We don't have to find her a new
home. Just us.”
His mom's eyes widened in surprise, darting between Billy and me. I
nodded, trying to project a confidence I didn't entirely feel. “It's true. We'd
be happy to give her a home.”
“That's... that's very kind of you,” she said, her voice cracking slightly.
She took a deep breath, then seemed to make a decision. “Billy, honey, can
you go wait in the car for a minute? I need to talk to Mr. Kingman.”
Once Billy had reluctantly trudged out, his mom's composure crumbled.
“I'm so sorry for all of this,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “It's
just... Billy's dad and I... well, I'm leaving him. I don't even know where
we're going to live yet, let alone how to handle all of this with Billy.”
My heart went out to her. I wanted to offer some words of comfort, but
to my surprise, it was Chris who spoke up first.
“You know,” he said, his voice casual but his eyes kind, “I've got a new
apartment building not far from here. Same school district. There's a unit
opening up pretty soon. If you're interested, I can make some
arrangements.”
Billy's mom looked at Chris in disbelief. “Are you serious? That would
be... that would be amazing.”
Holy shit, I was so proud to be a part of this family. But as I looked
around at them, the lot of them were sharing some looks that meant there
was more to this story than I knew. They'd done something.
Once the logistics were sorted and Billy and his mom had left, with
profuse thanks and promises to bring our new fucking pet snake over soon,
I turned to my brothers. “Alright, spill. What's this about a new apartment
building, Chris? And why do I get the feeling there's more to this story?”
The guys exchanged glances, and I could see them trying to hide their
grins. Hayes was practically giggling.
 “Well,” Chris continued after getting a nod from my dad. “Dad did
some digging. Turns out that 'forest' Odin's always chopping trees in for his
stupid videos? It's just the open space behind his apartment building. And
he definitely didn't have permission to cut those trees down.”
My eyes widened as I began to see where this was going. “No shit?”
Chris nodded. He might be the golden boy, but he had a penchant for
revenge. “Yep. He's been ticketed and fined.”
“Okay, the fucker deserved that,” Pen said. I almost snorted my drink
through my nose. She'd always been so much sweetness, light, and
positivity, doing her best to ignore Odin. I was loving this slightly
vindictive and dirty mouth she had all of a sudden. “But what does that
have to do with the apartment for Billy and his mom?”
Chris shrugged, and Trixie gave him a little swat. “That apartment
building is where Odin lives. My company just bought it.”
“And let me guess,” I said, a slow grin spreading across my face.
“Odin's lease won't be renewed?”
“Already in violation of a lot of his lease. Looks like he'll probably get
evicted.” A flash of anger crossed his face. Remind me never to cross my
eldest brother. Jesus. “We don't want trash like that in Colorado.”
Pen and I gave each other a shocked look. The answering grins on my
brothers' faces told me everything I needed to know.
I let out a low whistle, torn between admiration for my brother's
thoroughness and a twinge of guilt at enjoying Odin's misfortune so much.
“I can't believe you guys did all this,” Pen said, her tone a mix of
disapproval and reluctant amusement. “What happened to killing him with
kindness?”
“Oh, we were very kind,” Dad's voice carried across the table, making
us all jump. “We could have driven him up to the mountains he doesn't
actually know anything about and let him get lost in bear territory.”
He folded his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye that I rarely saw. His
voice dropping dramatically, he added, “Because nasty little fellows such as
Odin always get their comeuppance.”
There was a moment of stunned silence before we all burst into
laughter. Leave it to Dad to quote “The Mummy.”
As our laughter died down, I looked around at my family—my brothers,
my dad, and Pen—all gathered together, supporting each other and even a
young neighbor in need. Sure, we might have bent the rules of “kindness” a
bit with Odin, but at our core, this was who we were. A family that stuck
together, faced fears together, and yes, occasionally plotted elaborate
revenge together.

OceanofPDF.com
 REAL
PENELOPE

T he limo pulled up to the red carpet for the Grampys and twirls of
pure excitement swirled in my stomach. A few months ago, I'd been
freaking out about this moment, desperately seeking a date just so I
wouldn't have to walk this carpet alone. Now, here I was, hand-in-hand with
Everett, my fiancé. The thought made me giddy all over again.
“You ready, babe?” Everett asked, giving my hand a squeeze.
I took a deep breath and nodded. “More than ever.”
The door opened, and a wall of sound hit us. Screaming fans, shouting
photographers—the constant hum of excitement was electrifying, if a tiny
wee bit intimidating. Kelsey and Declan stepped out first, a vision in
complementary shades of deep blue. Kelsey's dress hugged her curves so
perfectly, the fabric shimmering under the bright lights.
Then it was our turn. Everett got out first, then turned to offer me his
hand. As I emerged from the limo, I heard the crowd's reaction, a mix of
cheers and gasps. I let the happiness shimmer inside until I couldn’t hide
my smile. This exquisite rose-gold gown, with its intricate beadwork and
flowing skirt, made me feel like a princess.
“Ms. Best, Ms. Quinn.” a reporter called out. “Who are you wearing
tonight?”
I turned, grateful for a familiar face. It was Tara from MuseNews,
someone I'd worked with plenty of times before in my capacity as Kelsey's
assistant.
“We're both wearing Rose Vond,” Kelsey replied, gesturing between the
two of us. “She's an incredible designer who exclusively creates plus-size
fashion.”
I added, “Rose really understands that beauty comes in all sizes. I love
wearing her designs.”
Tara nodded appreciatively. “You both look stunning. Now, we have to
talk about your recent body positivity campaign. The response on social
media has been overwhelming. How does it feel to see such a positive
impact?”
I exchanged a glance with Kelsey before responding. “It's been
incredible,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “We knew it was an
important message, but the outpouring of love and support has been beyond
our wildest dreams.”
Kelsey added, “We've received thousands of messages from people
saying they finally feel seen and represented. It's humbling and inspiring.”
As we continued down the carpet, the next reporter in our line caught
our attention. But this time, it wasn't just for an interview.
“Ladies,” the woman said before she started the actual interview, her
voice slightly shaky. “I just... I wanted to thank you personally. As a plus-
size woman in media, I have definitely known the struggle. Your
campaign... it's changing how a lot of women see ourselves.”
Tears pricked my eyes as Kelsey reached out to clasp the woman's hand.
“Oh, goodness, you're gonna make me happy cry,” Kelsey said warmly.
“Could I... would it be okay if we took a selfie?” the reporter asked
hesitantly.
“Of course.” We all crowded in, grinning widely as she snapped the
photo. Then we filmed her segment, answering similar questions about our
clothes, Kelsey's nominations, and all the yada yada yada.
As we moved on, we posed for so many pictures and did a half dozen
more mini interviews. Interestingly, the next reporter, who must be new on
the entertainment circuit because I did not recognize him, caught our
attention by addressing his shouts at Declan and Everett.
“Declan Kingman,” the reporter started, “there have been some
concerns about your campaign glorifying obesity. How do you respond to
that?”
I tensed, but before I could step in, Declan spoke up, his voice low and
intense.
“Let me be clear,” he said, leaning slightly towards the microphone.
“The phrase 'glorifying obesity' is nothing but a dog whistle for people who
are fatphobic. We're not fooled by it, and neither should anyone else be.”
He fixed the camera with a steely gaze, his voice dropping to a near-
growl. “Our campaign is about love, acceptance, and health at every size.
Anyone who has a problem with that might want to examine their own
prejudices.”
Everett grinned, fully enjoying his brother's meanest defensive lineman
persona for this asshat. He nodded and added to the smackdown this guy
deserved. “And while they're doing that, they can learn how to stay in their
own lane.”
The reporter seemed taken aback by Declan's intensity and Everett's
blatant joy in it. I didn’t hold back a snort-laugh. It wasn't often that Declan
spoke to the press, but when he did, he made it count.
When we finally made it through the camera gauntlet of the red carpet
and made our way into the venue, I let out a breath.
Everett pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my temple. ”You were
amazing out there. Red carpets are intense, man.”
“Just wait until the after parties.” I smiled up at him, for the first time
actually looking forward to those parties because he'd be by my side. Yeah,
I was going to show off my hot fiancé and ring with a rock the size of the
moon. But more than anything, it was going to be fun to share this insider
bit of my world with him.
The Grampys theater was a sea of glitter and glamour, the air electric
with anticipation. We found our seats, and I sat between Everett and Kelsey,
my hand clasped tightly in Ev's as we waited for the ceremony to begin.
There were a lot of people around us who were whispering and pointing at
us. But not for one second did I worry they were making fun of me. It was
so clear that they were star struck by getting to be near us. Of course they'd
feel that way about Kelsey, but there were people taking notice of me too.
So far, this was my favorite music awards show ever.
But the night was far from over. The lights dimmed and the host took
the stage. “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the sixty-seventh annual
Grandfather of Music Awards.”
Kelsey was up for several Grampy awards tonight, and I had a feeling
this was going to be a night to remember. She was usually the picture of
calm confidence, but she was fidgeting with her water glass. Declan took
her hand and gave her knuckles a kiss.
“You okay?” I whispered.
 She flashed me a quick smile. “Just excited. And maybe a little
nervous.”
I squeezed her arm reassuringly. “You've got this.”
The host, a popular late-night comedian, took the stage. After a
monologue that had the audience in stitches, the awards began in earnest. It
didn't take long for Kelsey's name to be called. “And the Grampy for Best
Pop Vocal Performance goes to... Kelsey Best.”
The theater erupted in applause as Kelsey made her way to the stage,
her blue gown shimmering under the spotlights. Her acceptance speech was
brief but heartfelt, thanking her team, her fans, and, of course, Declan.
As she returned to her seat, flushed with victory, I gave her a strong
hug. I was so damn proud of her, and this was only the beginning.
Over the next hour, Kelsey's name was called twice more—for Song of
the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Each time, she accepted with grace and
humility, her joy infectious. But we all knew the big one was yet to come.
Album of the Year.
As the nominees were announced, I found myself holding my breath.
Beside me, Everett's hand tightened around mine. Kelsey sat perfectly still,
her eyes fixed on the stage.
“And the Grampy for Album of the Year goes to...”
The pause seemed to stretch for an eternity.
“Kelsey Best for Strength.”
The roar of the crowd was deafening. Declan swept Kelsey into a kiss
before she could even stand. She made her way to the stage, and I was
going to have to touch up my makeup because these tears of joy couldn’t be
held back. This was the culmination of so much hard work, so many late
nights and early mornings, so much pure growth from the inside out.
Kelsey took the award, her hands shaking slightly as she approached the
microphone. For a moment, she just stood there, taking it all in. Then she
spoke, her voice clear and strong.
“Wow. Just... wow.” She laughed, and the audience laughed with her.
“This album was a journey of self-discovery for me. It was about learning
to find the strength in myself, but since the release, I've also learned to find
strength in the people around me. Declan, I love you, and you've helped me
learn how to love myself so much more.”
She paused, taking a deep breath. “And that journey isn't over. Which is
why I'm thrilled to announce that my new album, Real, will drop next
month.”
The crowd erupted again, and I saw several people reaching for their
phones, no doubt spreading the news on social media.
“Real is a celebration of authenticity, of being true to yourself no matter
what the world tells you. And to bring that celebration to you, my amazing
fans, we'll be embarking on a full-on stadium tour this summer.”
The cheers were almost overwhelming now. Kelsey beamed, holding
her award high. “Thank you all so much. Remember, you are beautiful, you
are worthy, and you are enough. Just as you are.”
As Kelsey made her way back to her seat, I quickly pulled out my
phone. Social media was exploding.
“Ev, look at this,” I whispered, showing him the screen. I'd set up for
the team to drop the album cover for Real on all of her socials when she
made the announcement. And it was even more stunning than I could say.
Kelsey, radiant in a simple white dress, in front of a white background, was
holding Lady Bananaconda Hisstledown, and they were both looking right
into the camera. The contrast was striking, beautiful, and so very daring.
The comments were flooding in:

“OMG. Kelsey with that snake? I'm both terrified and obsessed.”

“This album cover is EVERYTHING.”

“Snakes freak me out, but for Kelsey? I'm here for it.”
“Queen Kelsey breaking boundaries again. Can't wait for the new
album.”

Everett chuckled, shaking his head in amazement. “Why does it have to

be snakes?”
“It's all part of my master plan to make snakes your new favorite
animal.” I grinned.
“That is never going to happen.”
“You haven't seen what I have in store for you next.”
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. As soon as it ended, Kelsey
was whisked backstage for photos and interviews. She was radiant, her
arms full of awards, answering questions with her trademark wit and charm.
 In a quiet moment between interviews, she pulled me into a tight hug. “I
couldn't have done this without you, Pen,” she whispered.
I hugged her back, feeling a lump in my throat. “Are you kidding?
You're Kelsey Best. You can do anything.”
She laughed, pulling back to look at me. “Maybe. But not without my
best Bestie by my side.”
We posed for another round of photos, Kelsey with her awards, me and
Everett flanking her, Declan standing proud and tall beside her.
And then we partied like... well, rock stars until the wee hours of the
morning.
Just as the sun was coming up over horizon, the hotel room door clicked
shut behind us, and I let out a long, contented sigh. Everett's arms wrapped
around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.
“What a night,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.
I leaned back into him, savoring the moment. “Almost as fun as
winning the championship?”
Everett chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. “Almost. Kelsey's
sweep, the album announcement, and you...” He turned me in his arms, his
eyes roaming over me appreciatively. “You, looking like a goddess in this
dress. I mean, I liked the one you wore to the ceremony, and that first one
you put on for the parties was pretty, but this one, babe, this one was
fucking sexy as hell.”
Rose Vond had outdone herself dressing Kelsey and I for the awards and
the after parties. I'd never changed my clothes so many times in one night.
Especially when I hadn't spilled something on myself.
Everett would forever have the power to make me feel like the most
beautiful woman in the world. “You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr.
Kingman,” I teased, running my hands over the black silk t-shirt with a
picture of a snake on it that he was wearing. Also courtesy of Rose.
He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a soft kiss. “I love you,
Penelope.”
“I love you too,” I replied, my heart swelling with emotion. He tugged
me toward the big, plush hotel bed, and I let him. But before he pulled me
down, I gave him a little shove so he landed on the mattress and I took a
step away.
I had some mischievous plans in mind.
 His eyes went all dark and sparkly and he grabbed me around the waist,
pulling me back to him. “Penelope Quinn, what are you up to?”
“Close your eyes,” I instructed, stepping out of his embrace.
He smiled and did as I instructed, and I sure hoped this was going to
turn him on and not send him running.
I slipped out of my dress and grabbed an accessory out of my suitcase
that I'd been waiting to use. I swore it was for his own good. And if I was
lucky, it would be particularly good for us both.
“Okay, you can look.”
Everett's eyes fluttered open, then widened comically as he took in the
sight before him. There I stood, full Monty naked, holding a large, vaguely
realistic snake stuffed animal. Its fabric scales gleamed in the soft hotel
room light, its googly eyes staring blankly at Everett, its length wrapped
around my body, hiding the best bits from his view.
For a moment, he just stared, mouth agape. Then he burst out laughing,
the sound rich and full. “Oh my god, Pen,” he managed between chuckles.
“If this is your way of helping me get over my fear of snakes before
Bananaconda moves in next week, it's working.”
I grinned, draping the stuffed snake around my shoulders. “Already?
Too bad, I guess I'll just have to put my snake away.”
Everett's laughter subsided into a warm smile. “Oh no... I'm, umm, very
afraid. Please help me cure my fears.”
“We can't let you be afraid any longer,” I said with a wink. I reached for
my phone, queuing up some sexy times music. As the first sultry notes
filled the room, I began to move, swaying my hips in an exaggerated dance.
Everett's eyebrows shot up, a mix of amusement and arousal crossing
his face as I shimmied towards him, the stuffed snake bobbing ridiculously
with each movement.
“Is this... are you doing a snake dance?” he asked, his voice caught
between a laugh and a groan.
I nodded, trying to keep a straight face as I undulated, letting the snake's
head bop against Everett's chest. “I'm charming you, obviously. Is it
working?”
He reached out, pulling me close, stuffed snake and all. “You had me
charmed a long time ago.
I let the snake drop to the floor, wrapping my arms around his neck
instead. “Looks like my evil plan worked. I've cured your fear of snakes.”
 Everett laughed and pulled me onto his lap and kissed me, teasing me
with little nibbles across my jaw, down my neck, and drawing my nipples
between his teeth one at a time.
I rocked against him, needing so much more. “Mmm. Why, Mr.
Kingman, is that an anaconda in your pants, or are you just happy to see
me?”
“Why don't you take them off and find out, my sweet Penny?”
I didn't even get a chance to, because Everett rolled me onto the bed and
stripped his own clothes off faster than I could say snake charmer.
Everett made love to me, and I loved him right back. I may have
thought in the past that a guy like him would never love a woman like me,
would never even look twice at a me. That was only because the woman I
was before I met him was... well, I wanted to say that I was really fucking
dumb. But that wasn't fair.
I wasn't dumb, and neither were the rest of the women in the world who
hadn't yet found a man like Everett to love them. I'd admit that I had been
scared, and I'd been wrong, and I'd had some work I needed to do on myself
before I was ready to accept love.
That wasn't dumb. That was life. That was being human.
As we lay tangled in the sheets, Everett's steady, satisfied breathing
beside me, a flutter shimmered through my belly. I was overwhelmed with a
sense of pure, unadulterated happiness and joy.
In that moment, I knew with absolute certainty that this—Everett's love,
my love for him, and most importantly, my love for myself—was the
greatest, most beautiful part of life, and I'd spend the rest of it with this
man. The one who my most authentic love would belong to. Forever.

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 E P I L O G U E : K I N G M A N F A M I LY
G A M E N I G HT
EVERETT

T he familiar chaos of a Kingman family game night filled Cool

Beans. The coffee shop buzzed with laughter, playful trash talk, and
the clinking of game pieces. I smiled all the way from inside my
heart as I took in the scene—my family, both by blood and by choice, all
gathered around a cluster of tables.
Penelope sat beside me, her competitive streak in full force as she
systematically destroyed Chris in Monopoly. It was inevitable, she was
sitting on the lucky pillow. It still amazed me sometimes how perfectly she
fit into our crazy family dynamics.
“Coach Kingman, Coach Kingman,” Billy's excited voice piped up from
my other side, calling to my dad.
He'd decided to take up coaching again, but this time just for the pee
wee league. They weren't even in season yet, but Billy and his friends came
over almost every weekend to run drills with my dad. Somebody needed to
get that man some grandkids.
I glanced over at Pen. Everything in life was a competition in my
family, and my soon-to-be-wife and I were going to be the first to cross that
particular finish line.
“I got to visit Bananaconda today. She's getting so big.”
My dad grinned down at our honorary little brother. “Is that right? And
how's she doing in her new home?”
“She's awesome.” Billy beamed. “And Everett is hardly afraid of her
anymore.”
 It had taken a few months of hanging out with the kid, sans the
influence of his dead-beat dad in his life, to get him to call me Everett. He
looked up at me with what looked like pride in his little boy eyes.
“Penelope says you're really brave now.”
Pen squeezed my hand under the table and that’s all the strength I
needed. “Well, I had a great teacher in Lady Bananaconda Hisstledown...
and an even better one in Penelope.”
As Billy launched into a detailed description of the snake's latest
adventures in eating, which honestly still kind freaked me out, my attention
was drawn to Flynn across the table. He was lounging in his chair, a cocky
grin plastered on his face as he trash-talked Gryff and Isak over their poor
showing against him and Jules. But there was something off about his usual
bravado. A tightness around his eyes, a slight edge to his laugh that most
people wouldn't notice.
But I wasn't most people. I was his next older brother, and more
importantly, I was a Kingman who recognized the signs of a man falling in
love—even if he didn't realize it himself.
When Penelope called for a snack break between games, I saw my
chance.
“Flynn,” I said, nodding towards the counter. “Help me grab some
refills.”
Flynn sauntered over, his trademark smirk in place. “What's up, bro?
Need some tips on how to stop losing so spectacularly to your fiancée?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “I'm pretty sure that's a lost cause. But
speaking of lost causes, how's your love life?”
For a split second, Flynn's cocky facade slipped, revealing a flash of...
something. But it was gone so quickly, I might have missed it if I hadn't
been looking for it.
“You know, catching the ladies like I catch passes. At record breaking
numbers.”
Gryff joined us, because... twin telepathy. ”Except for she who shall not
be named.”
Flynn groaned, but there was no real heat behind it. “She's driving me
crazy, man. Always has to argue every point, always has to one-up me. You
should have seen her in class on Friday, going on about salary caps like she
wrote the damn CBA herself.”
 I raised an eyebrow, fighting to keep the knowing smile off my face.
“Sounds like she keeps you on your toes.”
“On my toes?” Flynn scoffed. “More like on my last nerve. I swear,
sometimes I think she just says things to get a rise out of me.”
“And I bet you give as good as you get, huh?”
A slow grin spread across Flynn's face. “You know it. Can't let her think
she's got the upper hand, can I?”
I nodded sagely, biting back a laugh. Oh, little brother. You've got it bad
and you don't even know it.
“You know,” I said casually, “it's okay if you like her.”
Flynn's eyes widened comically. “Like her? Are you kidding me? She's
infuriating.”
I shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe you've just met your match.”
Before Flynn could sputter out a response, a pair of arms snaked around
my waist from behind.
“You boys planning on bringing those drinks back anytime soon?”
Penelope's teasing voice sent a shiver down my spine. “Or are you staging a
coup against game night?”
I turned in her embrace, unable to keep the goofy smile off my face.
“Wouldn't dream of it, babe. You know I live for the chance to watch you
bankrupt my brothers in Monopoly.”
Penelope laughed, the sound still making my heart skip a beat. “That's
what I like to hear. Now come on, I've got hotels to build and dreams to
crush.”
As she tugged me back towards the table, I caught sight of Flynn's face.
There was a mixture of emotions there—amusement, confusion, and
something that looked a lot like longing, even if he didn't recognize it yet.
“Hey,” I called back to him. “Just remember, it's okay to meet your
match. Sometimes, that's the best game of all.”
Flynn rolled his eyes, but I didn't miss the way his gaze drifted off, a
small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
As we rejoined the rowdy game night, anticipation danced through me
like electricity. Flynn might not know it yet, but his game was just
beginning. And if it was anything like mine, he was in for one hell of a
match.
But for now, I had a Monopoly empire to defend and a fiancée to
shower with hotel properties. And then, someday not too far off in the
future, I'd show my kids how to shower their mother with their winnings
too. Game on, Kingmans. Game on.

Not ready for Everett and Penelope’s story to be over yet?

Grab their bonus chapter when you join my Swoon Zone email
newsletter!

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TJIC

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 A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

*pats seat and hands you a glass of your fave tasty beverage*
*clears throat*
Okay, so... how are you feeling? You okay?
I'm not crying, you're crying.
I don't normally make people cry with my books, but my Patreon Book
Dragons, beta readers, and editor all said they cried, while reading this
book, so I just want to check on you.
I hope, if they did fall, that some of the tears were happy, cathartic ones.
That this story was healing for you, or lit a fire under your ass to work on
how you see yourself, and love your body exactly the way it is.
When I set out to write Penelope's story, I knew I wanted to write a
heroine who was working so hard to love herself, love her body, and be
body positive, and was... ashamed that she just wasn't there yet.
I love writing the strong, confident fat women into my books, because
we need to see ourselves positively represented in the media. But seeing
women who seemingly have it all together, can also cause a lot of pressure
on us to try to see ourselves that way too.
And... what if we're don't? What if we're working on it, but sometimes
we hate what we look like in the mirror, or feel uncomfortable in our
bodies, and wish we fit the beauty ideal of today?
 Well. That's what real life as a HUMAN is like. And it's okay to be
human, and not perfect. (There's no such thing as perfect anyway. Sorry if
that hurts to hear. But also, I'm not sorry. Read it again. There is no such
thing as perfect.)
I'm not perfect. I've been working on my own journey to love the skin
I'm in extremely hard for years. It's why I started writing romance with
curvy, chubby, thick, fat women who don't have to lose weight to get their
happy ever afters in the first place.
I want you to know, the three social media posts by women sharing their
imperfect self-love, body positivity journeys are all my own personal
stories.
Those teenage boys actually chased me through the parking lot at my
high school talking about my body.
I played ALL the sports, from the time I was old enough to swim and hit
a ball off a T. While I don't believe *most* parents, other kids, or fans
intended to be cruel with their comments about my eligibility to play those
sports, they hurt me regardless.
And I was the later in life virgin because I didn't think anyone could
possibly love a body that looked like mine, much less want to have sex.
Those are true stories. They are me being vulnerable with you, because I
want you see that life can be cruel, especially to plus size people, but we
can fight it. We can love ourselves.
But I'm not some paragon of self-love and body positivity. I have plenty
of days where I want to hide from the cruelties of the world and my own
mind.
But the real revenge, and the real cure for that hate - is to love yourself.
Unconditionally.
Which isn't always easy.
But I believe in you. I'll fight for you.
*Puts tissues away*
Okay, onto some funsies.
In case you were wondering, the plus size fashion designer in the
Makeover Montage chapter, Rose Vond, is a cross-over character from my
Vampires Crave Curves series. It's a fun, slightly campy, paranormal
romance with the premise of - what if James Bond was a vampire... who fell
for a curvy girl who knew nothing about the existence of immortal beings
or even magic. You can read Rose and James's story in Vampires Are
Forever by my alter ego, Aidy Award.
As is usual, a portion of the proceeds of this book will go toward saving
animals. Yes, even snakes.
Colorado Reptile Humane Society's mission is to work to improve the
lives of reptiles and amphibians in captivity and in the wild through
education and action.
Check them out at www.corhs.org
This time we're saving reptiles!
One of the things that brings me joy when I write books, are the inside
jokes that are between me and… me. Hahahahaha. Things that I think are
hilarious, but I never know if anyone else gets them. But if you get a giggle
out of anything, especially the renaming of football teams, places in
Colorado, nerdy/geeky stuff, and punny pet names, we should probably be
BFFs. But even if we aren't, absolutely feel free to message me or tag me in
a post on any of my social media like FlipFlop, InstaSnap, or even
FaceSpace.
Okay, I know you’re dying to find out who the next book is about, and
I’m not saying it’s one of the twins… but… IT'S ONE OF THE TWINS.
I've got (separate) stories for each of them, and I'm not a hundred
percent which one I'll tell first. But I do have titles for both of their books,
and both are sure to be filled with shenanigans as we head to Denver State
University and check out the DSU Dragons playing some college ball.
Are you ready for it?
Extra Hugs from me to you,
—Amy

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A L S O B Y A M Y AWA R D

T he C ocky K ingmans

The C*ck Down The Block

The Wiener Across the Way
The P*ssy Next Door
The Anaconda Downstairs

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I had to take a deep retreat into the writing cave to make this book happen,
and that usually means I ignore everything else in the world. So I want to
thank and acknowledge my family for understanding when I can’t come out
and play. And for when they make me anyway.
I want to dedicate this book to my Katie Patatie, my Cookie Pie. She
chose the title, and she is the reason I work hard to be confident in my own
skin, so I can be an example to her, and she can feel more comfortable in
her skin too.
My friend Sean works so hard to help me be happy, healthy, and always
believes in me. He helped me remember that men struggle with their body
images too and that I should include them in this story too.
I so appreciate the author talks and days away from the computer at
rando coffee shops around the Denver metro area with M. Guida, Holly
Roberds, Parker Finch, and Nikki Hall. Y’all are my tribe.
Extra hugs to my curvy girl author friends, Stephanie Harrell, Molly
O’Hare, Kelsie Stelting Hoss, Mary Warren, and Kayla Grosse. We’re
changing the world one fat-bottomed woman at a time, and I’m so grateful
you’re here fighting the good fight with me. I will ALWAYS continue to rec
your books when anyone asks for romance with plus-size heroines, because
I KNOW readers can trust their hearts with your positive fat rep!
This story is dating lessons with a man who TRULY loves a woman
with a curvy body because of a chat I had with Becca Syme. Here’s to
Penett, instead of Polin. My books, my career, and my life are better
because of her and her insights.
I’m so grateful you’re there for me and all the other authors who need
help to be our most authentic selves. Extra hugs for you.
I am ever grateful to my editor Chrisandra who somehow still loves me
and my stories, even though I will suck at commas and deadlines forever.
Sorry. (But only a little bit.)
Thank you to Ellie at Love Notes PR for for quite literally helping me
make my dreams come true. I can’t wait to continue to SLAY with you for a
long time to come.
Huge thanks to Leni Kauffman for giving us another amazing cover.
She makes us all feel beautiful with the way she draws plus size women
(and the men who are soooo into them!) Thank you for helping me change
the world one book cover at a time.
So many hugs to my friends and PAs Kate Tilton, and Michelle Ziegler.
My author life would be such a tangled mess with out. I appreciate you
more than you know.
And to my Patreon Book Dragons - you are the reason I write books. I
hope I continue to entertain you and make you proud. Your continual
support means so incredibly much to me. You make me smile and happy cry
when I read your comments on the chapters.
For my Swoonies, Everett and Penelope’s box with some fun swag is
coming your way!

Allie H.
Amanda T.
Amy R.
Anna R.
Anne-Marie P.
Annmarie B.
Billy O.
Belinda M.
Cathy G.
Cheryl H.
Dana R.
Dawn J.
Dominique R.
Ilona T.
Irehne A.
Janna G.
Jennifer T.
Jenny W.
Jessica D.
 Johnna A.
Judy R.
Kasia R.
Kat V.
Kathryn B.
Kathy B.
Kaylee B.
Kelley M.
Kiarra C.
Kyndal N.
Laura P.
Maria B.
McKaylee E.
Melissa C.
Michelle A.
Nicole C.
Paige P.
Rebecca C.
Rina H.
Sami M.
Sarah M.
Shannon P.
Sophie H.
Stacey M.
Tiffany L.
Treasure L.
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For my VIP Fans, signed books are coming your way!

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 Cate N.
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Kristin A.
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For my Biggest Fans Ever, book boxes with so much hilarious kitty and
football stuff and signed book are on their way. Thank you so much for
believing in me.

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Award is a curvy girl who has a thing for football players, fuzzy-butt pets, and spicy romance
novels. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and deserve their own love stories with Happy Ever
Afters. Find her at AuthorAmyAward.com
Amy also writes curvy girl paranormal romances with dragons, wolves, demons, and vampires, as
Aidy Award. If that’s your jam, check those books out at AidyAward.com

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