Shenanigans (Brooklyn, #6; Brooklyn Bruisers, #9)

by Sarina Bowen

I follow him, because the moment he first kissed me tonight, I seem to have lost all self-control.

I’m treating tonight like the blue silk dress—something to enjoy once before hanging it in the closet as a memory.

“Both you and your tub were designed for decadence and seduction.”

Neil really needs to stop saying smart, thoughtful things. It’s messing with my head. So is his touch.

In the cool light of a Brooklyn morning, I am a little stunned at everything that happened. I did the nasty with Neil Drake. Twice, and with great enthusiasm.

Those hours of effort I’d expended resisting Neil? They were wasted. I’m basically a light switch he can turn on or off just by touching me.

Part of me can’t believe that happened. And other parts of me want to do it again.

Who even needs coffee? I’m buzzing on post-carnal endorphins and a good night’s sleep.

“About last night, kitten?

I’m a tough girl, but affection—when I allow myself to enjoy it—is my Achilles heel.

I lean into his warmth in spite of myself. And I wonder when the regret will start to kick in. It’s coming for me. It always does.

He’s flipped a switch inside me, and now all I think about is the weight of his body on top of mine and the heat of his kisses.

My attraction to him is both a revelation and a curse. Of all the people in the world, I had to discover a sexual affinity for Neil Drake? Why, lord? Why?

I’ve never been obsessed with anyone, and I’d liked it that way. Then came Neil with his chiseled good looks and his skillful kisses.

Nobody has ever wrecked me quite like Charli does.

God, that smile. A fizz of warmth bubbles up inside me. It’s disconcerting, yet lately I feel it all the time.

I’ve got it bad for my fake husband. This is such a disaster.

“Does this get easier for you if I translate it into hockey terms?”

his smile is so brilliant it almost burns.

Her words never cut me a break, but when I touch her, she can’t resist me. And she can’t hide it.

Making Charli smile is one of my favorite hobbies. Along with feeding her. And making her moan.

“Nothing about you is easy. Not one thing. But I like it that way. My whole life, people have given me the benefit of the doubt, even when I don’t deserve it. But not Charli. She makes me earn it.”

“What the hell am I doing with you, Neil?” “I have a few suggestions,” I whisper.

Neil smiles at me. Reaches for me. And I respond. Just like that.

Our fling is just like this cocktail—astonishingly expensive, goes down sweetly, instantly intoxicating, and guaranteed to cause a hangover.

Sleeping with him is the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life. Because now I know how good it can be. And that pisses me off. Greatly.

I used to be good on my own, but that’s gone now. Neil makes me want impossible things.

The taste of Neil is familiar now, in a way that always undoes me.

“The problem is that I want more than just a hookup with her. I want a chance. But I didn’t say that up front. And every time I try to renegotiate, she doesn’t want to hear it. Then there’s the whole issue that I’m currently divorcing her.” “Women hate that.”

What I need is a bunch of monks who can skate.

I had to go. Who could live each day like that—waiting for his smile to fade? Waiting for our arrangement to end?

I wonder if I’ll ever figure out how to tell Charli that I need her more than I’ve ever needed someone in my life.

I don’t know what I’d do if Neil looked at me and said I love you. Nobody ever has.

every moment I spend with Neil is so charged with lust and longing that I don’t know how to take things slowly. I don’t know how to unwind the knot in my heart.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether the whole world is cracked, or if it’s just your little slice of it. My slice has always had a lot of cracks.

“Our marriage actually gave me everything I wanted, because it brought you all the way into my life. That’s what I needed. And I’m so damn sorry I was too dumb to own that before.”

I’m the guy who’ll always be in your corner.”

I want you in my life, Charli. I want a real chance with you. I want you in my kitchen. On my couch. And in my bed.”

“When you smile at me, it’s all worth it. Every fucking thing. You make me happy just standing here in my kitchen.”

I don’t want to advertise how badly I need her in my arms. How desperate I am to feel her heartbeat close to mine. But Charli melts against me anyway.

“What? Doesn’t anyone have their own TV?”