Dix (Elite 8 Studios, #1)

by Emmy Sanders

Alex grins. “You’re just precious.” I groan. “Alex, angel, biscuit, the tiniest-ever pain in my ass, I am not precious. That is not an adjective anyone has ever used to describe me.” I return my focus to my beanless burrito, but when Alex doesn’t respond, I look up, surprised to find him watching me with the strangest expression on his face. “What?” I ask, mouth full. “You nicknamed me,” he says in near reverence, eyes wide and awestruck. “I’ve only ever heard you do that with Mateo.” “Ah, shit.” I don’t have time to ward Alex off before the five-and-a-half-foot man scrambles onto my lap, wrapping himself around me like a barnacle. He leans close to my ear, his blonde hair tickling the side of my face. “I will treasure our friendship forever,” he says softly yet vehemently. “You won’t regret this, Grumpy Bear.” “I already regret this,” I mutter. “Shhh,” he says, clamping his hand over my mouth and then stroking my head. “No more words. This day has already been perfect.”