“To hell with it. I'm jumping in his bed tonight and having myself a nice little birthday. He's wearing cowboy boots for God's sake. The man doesn't play fair.”

“It's so freaking cold I'm about ready to jump in the refrigerator to warm myself.”

“I try to ignore the fact that he's sprawled out next to me in all his birthday suit glory right now which totally confuses the hell out of me. What am I supposed to be doing? Should I grab onto it with both hands like a fire hose?”

“Gage appears beneath me. 'Jump, and I'll catch you.' 'No.' I strengthen my death grip on the trunk of the tree. 'I'm very afraid of heights. I'll need hours of therapy to repair the damage done here today.' ”

“Hell - you'll be lucky to join the circus!""I don't need to join the circus." Ethan stretches his arms to the sky, bored with the entire situation. "I live with you, don't I?""He so got Tad there," I whisper.”

“I’d hate to be responsible for removing one of Ephemeral’s star players from the roster. I’ll stay as far away from Coop as possible.” I dot the sentiment with an impish grin.“Hello,” a familiar voice booms from behind the counter.“Cooper!” I jump a little at the sight of him.Shit.”

“Finally,” I say, brushing past him as I make my way inside. The heavenly scent of something delicious lights up my senses. “Come in,” he says with a note of sarcasm.Marshall strides over and takes me in with my hair all frizzed out, my sweater torn in two places and I look like I’ve just indulged in a mud bath. A dirty smile slides up the side of his face and I can practically see the pornographic implications playing out in his mind. “You’re absolutely filthy—and I most definitely approve.” His smile blooms into an all-out sexual leer as he comes in close. “I might be moved to bathe you.” He caresses his hand over the side of my cheek. I’m so damn tired I close my eyes and lean into his good vibrations. “Oh, how I’ll scrub,” he whispers.”