Hotshot Deceiver: A Hero Club Novel

by K E Osborn

  Eddie pays for the gas. The pump ends its cycle. “I’ll walk over and grab some snacks while you drive up. When I come out, you can head in to grab yours, so someone is with Pixy the whole time.”

  He’s protective of Pixy.

  I like this side of him.

  He’s careful about what happens to people and goats he cares about.

  It’s a positive attribute to have.

  Eddie heads off to the convenience store as I hop back into the truck, then drive it forward into a parking space. I jump out and walk around to the back to hang out with Pixy a little more. Pixy rushes to the rear of the truck to greet me, tongue hanging out, eyes wide, seemingly happier than ever.

  “Hey, buddy. We’re gonna have to part ways soon. But I want you to know, I’m never going to forget you. Okay?”

  Baa. He nuzzles into my shoulder while I rest my head against his.

  “Good little billy goat.”

  Moments later, Eddie walks out with a plastic bag and a cocky smirk on his face. I sit taller as he approaches with a knowing expression. “You’re gonna have to let him go, you know?”

  I furrow my brows. “Who?”

  He dips his head toward the goat. “Pixy.”

  Dismissing him, I groan. “I need to get snacks. Then we have to get back on the road.”

  Eddie chuckles as I head off toward the store. The doors slide open, and I walk over to the sugar aisle. For a trip like this, I’ll need something to keep me on my toes.

  Ah, there they are, my go-to. I reach out for the Pixy Stix and Fun Dip. Though, I’m not sure how I’m going to manage the Fun Dip while driving. But where there’s a will and all that.

  After making my purchases, I head back to the truck. Eddie’s sitting with Pixy, having a conversation, much like I was. I approach quietly and catch the tail end of it.

  “Yeah, I think she’s pretty, too.”

  I can’t fight my smirk as I walk closer, letting my presence be known.

  Eddie’s head jerks up. His eyes widen like he knows he’s been caught, but he says nothing.

  “You ready to go?” I ask.

  “If you are.”

  Anxiety fills my entire body, but I try to hide it as best I can. “Let’s do it!”

  I don’t think I’m at all ready for this.

  Chapter Four

  I open the driver’s door, plop down on the seat, open my plastic bag, and pull out a Pixy Stick. Quickly, I tear open the long straw.

  Eddie’s eye widen as he takes in the sight. “Those things will rot your insides.”

  I chuckle, tip the straw up, and suck down the grape-flavored sugary hit. The tingly texture makes me feel alive and giddy all at the same time.

  Eddie lets out a small chuckle.

  I turn to glimpse him, devouring the contents of the stick quickly. “What?” I ask through a mouthful of irresistibly sweet fun.

  “Your face right now. I swear if a man made you as happy as that sugar does, he’d know he was doing his job right.”

  My cheeks heat immediately while I feel all kinds of embarrassed. I love sugar. I’ve known it’s an addiction, but what I didn’t know was that I look orgasmic while eating it. I need to be more careful.

  He stops. “It’s cute, honestly. Don’t stop eating it on my account.”

  I place the plastic bag in the console between us then turn to start the truck.

  “Lost for words?” he teases, but I stay quiet. “Honestly, Lyri, those faces you pull really are something I wanna keep seeing.”

  I turn to glare at him. “You really do think you’re all that and a cat, don’t you?”

  Eddie sits back in his chair, assessing me. “A… cat?” He raises an eyebrow.

  I scoff, turning back to the wheel. “Screw you!” I start the engine, pulling out of the park in a mad rush, kicking up dirt but hearing a thud in the rear of the truck.

  Fuck! Pixy. Lyri, you idiot!

  I grimace as we both turn back to see Pixy poke his head back up looking through at us, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth like he’s having the ride of his life and enjoying himself. Baa.

  I let out a relieved breath as I slowly back off at a more civilized pace.

  The truck fills with an uneasy tension. Where there was sizzling chemistry and not much else before, now it’s coupled with my annoyance at myself because I’m not angry at Eddie. Not really. I’m just angrier that this attraction I have for him won’t ease.

  Right, I need a distraction.

  I lean over, flick the switch for the radio, adjust the station, and watch as he seems to relax a little when an 80’s rock band blares across the speakers. This is where my music tastes lie. My fingers gently tap along on the steering wheel to the heavy beat and husky lyrics, my head bopping to and fro. I don’t even realize I’m dancing in my seat until I hear Eddie chuckle to himself.

  I glance across at him to see his eyes transfixed on me. “What?” I ask defensively, my eyes flicking between him and the road.

  “Nothing.”

  I scoff. “It’s obviously something. You don’t laugh for no reason.”

  His eyes light up. “I like your taste in music, that’s all.”

  My curiosity piques. “You like old-school rock?”

  He shifts toward me like he’s gearing up for a real conversation. “Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, Black Sabbath, Queen, The Eagles… shit, I could go on and on. I might have been born in the late eighties, not really getting the full advantage of those bands while they were big, but growing up, music was huge in my house. And rock… rock was what kept me going through my teenage years.”

  Maybe we have more in common than I thought.

  Music might have played a big part in Eddie’s childhood, but he has no idea how massive music was in mine. I guess it still is, in a way. However, I try hard not to get involved with that side of my family’s business.

  “I get it… music was big in my childhood, too. My family are all into the music—”

  “But not you?” he asks abruptly as if reading my mind.

  I sink into myself a little, not knowing exactly the right words to say. “No, not me.”

  There’s an easy quiet between us for a beat, then he turns toward me a little more. “Favorite Queen song. Go!”

  I let out a loud laugh. His excited face tells me he’s serious. “Um… okay, well, that’s easy… ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ without a doubt.”

  He sits back in his chair like he’s disappointed in me. “That’s the coward’s way out. Everybody picks that song. Be honest. Really think about it. I mean really… which one?”

  I think for a moment and smile. ‘The Show Must Go On.’

  His body relaxes like I couldn’t have said anything better. I turn back to the road, feeling great as if I have impressed him in some small way. But I still want to impress him— I can’t help that damn attraction.

  This guy is giving me whiplash but in all the right ways.

  “That’s the one I always listen to when I’m in a tough spot like at work or something. It helps me through,” he says.

  “Freddy was a genius.”

  “You can say that again.”

  I smirk. “Freddy was a genius.”

  He chuckles. “Smartass.”

  I relax back in my seat feeling a little more comfortable.

  He riffles through his bag, pulling out a sandwich.

  “A sandwich? Really? You gotta work on your road-trip snacks, man.”

  He opens the plastic container and brings his crusty pastrami on rye to his lips. “At least I won’t die of diabetes.”

  I snicker as I reach into my bag and pull out another Pixy Stick, promptly guzzling it down while Eddie shakes his head. “So, what do you do for a job, Mr. Business Attire?”

  He bites down on his sandwich. I feel his eyes boring into me, but I keep mine firmly on the road. “You know, work for the family business…” He pauses. “General boring office stuff, nothing interest
ing. Tell me more about Love and Lavender.”

  His avoidance of the topic has me instantly intrigued, but I don’t want to push him if he’s not willing to give anything back. I answer him. “I’ve worked hard to get my business up and running along with my business partner, Paisley… much to the utter disappointment of my family. They wanted more for me, but floristry is all I’ve ever wanted. I love it. Always have. So, it’s the right choice for me.”

  He nods like he’s trying to wrap his mind around my words. “You gotta do what you love, Lyri. Otherwise, it’s a chore. If every day is a chore, then what the hell is the point?”

  Finally, someone who gets me.

  “Man, I need you to talk to my dad,” I mumble under my breath.

  “I can if you want.”

  My eyes widen. “Shit! You heard that?”

  “It’s a small space, Lyri, and you said it out loud.”

  Honestly, I was sure I thought it.

  I bite the side of my cheek in embarrassment. “Well, maybe one day you’ll meet him,” I reply, trying to be nice.

  “Yeah… maybe one day.”

  A comfortable silence filters over us again. I examine the mirror to check on Pixy and see his ears sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny watching his ears rippling around with the wind. I tense a little knowing with every turn of the tires, Pixy’s getting closer to home, and I’m getting closer to saying goodbye to my little friend.

  “Tell me about Chance. Is he good to Pixy?”

  “You’ve seen the belly on that goat, right? Pixy wants for nothing. Chance and his wife, Aubrey, are like this power couple…” He drifts off for a moment. “I hope I can have what they have one day.”

  The adoration in his eyes is clear, but I can’t help making light of this moment. “What? A goat?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Hardy-har-har… no, their love is unshakeable. I want that… and a goat.”

  “How did Chance and Aubrey meet?” I ask.

  Eddie tilts his head. “Actually, they kind of got together on a road trip, but theirs was much longer than ours.”

  “We’re gonna end up together? Is that what you’re saying, Eddie?” I quip.

  “If you’re lucky.”

  I snort out a laugh. “If I’m lucky? Cocky much there, hotshot?”

  He raises his brow. “Hotshot?”

  “Yeah, it’s your new nickname.”

  He purses his lips. “I can live with that, hummingbird.”

  I don’t reply. I simply change the subject by asking more about Aubrey and Chance. “So, how do you know them?”

  He shifts uncomfortably. “Chance and I go back a few years. We were roommates for a while in LA.”

  I nod matter-of-factly. “Oh, that’s nice. Then he met Aubrey?”

  “That’s a long story, which started before he met me. Their tale is, I guess, one you would read about in those fictional books women love. But they’re all good now… that’s the main thing. Even got their little man, CJ.”

  “And the goat.”

  He grins. “Yeah, don’t forget the goat.”

  ***

  The drive takes us just over forty minutes. The traffic is heavy this time of the morning, but to be honest, the trip has been nice. Getting to know Eddie a little more has been refreshing. My annoyance at him has waned, and my undeniable urge to want to reach out and touch him is back tenfold. But I know that’s probably not the best move right now.

  “Here! This one,” Eddie announces, pointing to a gate.

  I signal, turn into the drive and head down to the house which is set off the road and on the edge of the beach. It’s beautiful down here. But as I pull closer, a man runs out of the house with a thick head of copper-brown hair. His face is chiseled with what seems like a three-day scruff on his chin, but it suits him, and hell if he isn’t fit. I can tell because he isn’t wearing a shirt, and his tanned abs are out on display. He drapes a white towel around his shoulders, his shorts hanging low on his hips showing me his perfectly sculptured V.

  Jesus Christ.

  I slow down as he waves his hands through the air like a mad man signaling us down. He races in front of the truck, and I have to slam on my brakes which rams us forward in our seats. The guy spots Eddie on the passenger side, and his face lights up in joy. The way his dimples sink into his cheeks makes my insides shake.

  He’s fucking gorgeous.

  Not as stunningly gorgeous as hotshot here beside me, but without his shirt on, I’m definitely having heart palpitations. “Jesus, I need to get laid.”

  Eddie’s head snaps to face me, then a giant smirk appears on his lips. “You know you said that out loud, right?”

  My eyes widen as I gasp. “No, I did not.”

  He chuckles as he slides out of the truck leaving me inside, drowning in my own embarrassment. I drop my head to the steering wheel, letting out a huff. “Good going, idiot,” I mumble to myself as I hear the men greeting each other.

  I look up in time to see all the back-slapping and hugging that’s going on between them. Two men together with this much good-looking testosterone should be illegal.

  I don’t think my ovaries can handle this. Warning, warning, an explosion is imminent!

  Eddie whispers something into Chance’s ear making me sit up taller as Chance’s face turns serious. He peers at Eddie, then to me in the truck. I suddenly feel like I’m being a rude bitch for stealing his goat. I slide out as Eddie rushes around the back of the truck. I rush as Eddie opens the back tailgate and unties him. Pixy seems to know where we are as he walks to the edge of the truck and into Eddie’s arms. He lifts him down, and Pixy takes off toward Chance.

  So much for being blind.

  “Hey, you little bugger. I thought I’d lost you for good. Your mum would have killed me if she got wind of this, or if she arrived home and realized you were gone.” Chance bends down, planting a kiss on the goat’s head. The goat nuzzles into him while I melt at Chance’s all-Australian accent.

  “You’re Australian?” I blurt out.

  Both Chance and Eddie turn to me.

  “Yeah, mate, Aussie through and through.” Chance beams, his lips turning up as he shines at me like a freaking Australian diamond. Or maybe that should be an opal?

  Shit, I don’t know.

  Either way, my cheeks heat as I chew on my bottom lip. “Swoon.”

  Eddie bursts out laughing as Chance stares at me like I’ve lost my damn mind. “Did you just say… swoon?” Eddie asks.

  My eyes widen.

  Damn! I have to get out of here.

  I slap my hand over my mouth again. “No. Shit.”

  They both smirk as I sink in on myself.

  Eddie’s giant arm loops around my shoulders pulling me into his side.

  My senses instantly come alive.

  I’m touching Eddie.

  This is all I’ve wanted for the entire car ride.

  Now it’s here, I have no idea what to do. My hand makes a move of its own, running up his chest. Holding onto him makes me feel a little better. We’re officially embracing, and Chance looks at us with a cheeky grin. But I don’t care. Eddie’s holding me, and my body is buzzing with energy as his scent invades my senses.

  God, he smells good.

  I’m losing myself.

  I need to focus.

  Zeroing in on Chance and Pixy, I blink to regain my composure. “How do you think Pixy came to be in my truck?”

  Chance grimaces like he knows he’s going to get in the shit for what he says next. “Mmm… well, I accidentally left the gate open after Aubrey headed off for her overnight spa getaway. I’m so glad you managed to get Pixy back here before Aubrey got back home. She’d have my balls for letting mutton out. I’m usually far more careful, but you know, mischievous toddler and all that.”

  Yeah, I get it.

  “Where is the little man?” Eddie’s smile is contagious.

  Chance peeks back at the house. “Sleeping… finally. It was a big nigh
t…” He exhales. “Us two guys home on our own for the first time, there was candy… lots of candy… then, no sleep is my reward for indulging him.”

  I smirk as Eddie shakes his head. “You’re going to spoil him.”

  Chance grows wider with pride. “You wait till you have a nugget of your own, mate. Fatherhood… there’s nothing like it.”

  Eddie’s eyes subtly glance at me, tension shifts between us, so I move to change the subject. “Eddie tells me you and he go way back. You were living together in LA?”

  Chance side-eyes Eddie. “Ahh… yeah. We were together for two years. Really tiny home, crap living quarters, but we truly got to know each other during that time. Actually, it was Eddie here who helped me get off my ass and find my balls to get Aubrey back.”

  “You and Aubrey broke up?”

  “Yeah, the worst two years of my life.”

  Eddie weakly smiles at me.

  “Well, look at you, hotshot. You’re a big ole softy under there.” I poke his ribs, which causes him to jerk, and we separate from each other.

  “Hummingbird, there’s so much you’ve yet to find out about me.”

  I cock my brow. “Is that a challenge?”

  “Wow! You two have nicknames for each other already? Next thing you know you’ll be going steady and writing love poems,” Chance quips with a hint of Aussie humor in his tone.

  Eddie reaches out, punching his friend’s arm. “Shut up, Dundee, or we’ll take your goat with us. Lyri’s gotten attached.”

  Chance grimaces. “No can do. I have a wife and son who love their fainting goat. Gotta give them what they want.” He leans in a little closer to me. “Plus, the little bugger gets under your skin, right?” he whispers.

  I turn to face Pixy, running my hand over his furry head. “He sure does. Well, little guy, it’s been fun.” I can’t help but feel sad my time with Pixy is almost up. “Sorry about Polly. I’m sure he didn’t mean to make you faint.”

  Chance raises his brow in curiosity but then nods like he totally understands his goat would have fainted while on his twenty-four-hour vacation. Pixy nuzzles into me, letting out a little baa. I rub behind his ear. I know he likes that. My eyes mist up, and my heart squeezes. How one creature can work its way into my heart in such a small amount of time, I’ll never know. But somehow, Pixy did. I just hope he has a great life here.