by Rachel Jonas
Well, every moment except this one.
I was pretty sure he’d see a dip in engagement after making the change, but it’s been the complete opposite. We’ve gotten several sponsorship offers we’re still trying to sort through, and his solo offers have skyrocketed, too. My uncle’s even been impressed, offering us both an internship after graduation, should we decide to accept.
Apparently, Dane’s fans love seeing the reformed playboy turned devoted boyfriend, finally settled and happy. They root for us almost as hard as we root for us, which they proved when Dane’s recording of Rose went viral beyond our wildest dreams.
The end result?
The online community completely canceled her—influencers began avoiding her like the plague, which made brands view partnering with her as a liability, the kiss of death. Already, after only a few weeks, she’s been dropped by several clients, and I suspect we’ll see the trend continue.
Guess this goes to show you don’t fuck with Dane Golden. Just ask Alex from back in the day.
Something unexpected that’s come of all this vlogging stuff is that I even find myself opening up, venturing to talk about my father, the insecurities that resulted from the toxicity in my childhood home. Hearing both Dane and I be transparent about real-life shit has helped a lot of people.
Dane’s opened up about things with his dad, too, including how mentally preparing for the trial has affected him, and I’ve talked about finding out about my sister in a very unconventional way. Of course, I took a delicate approach—concealing Peyton’s identity—but it’s my hope that, one day, she and I can meet. When she’s ready. When we’re both ready.
It isn’t lost on me that if Pandora hadn’t been discreet about this, hadn’t let me have this one thing, my sister might’ve been hurt. While I don’t yet know her, I still feel the inclination to protect her. Even if the feeling in the pit of my stomach tells me she’s got a hard road ahead—being my father’s daughter, living anywhere near Cypress Pointe.
This thought leaves me, and I accept that we’ve procrastinated long enough. Taking a step closer to the sink, I crane my neck a bit.
“Ok, moment of truth,” I say, finally getting a clear view of the test, of the tiny window in the center of it. A sharp gasp leaves my mouth and my gaze flits toward Dane. As he studies the stick, his expression reflects his mood—anxious, nervous, confused.
“No clue what that means,” he admits with one eyebrow raised. “Why the hell can’t they just say yes or no? Did we throw away the directions?”
“We don’t need them,” I say, locking both arms around his neck as I whisper two words against his ear. “It’s negative.”
His grip on me tightens slowly, not like he’s overcome with relief, but I get the sense that he’s just happy to know one way or another. Happy to finally have an answer.
I breathe the first sigh of relief I’ve breathed in weeks, all because I now know that we have time.
Time to enjoy each other with it just being us.
Time to achieve all that we’re capable of achieving.
Time to plan how we want to build our future, our family.
My kiss cuts off his words just as he begins to speak, but he gets into it quickly despite being caught off guard.
“We have to tell everyone,” I step back to say. However, I’m pulled close again, laughing when his lips tickle the side of my neck.
“You can’t just fucking kiss me like that, then think I’ll let you walk away,” he says with a groan.
“Can and will,” I tease. “We have calls to make. Blue’s been waiting on pins and needles and I’m sure your brothers have been, too.”
After a few seconds of serious deliberation, Dane finally lets go, but not without groping my ass as I exit.
Joss: Negative!
I’ve barely made it to the hall when I send that text.
Blue: Congrats! Although, I was kind of digging the idea of our crew having a new addition.
Joss: Believe me. There is still plenty of time for that. Just… you know… not now. Thank God.
Blue: Now that you got a redo, we should totally plan to get knocked up at the same time. That way, our kiddos can grow up together.
Joss: Can you imagine how this conversation would terrify the guys if they read it?
Blue: Nah, not with us. I think they know they’re stuck with us forever.
Joss: True. But back to this totally unrealistic, obligatory friendship/ baby pact.
Blue: Seriously, though! I mean, are two girls really even friends if they don’t get knocked up in the same month?
Despite her being a few thousand miles away, and completely full of shit, I laugh and swear I hear her laughing, too. Which makes me miss her and our crew even more.
Joss: You’re insane, but I love you.
Blue: Love you back! Enjoy your vacation and call as soon as you two make it home. We’ll have another girls’ night.
Joss: Sounds perfect. Talk soon.
With that, I head back into the living room where Dane’s got both his brothers on speaker phone. There’s talk of Dane ‘double-wrapping’ it next time and other ridiculousness. Meanwhile, I’ve already got a script for birth control waiting on me as soon as we’re back in Cypress Pointe.
This is an experience we’ll never ever forget.
Distracted when I begin kissing the back of his neck, Dane wraps up his conversation quickly, and then tosses his phone to the couch. Half a second later, he turns to lift me off my feet. On instinct, my legs encircle his waist and we’re on the move.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask, not really caring. He could literally take me anywhere and I wouldn’t complain.
“Eventually we’re going out to swim,” he answers, confusing me.
“Eventually?”
“Eventually,” he repeats with a nod, squeezing my ass tight as he carries me. “The first thing we’re doing is celebrating, and what better way to celebrate not getting you knocked up than to have a couple practice rounds?”
I smack his shoulder playfully, but don’t protest.
“Ok, but you have to do one thing first.”
His steps slow and he peers up. “Name it.”
A smile touches my lips and I grip his hair in my fingers. “Tell me you love me.”
His smirk tells me I just gave him the simplest task in the world to complete, so the words just roll off his tongue. Easy. Free.
“I love you, Josslyn Grace Francois. More than any-fucking-thing.”
With that, he takes me to the suite, and I never imagined I’d ever know this kind of happiness. And to think, it only took me giving in to the one guy I should’ve always known was ‘the one’.
My best friend.
@QweenPandora: Cypress Pointe’s newest couple have gone rogue. Reports say they were spotted boarding a plane to…
Wait, did you seriously think I’d tell?
I do have some class, you know.
Let’s just say it’s warm and sunny where they landed, and they trekked far enough away to ensure none of you lovelies will be around to peek in.
Well played PrettyBoyD and VirginVixen. Speaking of, VV, perhaps it’s time we endow you with a new name? I’ll think on it and decide later.
In the meantime, while we’re all waiting on this smokin’ hot pair to return, perhaps we ought to turn our attention to another of our Golden Boys.
One by the name of MrSilver.
I have it on good authority that he’s gotten himself tangled in one hell of a scandal. While I’m not quite ready to show all my cards, you can bet your trust funds I’m completely invested.
Times up, MrSilver. You’ve hidden your truth long enough. Now that your brothers are in love and have settled down, all eyes are on you.
Tell us, are you at all prepared for that level of heat? Do you already feel the prying eyes of millions of souls now aimed directly at you?
It’s time for your story to be told and I, personally, look forward
to finding out what you have to hide. I think I speak for us all when I say… Bring. On. The chaos.
Until next time, Peeps.
—P
*1-click your copy of Mr. Silver today!*
*BONUS CONTENT & MORE FROM THE GOLDEN CREW*
Want more Dane & Joss?
Then don’t forget to grab the completed KINGS OF CYPRESS PREP trilogy (enemies-to-lovers/bully romance) that started it all! Book one is only $0.99 for a limited time, and the entire series is available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
I’d also love for you to pop into the KINGS OF CYPRESS Spoiler Room. There, you’ll find tons of bonus content and access to early chapters from upcoming books, including Mr. Silver once available.
You won’t find these goodies anywhere else!
Check out the group’s pinned announcement post for all the extras. See you there!
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For all feedback and inquiries, email me at [email protected]
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you so much for reading Pretty Boy D, A Kings of Cypress Pointe Standalone.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Jonas also writes as Nikki Thorne.
Hey, I'm Rachel! Consider this your formal invitation to hang out in my private Facebook group, THE SHIFTER LOUNGE. You'll get fun book convo, exclusive giveaways, and other random acts of nerdiness!
Don't usually talk to strangers? No worries! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a Michigan native, wife, and mother of three who made a career of indulging the voices inside my head :) With several completed series, and stories in both the paranormal and contemporary YA/NA romance categories, there's something for everyone!
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SOUNDTRACK
(Listed in no particular order)
Music is a very integral part of my writing process and I carefully choose songs that fuel each scene. The lyrics may not always be spot on, but sometimes it’s more about the emotion evoked. While writing PRETTY BOY D, I selected music that brought out the intense emotions Dane & Joss felt during various scenes throughout their journey. I hope this list enhances the reading experience for you, like it did for me while writing.
Note: Piracy is unlawful and using sites where music can be downloaded for free is equivalent to stealing from the musician. Buying the song or album directly from the artist will always be the best way to show support and appreciation for the artist’s work.
“I DON’T TRUST MYSELF” by John Mayer
“HUGGIN AND KISSIN” by Big Black Delta
“STAR SHOPPING” by Lil Peep
“LIKE YOU DO” by Joji
“BETTER” by Khalid
“DREW BARRYMORE” by Bryce Vine
“LIKE I WANT YOU” by Giveon
“STUNNIN” by Curtis Waters
“MINE” by Bazzi
“CRUSH” by Yuna
“TEARING ME UP” by Bob Moses
“POWER TRIP” by J. Cole
“LEARN YA” by 6lack
“LOVEEEEEEE SONG” by Future ft. Rihanna
“HEAT WAVES” by Glass Animals
“KISS ME MORE” by Doja Cat
“SLOW MOTION” Trey Songz
“KISS IT BETTER” by Rihanna
“WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE” by Adele
“WATERMELON SUGAR” by Harry Styles
“EGO” by Beyonce
“MAGIC” by Coldplay