Dirty Daddy Goals: Romance Goals, #2

By Barbi Cox

I had romance Goals. Don't date bad boys and definitely not their dads!

That should be easy right?

Wrong.

Now they both want me.

Maybe I need to let my heart choose for me.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbi Cox
• Release date: Mar 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224548767

Barbi Cox

Barbi Cox is an international bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. Barbi writes about, sexy Alpha daddies, bad boys with squishy hearts, hot billionaires, age gap romance, steamy ménages, dark mafia hotties, and reverse harems that will make you squirm. Barbi lives in Oregon with her husband and two dogs. Her guilty pleasure is Bravo TV, espresso with cashew milk, and a good bottle of red wine. 
Between books, you will find her at the beach taking in the sun and enjoying nature.

Book preview

GWEN

A re you sure about this? I ask, hanging back to stare at the inside of the luxurious mansion. "The contest just promised a private brunch and then a sneak peek for Real Housewives filming."

Valerie Monroe smiles at me. She’s dazzling and so glamorous. She’s the reason I’ve watched the show for the last three years. For the last two days, I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the fact that I won the Twitter contest. Even being at her Laguna Beach mansion, feeling her hand in mine, doesn’t convince me that I’m not dreaming.

Thousands of people applied to the contest and I won? It just seems impossible. There’s no way my dreams come true like this. The universe has never been this nice when passing out favors. If it’d been, I wouldn’t have mousy-brown hair, wide hips, and thick thighs, or be stuck with these glasses.

I feel my cheeks heat up, which means my freckles are at least fifteen times more obvious. Valerie’s face softens, and she tucks stray strands of hair behind my ear.

You deserve this, Gwen. Don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel differently, okay?

I just feel like an inconvenience. You have way more important things to do than show me around the set. You’re planning a wedding, you have your big store launch in a month, plus you’re filming today. I think that’s more than I do in a year.

She laughs and tugs me to her lush backyard. It’s glorious—a huge sand-and-succulent-based Zen garden, a small soccer goal setup with targets, plus a deck overlooking the beach with natural rocks and tide pools that are right out of a painting.

Honestly, I need the downtime, and I can’t thank you enough for choosing me to shadow. She leans in like she’s telling me a secret. And the last thing I need is to be over at Max’s right now. He becomes more willing to agree with me on wedding plans if I make him think about them alone instead of giving him the chance to argue with me.

I laugh with her. She shrugs and sits with me on her deck, leaning back to take in the sun. Tell me more about you, Gwen.

I work at an art gallery here in Laguna Beach, but my goal is to be a photographer. Ever since I saw National Geographic as a kid, I’ve wanted to make it big in photography. I laugh once. Easier said than done.

Why don’t you pursue it?

I don’t have the time or the opportunities. The pictures I’ve shown my boss don’t go anywhere. I shrug and twirl my ponytail around my finger. I’m really good at recognizing greatness in art pieces, just not as great at creating.

It takes practice. She sits up suddenly, then grins. You know, you could take some photos for Beach Bunny tomorrow if you’d like to. Of course, I’ll pay you for your time.

I couldn’t ask you to do that for me.

You’re not. I am. Valerie nods. It’s decided. If they turn out well, I may have more work for you. We’ll see what happens, okay?

We start brunch and I watch as Valerie focuses on fruits and veggies despite her regular glances to the bacon. I don’t want to make her feel bad, so I do the same despite how good the bacon smells.

Kitten!

We both look over and I’m instantly in awe of her fiancé. Max Jäger is gorgeous and everyone knows it. More than being muscular, talented, and sexy, it’s obvious that he’s completely in love with Valerie too. She blushes and rolls her eyes.

I’ve hated that nickname since he started using it, but I secretly love it too.

I laugh softly. It’s cute.

It was meant to get under my skin, she whispers. And it did the job well.

I’m still chuckling when Max joins us. He kisses her cheek and she smacks him, making it obvious that his hand is somewhere it shouldn’t be. I look away to give them a second of privacy.

Is there a reason you’re not eating the delicious pile of muffins here? he asks, stuffing one in his mouth. And who is this? I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had a guest, he says as he flashes me a smile, but his eyes are searching me, almost like assessing if I am Valerie’s friend or foe.

I’m…I’m Gwen. I won a contest, I squeak.

Fun! You didn’t tell me about a contest, kitten. He purrs something in her ear that makes her blush, then takes a huge bite of the fresh muffin. After a groan, he yells in his house’s direction. Teddy, get over here!

This is supposed to be a private brunch. She worked hard to win this, Max. Valerie smiles at him but not quite as sweetly as before.

I don’t mind! I assure her quickly. I feel lucky just being here, getting to see the real dynamic of their relationship. I really don’t.

Are you sure? Valerie asks. I’ll kick him out.

That hurts. He pouts at her.

She shoves him and smacks his ass playfully. He can be a dick. Sometimes I wonder why I said yes.

Oh, I’ll remind you tonight. He winks at her.

Oi, don’t call me over then start talking dirty. You two are disgusting, a new face says.

I blink at him stupidly. He’s gorgeous. Ocean-blue eyes with rich, tanned skin and sculpted muscle. Tattoos race up his arm, his hair is shaggy, and he’s definitely a fair rival for attention even with Max right next to him. Max shoves him, and the man smacks the back of Max’s head.

Why’d you yell for me?

Free food, Teddy. Max motions to it.

Aces! he yells before filling a plate with food. Val, how come you order so much if you ain’t gonna eat it?

I could melt into that sexy British accent as it flicks off his tongue. He grins at them both, then notices me. Teddy gives me a once over and I fight the urge to climb under the table. I look at my own plate and away from him.

‘Ello, ‘ello, he greets me.

You two are too much. Shoo, Valerie orders. Take some and head out, boys.

Why? I’m behaving! Teddy insists, stretching out over the chair and flexing his delicious body. He should just never wear a shirt. Ever. Who’re you, love? He winks at me.

Valerie sighs. Max, you know that thing you like? His eyes focus on her and he nods immediately. Valerie leans toward him and runs her fingers up his arm. If you want that, take Teddy and get out of here.

His eyes narrow and he pretends to think about it. Is it a guarantee if I do?

I can promise you I won’t if you don’t.

They watch each other for a long moment, as if having a whole conversation without saying a word. Teddy nudges me. The stories I could tell you about these two. Bloody excellent gossip.

Fine, Max caves. Teddy, let’s go.

Now?

Now, Max says, offering no room for argument.

Teddy salutes us, and they head out. Valerie rolls her eyes. They’re ridiculous, but at least I know how to keep Max in check.

A secret, I’m sure. I smile slyly around my straw.

She laughs and shrugs. Men are easy, Gwen. They aren’t shy about what they like. Offer it to them, and if they don’t agree, threaten to take it away. Works about eight times out of ten.

Leaning back, she lets her eyes follow them to Max’s house. She smiles slightly. I still can’t believe he’s mine.

He should feel lucky to have you, I assure her. You’re my hero. A successful business woman, someone who’s kind despite how you are sometimes treated in the spotlight, and you never let people get to you. At least, that’s what you make it look like.

Thanks, Gwen, but it takes work. I’m only human, just like you. She smiles at me as she grabs one of the few remaining slices of bacon.

We talk more about her brand, Beach Bunny, and she shows me around her house until another woman comes in like a hurricane. Her dark skin is lush and glowing, just like her barely tamed afro. She looks me over and taps her chin. What are we doing with you today? Are you a Beach Bunny model? A potential model? What’s happening, honey?

Janine, she’s the contest winner, Valerie corrects her.

I could never model. I put my hands up and shake my head. I’m more behind the camera.

That doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous behind the camera, sweetie. Janine waves her hand in front of herself. You think I do all this for others? No way, honey. It’s all for me. Look good, feel good. Right, Val?

Thirty minutes and a ton of pampering later, I feel brand new. Janine shakes her head as she looks me over. Damn, I still got it.

You never lost it. Valerie laughs. Then to me, she nods. You have all the goods, Gwen. Janine just knows how to highlight and bring out your best.

Okay. I’m suddenly anxious to see what she’s done to me. It’s impossible for me to look more frumpy, right?

As they do a few more finishing touches, I think of my discount closet at home. I usually shop at Ross or Marshalls. I’m more about comfort over style. After all, what’s the point of having a closet stocked with designer labels when I’m never invited anywhere?

Netflix doesn’t judge me based on what label I’m wearing.

Janine takes one hand and Valerie takes the other, leading me to a mirror. I stare at myself, hardly recognizing anything other than my thin black frames. My hair has been straightened and styled into something pretty, but effortless looking. Light makeup, just enough to highlight my cheekbones and eyes. My freckles actually look…cute…rather than like blemishes. My normally thin lips are suddenly kissable. And, wow, I have curves? The dress hugs them all while flashing an alluring length of leg that makes me look taller. I raise my hand as a test because I can’t believe this is me and then feel a huge smile take over my face.

Wow.

See? Feels good to look good—not for anyone else, just for you, Janine insists.

Valerie spins me around and whispers something to Janine, who then nods. You sure you’d rather be behind the camera? Janine asks. I think you’d be a good model.

Oh, no, no, no, no. I shake my head. No way. I prefer to be the one giving orders.

They both laugh and don’t push the point. Valerie checks the time and sighs. How much longer, Janine?

Six months to the wedding, baby girl. She nods, then gives me a small smile. Ready?

As I’ll ever be! I grin.

I can’t believe this is happening to me. It’s even better than I dreamed. I’d hoped to get to know Valerie, to maybe have enough for the blog I keep wanting to start, but to have a makeover, to meet her fiancé? Plus, a job opportunity and to get to be behind the scenes on my favorite show? And meet a super hot guy, even if it is just briefly. It’s incredible.

My best friend, Bridget, is going to die when I tell her all about this. This has been, hands down, the best experience of my life. And it’s only noon!

TEDDY

O i, who’s the bird, seriously? I ask Max as the girls next door get filming started.

I’ve learned that we’re not allowed over there while all that’s going on. Causes too much drama, apparently. Not that I mind the looks they shoot our way. I wink and wave at them. Jessica and Tanya are bitches, and I can’t bloody stand the way they treat Val, but Morgan is a sweet little thing.

I notice a fifth girl and whistle low. Max chuckles. Janine and her magic makeovers again.

That’s the one from breakfast?

Yup. He shoves my shoulder. You better learn to recognize hot women no matter the clothes or makeup, man.

If she would have been standing like that, I wouldn’t have forgotten. I lean to the side to get a better view of her ass. Damn. I know Valerie is off-limits, but this girl is just as hot. A nice round ass, perky body. I’d be happy to look at her all day.

Are you actually planning on running with me or not? Max sighs.

I motion to him. You’re a good bloke, Max. Found your wife and all that. Let me look at least.

Look later, work out now, he insists, shoving me toward the beach. You were looking slow last game.

I glare at him. Take it back, Max.

Make me. He shrugs.

Just like that, we’re racing across the beach. I try to focus on my body, maintaining speed, watching my breathing, pushing through the low ache in my thighs as my feet struggle in the powdery sand. Of course, Max wins. Fucking wanker.

I pant, holding my knees as he stretches. I know he does this at least twice daily. I always thought it was because Valerie got tired of him angling to fuck her, but now I think he’s just addicted to working out. Crazy.

He grins. See why you need to keep working out?

Maybe if you were still throwing parties, I’d have some incentive.

Max points at me. Make Paige your incentive. She has her eye on you.

A shiver works down my spine. Bollocks. She’s got her eye on all of us.

Yeah. Outrun the cougar, not me. He takes a long drink of water.

Or get myself a girl to escape the bitch, like you did. I smirk at him.

It took him two months after the public proposal to tell me everything. That he and Val were faking to get Coach’s wife off his back. It worked a little too well. She shifted her attention, alright. Paige has been relentlessly flirting with me. The crazy cougar must be in heat or something.

I don’t know how many times that will work. She might start to catch on if we all do it. Max chuckles. Just don’t show any interest. At all. Like, no eye contact, dude.

So play dead? Thought that was for bears.

Yeah, dead is like drunk to a cougar. Easier target to drag away and devour. Max chuckles. Let’s go again.

Fuck you, Jäger.

Waist-high water this time. Gotta push you harder.

After another hour of working out with the bloody sadist, I feel winded and wheezy and out of shape despite being a fucking professional athlete. I groan and shake my head at him. You’re bloody insane, man.

He laughs and uses the outdoor shower and the soap he has next to it. Once he’s out, I’m in. A glance next door shows that the cameras and bitches are gone. Max stares over the wall with a dopey smile.

You look whipped, mate, I tease.

He chuckles. As long as she’s the one holding the whip, I don’t care. I’m a lucky fucker to have that woman.

What’s she giving you tonight that gets you to behave?

His lips curl up in a wicked smile and he licks his bottom lip. "If I tell you and she finds out, I won’t get it