Enemies Benefits Goals: Romance Goals, #3

By Barbi Cox

He's a ripped, gorgeous, GQ underwear model.

A stuck up Footballer for the L.A. Stars, with a dangerous bad boy reputation,

Not to mention a sexy Maserati and a lot of money.

I hate him.

He's a jerk I can't stand. A sexy jerk I could probably make exceptions for, especially if

he takes his shirt off.

He hates me too.

I think.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbi Cox
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224949649

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

TEDDY

Itake the curves quite a bit faster than needed, but it makes me feel alive. The ocean on my left as I speed down the road in my Maserati. Every now and then, I pass a car just to avoid slowing even the slightest bit. I know that the world, the press, even my team are waiting for me to go balls up now that the news of Gwen—my almost-ex—and my father has gotten out, but who am I to complain about having the hottest MILF as a stepmom?

She and I were a less-than-ideal match and the frustration of my father getting farther than I did with her washed away when I saw how they made eyes—and constantly make eyes—at each other. I shake my head to myself.

I squeal to a stop at the light and roll down my window. A group of pretty birds sit next to me in a convertible, and I wink at them as I wait for the light to go green. One blonde blows me a kiss and bites her lip when I catch it.

I’m jealous of the sun, ladies, I say out my window.

Why’s that? the driver asks.

Did you hear his accent? another gushes.

It gets to be all over you and I’m all the way over ‘ere.

They gasp and dissolve into giggles as I catch the light go green and press the accelerator.

I could do this forever—race up and down with nothing but the radio loud, the ocean beside me, and an endless stretch of road. There’s something about seeing the landscape blur, to leave people behind, to be tethered to no one that sets my soul on fire.

But I find myself wishing I had at least some company. I miss teasing Gwen. Not Gwen specifically, to be sure. I miss having someone to spar with like that. Someone who doesn’t just turn to goo when I speak. Although, maybe that’s the ego boost I need right now.

I peel into a grocery store. I’m sure Max, my best friend and teammate, will give me hell if he finds out I’ve had takeout the last three nights. He’d tell me that’s no way for a starter on the LA Stars to eat. But I’m a man of specific tastes and more specific vices. I step out of my car, adjust my button-down and slacks, making sure that there’s not a single wrinkle, then grin at the few women who are staring at me.

I’m not sure if they find me or my car sexier, and I’m not sure I care. I wink through my sunglasses and head into the shop, twirling my keys around my fingers. Now that Dad’s taken himself out of the game, I suppose I’ll have to have double the fun.

And I love making women crazy. When I reach over to help them grab something from a higher shelf and my shirt edges up, showing my side. When I lean close and call them love with this accent of mine. I can practically see them shiver.

Their dirty thoughts are right there on their faces when they blush for me. One pretty redhead catches my attention. She’s the kind of woman I’d like to sink into, and based on how red her face gets and the fact she can’t find her basket when I look at her, I know she feels it too.

You look beautiful, love. Far too elegant for a grocery store. I wink at her and guide her hand to her basket.

She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. I gently tip her chin up and look her over. Any man would be lucky to have you. Especially with your taste in food.

Someone says something and she jumps a little, like she completely forgot she was supposed to be doing something. I manage to press my lips together to keep from laughing. Even if I’m just taking the piss, I know that it will make some of their days. An ounce of attention in a place they didn’t expect.

My phone rings as I check out. I apologize to the cashier and take the call after an eye roll. Yes, Max?

The fuck are we doing for your birthday? He grunts. No one can say my best friend is too talkative.

Aren’t you sweet for remembering. I make my voice honey sweet. I think you know exactly what I want.

Don’t use that fucking voice on me, he says after a pause.

Aw, don’t be like that. Just make sure there’s plenty of booze, lots of birds, and let’s crank up the heat a bit. I can’t stop the smile stretching over my face. Shouldn’t be hard with a stud like you.

I can picture Max’s face. He hates when I talk to him like this, treating him as if he’s another woman I’d like to bed. Valerie, his soon-to-be wife talking to him this way, is one thing, me is another. Although if I spoke like this to Val, I know exactly how long I’d be in the hospital for.

Fucking… You get a pass because your dad stole your girl and it’s your birthday. Party, my place—with Val’s permission—and we have to approve the guest list. If you don’t make one, we will.

I have all the faith in the world in you. I say before hanging up. I turn to the cashier. Thank you, love. I wink at her as I swipe my card. I wish I could tip you.

She blushes but rolls her eyes. Come on, Teddy.

I chuckle. You say that like you don’t enjoy my company. Perhaps I come in too often? Does distance really make the heart grow fonder?

Just like that her tongue is tied and her cheeks turn pink. I chuckle as I grab my bags. I toss them in my car and speed home. By the time I get there, I’m not feeling quite as light. I rub the back of my neck and stare at my fridge.

Even with groceries in it, it looks empty. My whole house looks empty. I can’t imagine having a place as big as Max’s even if I do like to party. Much too much space and far too much cleaning. Especially for one person. And despite the fact I only have three bedrooms and a workout room, I still feel alone and I still hate the cleaning.

I can’t stand a maid going through my things on the regular. Unless it’s a maid like I’ve seen on the more indecent sites. That I could definitely live with, especially if I get to punish her with a firm swat to the behind for missing a spot.

I shake my head to myself and follow Max’s instructions to run and work off the lust inside me. After all, look what happened last time I didn’t. I got so caught up in Gwen, I thought she was the only woman I could possibly be with. I know better now, but the floozies aren’t quite as fun as they used to be.

Which is a mucky situation for me.

The next week flows quickly. I spend as little time with my father and Gwen as I can manage without being rude, and fling myself into football, drilling myself at home, working out when I’m not, taking extra GQ shoots, and taking full advantage of Valerie’s need for men in her ad campaigns for Beach Bunny, her clothing brand. Anything to keep me too busy for…bird watching.

Such a stupid phrase that Dad used to use. Though I do like it when the women watch me instead. Then I can try to imagine what they’re fantasizing, which is perhaps a better game than trying to get between their legs.

Max crashes my place the day before my party. Val joins and kisses my cheek. I look her over when I’m sure Max isn’t looking and shake my head. He’s so damn lucky. Got the woman of his dreams who just happens to have the best arse I’ve ever seen.

Not that either of them needs to know that fun tidbit.

We have the guest list. Only one real point of question, Max says.

Val fits herself to his side, her engagement ring flashing. I wish they’d just tie the knot and let their honeymoon phase end. It was better when they were trying to hide the whole relationship or were pretending.

Max’s hand strokes down her back and she jumps. From his stupid smile and her blush, I don’t have to ask to know his hand is on her arse, as usual. Val nods anyway. Yeah. We invited Gwen. Is that okay?

It’s fine. As long as Daddy Dearest doesn’t follow, it’s aces. I shrug.

They exchange a look, and Val rolls her eyes. He’s out of the country, and she’s been pouty. A party will do her good.

Absolutely, I agree. Plus, she needs to be around younger people so she doesn’t start thinking she’s a hundred.

"Your father is definitely not that old."

Were you looking, kitten? Max asks, an eyebrow arched.

Oh, shut it, you got two rings on me already and I haven’t killed you in your sleep yet. Take the win.

I grin at Max and he rolls his eyes, going over the guest list again. The whole team is on it.

Approved.

Even Massimo? We both know how wild he can be, before he gets drunk, even.

He’s fun. I shrug. Look, I trust you guys. Just make sure we have alcohol, pizza, and music. The kind of party that Val wouldn’t approve of back when.

Hey! she yells.

He’s got a point. Max shrugs. And don’t give me that look. Without my parties, we never would have met.

I would have been saved from so many headaches and sleepless nights. she quips back.

I roll my eyes at them again. Alright, Mom and Dad, we’re good, so let’s get on with it. I don’t want everything to go tits up.

They head out and I flick on the TV, trying to clean my eyes of their cuteness. I don’t need that shite. I don’t need love or the sweetness or the teasing. I just need a good wank or a good shag. That will clear my mind and get me in the direction I need.

I can give myself that. I flick on some porn—dirty group sex—and jerk my cock until I come. It doesn’t take long, considering I haven’t had any action recently.

As I drift off to sleep, I can admit to myself, that I want more than a fuck. I want someone who excites me and challenges me. I want someone who makes me feel as stupidly idiotic as Max is anytime he’s around Val. I’d like it more if she could actually kick my arse.

But that’s not what a birthday wish will get me and I’m old enough to know that. So I’ll settle for my own little tradition tomorrow—buy myself a small cake, light some candles, eat until I feel like I’m going to burst, then relax with some cartoons so I get to have a taste of childhood again.

Which is exactly what I do in the morning. I head over to a different grocery store, wait patiently for a simple green-and-purple cake in the window, decline to have it iced, and take the box. Of course, I’m not the kind who can handle that much sweet, so I grab my favorite cola, a bunch of Cheetos, and then some beer for the hell of it.

Once I get home, I open the cake, light a bloody sparkler, and grin at it. Before I can blow it out, my phone buzzes. I pick it up without looking and hear my dad on the other line. Happy birthday, son.

Thanks, Dad, I murmur.

Have a good time. Remember, age is just a number, son, and today is just a day. When I don’t answer, he continues. Which means you should live every day like it’s your last, Theodore. Enjoy your party and make the women crazy.

I chuckle and thank him again before hanging up. At least the old man has a brilliant sense of humor. And I have an excellent party planned as well. Another year of possibilities and surprises.

Cheers to that.

BRIDGET

Iarch an eyebrow at Gwen as she shows what she’s going to wear. I know it’s for her ex’s birthday, but come on. She can at least look hot. Gwen deflates a little as I roll my eyes. Gwen, I know that you’re with his dad and all that now, but you can still look hot.

"I don’t want attention, though. I’m just going to have fun and…" Her eyes flash to me, and I know what she doesn’t say.

I know you’re helping me with sobriety. I’m not a baby, though. I know how to handle it, I assure her. But I’m dressing to get some because Dave isn’t available.

Mentioning my friend with benefits breaks her. Gwen laughs, her green eyes squinting shut as she laughs. "Yes, go get more dick. Add someone to the roster."

Hey! I point at her. My roster is down to one. And yes, sometimes one person who only contacts me after 10 p.m. is not exactly the dream…

So, search for a relationship. Gwen tosses a dress at me. You can wear that—it’s too much for me.

It’s a cute peach dress that’s just a little bit brighter than my skin tone. Not exactly attention grabbing, but I almost like it because of that. It’s understated sexy, and it will ride high on my thighs.

I strip in front of Gwen. She rolls her eyes. She’s seen me naked more than just about anyone else. I look at myself in the mirror, with my simple strapless bra and my black thong high on my hips. I can definitely see why the Pin Up artists like having me model for them, if I don’t say so myself.

Stepping into the dress, I pull it over my thighs and hips, then over my chest. The fabric molds to my body, hiding nothing and making me feel twice as sexy. Looking in the mirror, I adjust my thick dark hair, dragging it over one shoulder and curling it with my fingers. My dark eyes seem a little lighter in this light, and my tan skin is gorgeous with the pink-orange of the dress.

Gwen shakes her head at me as I pick at the dress. Maybe it’s too tight.

You look good, B. You always do and you know it. She sighs. If I was that effortlessly beautiful⁠—

You’d have a sugar daddy wrapped around your finger? I tease. At her frustrated face, I laugh. It’s funnier because everyone calls him your sugar daddy, but he’s actually completely in love with you.

That satisfies her. She laughs and bites her nail. Yeah, that’s a two-way street for me. She sits on the edge of her bed, still not dressed and thinking I won’t notice. I really want this kind of happiness for you, B. I know you say you don’t need a man to be happy.

Nope, just his dick.

But I think you’d like the support.

That’s what bras are for.

B…

G… I turn and face her as I slip into the five-inch black heels I brought. I fluff my hair and shake my head at her. "Let it go. I don’t want a boyfriend."

Why?

Why? Because I don’t want to be told where to go, how to dress, everything wrong with me. I don’t want to have to compromise who I am for someone else just so they feel more like a man.

They’re not all like that, Gwen says seriously. Daniel isn’t.

He’s a once-in-a-blue-moon type. I’ve tried the relationship thing. They always say I’m too much, but they make me feel like I’m not enough. I shake my head. I don’t want to talk about this before a party. "I’m the one that comes before the one, Gwen. I don’t have a match and that’s okay. I have fun, I live the way I want to, and I get to sleep without overthinking since I’m not worried about what someone else is doing."

She thinks that over as I do my makeup. Then she stands in the mirror next to me, wearing a cute gold dress. It’s not sex on a stick, but it shows off some leg and a bit of cleavage.

I love you, B. You know that right? She hugs me. Even if you’re a royal pain in the ass.

Don’t forget, a bitch, a slut, and recovering alcoholic.

"You’ve heard of positive self-talk, right?"

I pretend to think about it as we walk to her car. You know, that sounds about as familiar as the Loch Ness monster. Is it mythical too?

She laughs but doesn’t push anymore. We sing together in the car, very badly, completely off-key, and I take a moment to look at her. Gwen’s happier than I’ve ever seen her since getting together with Daniel. I’m happy for her. I’m happy she gave me another chance after I royally fucked shit up with her and Teddy.

Although, Teddy was never good enough for her, even though he didn’t take me up on my drunken offer of a blow job. The fact that she gave me another chance after walking in on that less-than-great moment, means more than I can possibly say.

I’m better at fucking up friendships, and relationships in general, than I am at keeping them because people always want to be around me. I have money and connections, and I used to be sure that’s all Gwen wanted. But no matter how I try to push her away, she stays by my side.

Which is why I’ve committed to going