Page 123 of The Dixon Rule

I’m loving this FWB situation we’ve got going on. And it’s not just because she’s a slamming hottie, though she damn well is. But I’ve slept with my share of sexy women, and that by itself is not enough to keep me interested. Nah, it’s that she’s so sassy. I love a woman who will talk back and put me in my place. Dixon does that in spades. I never know what crazy shit is going to come out of her mouth, and I sort of love it.

“What was the Lucas thing?” I ask in confusion.

“Oh, I was trying to use a code,” she explains. “If you played along like his name was Lucas, then I would know that you were in trouble. Being held hostage or something.”

“Why would you think I was in trouble?”

She’s already ignoring me, her gaze shifting about two feet lower. “Hi, I’m Diana. And you are?”

“I’m Maryanne. It’s lovely to meet you.” My sister sticks out her hand.

“The manners on this kid. I like it.” Diana responds with a vigorous handshake, then eyes our project in amusement. “What are you guys doing?”

“We’re recreating the Pompeii eruption.”

Diana’s mouth opens for a second, then closes, then opens again. “Look, I’m all for science. But isn’t that a bit insensitive? A lot of people died.”

“We’re going to say a prayer in their honor before we erupt,” Maryanne says earnestly.

I sigh. This kid is so awesome, you can’t even call her out for being politically incorrect.

“Sure,” Diana says, clearly fighting a smile. “I guess that makes sense.”

“Why did you think I was in trouble?” I repeat, not letting it go. I walk over to the sink to wash off the gluey substance.

“Because of your text message.”

I dry my hands before grabbing my phone. I laugh when I see what Maryanne wrote.

ME:

Omigosh. Come over and we’ll watch it here. Omigosh. So excited about Zoey!

Diana’s response is equally entertaining.

DIXON:

I don’t appreciate the sarcasm.

“I do not say things like ‘oh my gosh,’ neither as three words nor one,” I growl at Maryanne.

“But it saves time.” My sister studies Diana like she’s one of Maryanne’s microscope slides. “Are you really my brother’s girlfriend? He said you were his neighbor.”

“I’m both.” Diana turns to me for confirmation, as if to verify whether to tell the truth.

I nod slightly because my sister looks so excited at the notion, I figure we might as well let her have it. I can say we broke up after the summer ends.

“You’re just as pretty as his last girlfriend,” she announces. “Maybe more.”

Diana’s lips twitch. “I’m flattered. I’ve met his last girlfriend, and she is stunning.”

“You’re stunning too,” Maryanne says firmly.

“Well, thank you. I think you have both of us beat, though.”

Maryanne beams at the compliment and offers an even bigger one in return. “Do you want to help us with Pompeii?”

“Sure. Put me to work.”

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