Page 53 of One Hot Moment

"Why don't you harass Bree about why she doesn't have a boyfriend?"

"Oh, don't worry, we will do that. Lovingly. We adore our beautiful, sweet, smart daughters and only want you both to be happy and give us plenty of grandbabies."

I sigh in resignation. No point in arguing. I think all parents pester their children this way, and it's just part of life. I know my mother means well. When I glance at Spencer, I expect to see him checking for the nearest escape route. Instead, he's smiling at me with genuine affection and happiness.

No, I wouldn't mind marrying Spencer at all.

Sabrina leans toward me, whispering in a barely audible voice. "Kendall might not be anxious anymore if it's a double wedding."

My sister can't actually be suggesting that I should marry Spencer just to make his brother feel better. A moment ago, I mused that I wouldn't mind marrying him. Did Sabrina read my mind?

I can't get hitched in ten days. It's crazy.

But I am a proud free spirit.

Sabrina is still leaning close, and she murmurs to me again. "You're thinking about it, I can tell. Don't let practical stuff get in the way of your heart. I predict wedding bells for two couples coming soon."

Now my sister has become a soothsayer and an advice columnist. This could only get weirder if Spencer announced that he wants to quit his job and become an exotic dancer like his brother used to be.

After dinner, we all gather to watch a movie. We let Sabrina pick the title, and she chose Sense & Sensibility. I love Jane Austen adaptations, but Bree has an ulterior motive. I know that, but I can't figure out exactly what she's up to this time. Some kind of meddling, for sure.

When the movie ends, I find out what she's plotting.

Sabrina smiles with saccharine sweetness. "Isn't that just the most romantic movie? And it's British, like Spencer."

I lift my brows. "What's your point, Bree?"

"You've always loved Jane Austen. Now you can marry your very own British hunk."

"Honestly, you are as subtle as a hurricane."

Spencer yawns and stretches his arms above his head. Then he hops off the futon and holds out his hands to me. "Shall we retire to your tiny house, darling?"

That's the second time he's called me "darling" since the day we met. I like it even more this evening. His deep, sensual voice gives me a warm shiver.

Sabrina slaps both hands over her eyes. "Can't look. You're about to get smoochy."

"Are you regressing into first-grade behavior? I've never seen you act quite like this before. You're thirty-four, Bree, but you act like a seven-year-old."

My sister lowers her hands and smirks. "I've been teasing you all day. Haven't you figured out why yet?"

"Haven't got a clue."

Spencer kisses the top of my head. "Isn't it obvious, love? Sabrina is happy for you."

"Why?"

My sister tips her head back, rolling her eyes at the ceiling. "Duh, Tabby."

Spencer takes hold of both my hands, urging me to stand. Then he brushes his fingertips across my cheek. "She's happy for you, darling. Happy for us."

I am such an idiot. Maybe I've been a little anxious, just like Spencer's brother, and that's why Bree's attitude flew right over my head. I've never felt this way about any man before. Spencer is different, and he makes me feel so...satisfied with my life. That happened because of the British hunk standing in front of me.

The room spins a little, only for a second or two. But I love that feeling.

I grab Spencer's hand, dragging him toward the door. And I shout over my shoulder, "Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad. Good night, Bree. Spencer and I need some alone time in my little yellow house. See you in the morning."

Not the subtlest exit. My family doesn't care.

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