Page 34 of Steamy Ever After

My mother's smile crumbles as her eyes widen. She's momentarily stunned. I'm not.

"What a curious thing to say to someone you've just met. If my mother wasn't so understanding, she might take it as an insult. Since you're a guest of my brother's, I'll give you a little leeway. Maybe something got lost in translation. He's not adopted though, at the moment, he might as well be." I turn my sight to Declan. "Your friend's manners need checking."

"She didn't mean it as an insult," Declan interjects. "Sometimes things do get lost in translation. Marisol's originally from Columbia."

"Oh, no. I meant ... Declan's a very handsome man. He doesn't look like either of you."

My forehead pinches. "Wow. They must not have manners in Columbia. The insults just keep on coming with you, huh? Maybe you should think about what you're saying before you open your mouth."

"Knock it off, Carter," Declan spits.

"Muzzle your guest, Declan."

"Stop it," Mom interjects. "I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding." She issues Marisol a sweet smile. "Are you staying nearby, dear?"

"Dee-clan invited me?—"

"She's staying here." Declan drops.

"We don't have the room."

"She can stay in my room."

Heat fires up my neck. "I don't think so." I cast a look at Marisol. "But since my brother got you here on false pretenses, you're welcome to stay for dinner."

The two of us exchange a heated glance. I could kick my brother's ass for ruining our first day here because he's so goddamn cocky.

Marisol looks between us. By the look in her eyes, she's no doubt enjoying the tension. Her sinister smile widens. "Miscommunication is a problem even when language isn't a barrier, no?"

I shoot a look at my brother. "Straighten this out, Dee-clan."

"I did. She’s staying."

"Like hell she is." I’m about to go nuclear on his ass when Marisol interjects.

"Aww. I love when men fight over me."

I've had enough of this shit.

Everyone is quiet as I rise and go inside the house. I grab my cell phone, look up the number of a hotel downtown, and dial. "Yeah, I'd like to make a reservation ..."

"Declan!"

The porch door whines as he enters the house."What?"

"I just texted reservation details for Marisol to your phone."

He rears back. "What? You don't even know her schedule."

I slip the cell into my back pocket. "I don't give a shit about her schedule. It's for two nights. King room. You can alter it when you take her there."

He challenges me with a dagger-filled stare. "What is your problem? You're being rude."

"Me? Rude?" I scoff. "That's rich. Your girlfriend gave us all a hefty dose. She’s not staying here."

"She's not my girlfriend, and I’m not a little kid you can boss around."

He's plucked my last nerve.

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