Page 126 of Anyone But Her

"Those guys all do steroids," Cal says. "It's not natural."

"That's not true," Taylor says. "Guys can get big muscles without steroids. Look at Luke." She smiles at me, a sexy smile she can finally do in front of Cal now that he knows the truth about us.

I smile back at her. "Thanks."

Cal hitches his thumb at me. "He's a mutant. Most guys don't look like that just from lifting weights."

"Maybe you should try going to the gym now and then to find out," Birdie says.

I chuckle. "She's right. You might want to hit the gym more than once a month."

"Once a month?" Cal smacks my arm. "I go five times a week, asshole, sometimes six. Some weeks I work out more than you."

"See you guys later!" Birdie waves as she leaves. Taylor follows her into the house.

When they're inside I look over at Cal. "So how long have you liked Birdie?"

He huffs. "I don't like Birdie. What the hell you talking about? I'm dating Alecia."

"But you like Birdie, and I get the feeling you've liked her for a long time."

"I don't like her. I can't stand her. She drives me crazy. Always has."

I nod, smiling. "Okay."

He rolls his eyes. "I'm not even going to waste time continuing this conversation. I don't like Birdie. End of story."

"She looked pretty hot in that bikini," I say, just to see his reaction.

He hits my shoulder. "What the hell?You can't say that shit! You're dating my sister!"

"Shut up!" I glance back at the house. "Your mom's in the kitchen. She could've heard us."

"Yeah, sorry," he mumbles.

"You need to pretend Taylor and I are just friends, especially around your parents."

"Yeah, got it." He lowers his voice. "I'm still pissed at you, by the way."

"I know. And the offer still stands. If you want to take a swing at me, go for it."

"I'm not gonna hit you. As much as I don't like it that you're with her, she does seem happier than I've ever seen her."

"Really?" I smile at that.

"Yeah. She's been like that for months. I couldn't figure it out, but now that I know the truth I'm guessing it's because of you." He looks at me. "You better treat her well or I swear I'll kick your ass."

"I love her. I'm not going to hurt her."

He sighs. "I can't believe you're in love with my—"

"Cal," I say, stopping him as his mom comes out on the patio.

"I don't feel like cooking tonight," Barb says, "so we're going out."

"Sounds good," Cal says. "What time?"

"In a few minutes. Your dad wants to go early. Luke, you're welcome to join us."

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