Page 85 of The Fiance Dilemma

I blinked. Then I acted. Much like when I’d kissed him, only this time I had Sebastian Stan at hand. I lifted the rooster in the air, right in front of my face.

He batted his wings, clearly displeased.

“Josie?” Matthew repeated.

This was a new low.

“Heeeey,”I said, dragging the word out for no reason other than to stall. I heard movement, then saw glimpses of golden, glistening skin approaching.Distract. Deflect.“Whatcha doin’, lover?” I grimaced at myself.Lover.Lover? I cleared my throat.“Brother.Whatcha doing, brother?”

“Did you just call mebrother?” he asked, and I could see over the batting of Sebastian’s wings that Matthew had removed his headphones and wrapped them around his very deliciously sweaty— “Were you watching me?” He sounded smug. Ugh. “I’m confused about the chicken, but I can go on, if you’d like.”

“If I’d like?” I asked, for lack of a better thing to say.

“You were clearly interested,” he announced. Now amused on top of smug. “It’s all right. But putting that poor thing down might give you a better view.”

“Ha,” I deadpanned. But I left Sebastian exactly where he was. “So I’m a peeper, so what? You look really shirtless and very shiny and, honestly, hard not to look at when you’re bouncing and—youknow, flexing or whatever. And I am a woman. With functioning parts. Functioning eyes. Lady parts that like you, apparently.”

There was a beat of silence, then an “Okay.”

Okay.That was all?

I stretched my neck, glancing over Sebastian. Matthew was right there now. Right in front of me. Or us. So close I was pretty sure Sebastian could peck at his nipple if he wanted to. Maybe I should tell him. Or maybe I should let the rooster bring that grin Matthew was sporting down a notch or two.

“That smile is new,” he said. “I wonder what it means.” I smiled a little wider. He laughed. “You’re cute. Are you plotting something mean? Is this why you’re here? I’m up for it, either way.”

I bit back a retort. The nerve of him, to call me “cute” and not like my lips on his. “You should move away,” I told him. “Before Sebastian pecks at that shiny, glinting chest you love to flash me so much.”

“I thought your lady parts liked it,” he countered. That megawatt grin still there. “And I thought you were putting the bird down.”

“No can do.”

He stepped a little closer, and I lowered Sebastian in an attempt to save his chest. It was a nice one after all. “And why’s that?”

“This is Sebastian Stan, and he’s the Vasquezes’ rooster. I’m returning him to the farm. He likes it here a little too much, it seems. Used to terrorize Adalyn and Cameron all the time. I just… seem to be struggling with logistics with you standing there.”

“So that’s what’s been waking me up at dawn,” he commented. My lips parted with a question. But his next words immediately shot that down. “Besides the idea of you, and that little sound you make, that is.”

My cheeks flushed. I shook my head. “Smooth,” I settled on. Unlike my word, that had come out a little wobbly. Was he talking about my moans? The moans I made on the phone while— “Funnything to say, for someone who looks so absolutely appalled at me kissing him.”

All amusement vanished from his face. “What?”

I tipped my chin up. Great. So he hadn’t seen theHeraldyet. “Nothing.” I took a step to the side. “Not important. Now I’m leaving. Good day.”

He blocked my way. “Put the chicken down, Josie.”

“No,” I said, moving Sebastian higher in front of me. I was being one-hundred-percent ridiculous. But if there was any time in life when I was going to allow myself to be petty, it was this one. After four engagements, I’d just found out I was a bad kisser. “No can do, sir. Bye-bye.”

Matthew mirrored my sidestep. “Don’t make me chase you,” he warned. Calmly. Nonchalantly. “Because I’ll run after that car.”

I snorted at how serious he looked. “Don’t be dramatic.”

“Said the woman using a cockerel-shield.”

My eyes narrowed at the gorgeous, gorgeous man in a backward hat. “If I put him down, he’s going to come after us. He doesn’t like to be picked up like this, in case you haven’t noticed, Sparkles. As gentle as I’ve been. He’ll peck at our heels. He’s fast. Faster than us. Best thing to do at this point is call Robbie. Can you do that?”

“I think we can manage to outrun him.” A shrug of one rounded naked shoulder. “And if you can’t, then I promise not to leave you behind.”

“You’re being awfully smug for a city boy who’s wearing little to no clothing. Do you think those abs of steel are going to protect you?”

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