Page 4 of Flawless Lyric

We don’t knoweach other very well, so she’s not sure if I’m joking or if I’m serious. Should I tell her I’m as serious as a heart attack? Maybe it’s best if I don’t show her my true colors quite yet. If and when we run into each other again—oh, and we will, now that I know she’s my mother’s office manager. Then I’ll make it my life’s mission to get to know her.

“As grateful as I am that your mom invited me to come today, maybe it’s best if I leave. It might be second nature for you to run into your one-night stands, but this is very awkward. I’ll feign a headache and apologize to Ruth for having to leave early. Goodbye, Micah.”

On instinct, I reach for her again. The second my hand touches her heated skin, she shivers. Just like she did when my hands were all over her body last night. Tracing every curve, mapping out every freckle, and eliciting an explosive orgasm. This woman doesn’t realize how sensual and passionate she truly is. She’s breathtakingly beautiful.

“The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable. Stay. I’ll take one for the team and go help the girls in the kitchen.” With that, I stand up and don’t get too far before my dad beckons me.

“Micah, I could use a hand over here on the grill.” Glad for the distraction, I join the guys. Asher hands me a beer with a knowing smile. Asshole.

“You know her,” he questions. Looking amused.

“Nope. Just being friendly to mom’s employee is all.” He knows it’s BS so I take a swig, hiding my smirk. I don’t normally lie to my family, but if they find out, I’ll never hear the end of it. And if the Monroe family knows, most likely my mom will, too.

I turn my attention to my nieces and nephews who jumped back in the pool. Their dads are all great guys and I’m thankful that we all get along.

Maya has her sights set on me when she walks over and hands me a huge platter loaded with hot dogs and hamburgers. “Here, get to cooking. Your nieces and nephews are working up an appetite.”

“Sure thing, boss.” Asher chuckles as I set down my beer and fire up the grill.

“You’ve got some explaining to do,” he grumbles when my mom beckons my dad to help. I ignore him.

It’s what I do best.

“Lyric’s a gorgeous woman. If you’re so hellbent on denying you got a thing for her, then I might make my move.” The fuck! Why does that sound like a threat? “Easy, Micah. You can deny it all you want, but you’ve been perusing her all day.” Damn straight.

“I do agree she’s a gorgeous woman, but we just met. And it’s presumptuous of you to think I have a thing for her already. If you want to make a move, I say go for it, but you don’t stand a chance.” That might have been a cheap shot since he’s still a little bitter about his divorce.

“That sounds like a challenge if I’ve ever heard one. May the best man win.” Now that pisses me the fuck off.

“Did I hurt your little feelings, brother? I said what I said because Lyric mentioned she’s newly divorced, so I doubt dating is on her list of things to do.”

“Why didn’t you make that clear from the very beginning? Although, with the right man, I might be able to change her mind.” You’ll need to excuse my big brother. He’s a legend in his own mind.

Somehow, I manage to flip the burgers amidst all this talk about the woman who was wickedly riding my cock last night. I’m quite proud of myself for not walking around sporting a hard-on just reminiscing about it.

“Asher, leave your brother alone. Come give us a hand with these tables.” Dad’s the expert when it comes to body language. I’ve no doubt he noticed that we were getting a tad heated and decided to diffuse the situation.

“Hold that thought, Micah. This conversation isn’t over,” Asher says. I tip my bottle at him before taking a much-needed drink. He’s right, though. I can’t stop watching her. It makes me wonder if I’d be so attentive if we hadn’t slept together. If I hadn’t tasted her sweetness and hadn’t been inside her wet heat. Fuck, now I’m sporting a semi.

I jump when Julie touches my arm. “I asked you a question, Micah. Are the burgers done?” Burgers? Oh fuck!

“Yeah, I just need a clean plate to put them on.”

“Okay, coming right up.” I don’t bother shutting off the grill. Knowing there’s more food coming.

Lyric’s helping the girls bring out all the sides that Mom’s prepared to go with the burgers and dogs. I know with most families the cake would be served as dessert. Not in the Monroe household. Mom claims a birthday is a celebration of being on this earth for another year. Which is the perfect excuse to begin with dessert. We’ve all learned a long time ago to go with the flow, because we’ll never change her mind.

“Okay everyone! The food is ready, so get in line.” Mom’s not kidding. By my last head count, we had twenty mouths to feed here today, I’ve no doubt there will be some leftovers.

“Hey son, would you mind cooking the corn for me? I need to grab a bite to eat. Promise I’ll take over as soon as I’m done.” Dad’s diabetic so I’ve no doubt his sugar is getting low.

“Anytime, Dad. I really don’t mind cooking. Enjoy the grandkids. I got this.” He slaps me on the back after handing over the plate.

After cleaning the grill, I place the corn on the hot rack. Then I brush it with the sauce that my dad made from scratch. It’s got loads of different spices infused in the butter. It’s absolutely delicious. Even the kids love it.

I’m lost in my mundane task of corn duty when Asher approaches. “Dad sent me to take over so you can grab something to eat.” And wouldn’t you know, the only available seat is right next to Lyric. I’d bet Asher was filling her pretty little head with nonsense. “Lyric’s a breath of fresh air… but I bet you know that firsthand.”

I’ve about lost my patience with him. “No, I really don’t. But I’m about to. Thanks for taking over.”

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