Page 101 of The Fixer

Heat rose to his cheekbones. “That’s just a joke. I thought she was hot inGuardians of the Galaxy. I was going through a green woman phase back then.”

Joy arched a skeptical eyebrow.

“So … other thoughts on the guy?”

“He appears to be a smart businessman. And I meant what I said about attending, though you certainly don’t need me. I have no doubt you can handle it on your own.”

A tendril of gratification sprouted and snaked through his chest, though it was quickly tempered. If he attended the meeting by himself, he would show himselfandhis brothers he was capable. But if he asked Joy to accompany him, she might stay a while longer.

Charlie straightened. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I’ll let you know.”

She glanced at the menu. “What doyouthink of him?”

“From everything I know, he’s a stand-up guy. Do you think he’s handsome?”

Joy’s mouth swung open, and she giggled. “That was random.”

Unfazed, he ran on. “Most women I know think he is, so I was just curious if you agreed.”

“I’m not most women.”

And thank God for that! He’d grown used to—hell, looked forward to—the next challenge she’d throw at him. They still argued over every detail at the store, but at least now he could stop it by covering her mouth with his and kissing her until they were both too dazed to remember what had come before. It was a terrific strategy he loved and planned to employ often.

The server delivered their drinks, and Charlie raised his glass to hers. “You certainly are not.”And that’s why I like you.He took a sip and lowered his drink to the linen-covered table. “He was totally checking you out the whole time we talked to him.”

“No, he wasn’t. Not the entire time anyway.” She propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her fist. “Your eyes didn’t just get a little greener, did they?”

Was she asking if he was jealous? “Of course not,” he fired back a little too quickly. He would examine his own head later to figure out why he had, in fact, seen Leo Cantrell’s exchange with Joy through a green lens.

“To answer your question, yes, I’d call him handsome in a polished sort of way.”

Charlie cocked an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

“Meaning I deal with men like him all the time, so I’m not affected by their charm. I prefer my men on the handsomely rugged side. You know, the kind who pose on romance novel covers.” Her toe unexpectedly inched up his calf, and goose bumps spread up his thigh. “Especially when they’re wearing a tool belt.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“As you should.” The side of her foot stroked his entire calf now.

“Are you playing footsie with me?”

“Well, I certainly hope so. Otherwise, it means someone is under our table.”

Chuckling, he picked up his menu, though his eyes couldn’t decipher the offerings because his entire blood supply was once more flowing down to his groin.

Joy cleared her throat. “Speaking of other people, tell me about you and Neve. You have a special relationship.” A statement, not a question.

He stared out the window for a beat. “Yeah, we do.”

“Ever wish you two were together?”

He shook his head. “No, it’s never been like that between her and me. I think I’ve already explained she’s my plus-one, and I’m hers. If people think we’re a couple, they leave us alone. Works well. We’re comfortable with each other, and I think people pick up on that vibe and turn it into something sexual.”

“So whynotyou and Neve?” Joy dropped her bare forearm and took a sip of her wine.

“I love Neve. I always have. Maybe a long, long time ago—I’m talking middle school—I could picture us together, but she’s like a sister, so it would just be weird. I mean, we’ve shared hotel rooms and sometimes a bed when there was only one, but sex? No. No way. Besides, she’s in love with my brother Reece, who’s too stupid or too stubborn to acknowledge it.”

“Maybe he’s not attracted to her?”

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