Page 142 of On a Fault Line

Give the dude a snack.

“Thank you,” I say softly. I pull into the driveway. “Maybe I should have taken a detour and got you some takeout to eat.”

“Why?”

“You just look hungry.”

“I am. But for you.”

“I’m pretty sure having sex in my brother’s new house would be wrong. So please don’t flirt with me.”

Collins chuckles. “Fair enough.”

I cut the engine, hand over the keys, and wait like an obedient princess to be escorted out of my seat like I am part of a dynasty of incapable women.

“You know I can get my own door, right?”

“You know I don’t care to entertain your opinion about it at the moment, right?”

I stick my tongue out at him, mainly because I can and also because I’m safe here from any repercussions.

Collins gets out of the vehicle, walks over to my side, and helps me out like the dutiful bodyguard who has to protect me from accidentally breaking a nail or stubbing a toe.

“Good girl,” he says in a deep tone, sending shivers running up my spine. But it’s his smirk of satisfaction over my submission that makes me melt even more.

“Behave,” I warn.

“Or what?”

My eyes snap to his. He’s not usually this bold, which only adds to my fear that some unspoken danger is lurking, and he’s using every resource to keep me from noticing it. But I play along anyway. “I’ll just have to seduce you at my brother’s house.”

“I won’t complain.”

I shake my head at him and his game he seems to be playing and distract myself by soaking in the scenery.

Located on the river and just north of town, Nic and Claire purchased a piece of land that is perfect for them.

And the house that sits on it is stunning.

Breathtaking.

Seeing Nic exit his house and make his way toward us, I take off running.

“Easy, Penny,” he says with a laugh, catching me midair and spinning me around.

“This is so perfect. I love every detail.”

“You haven’t even seen inside it yet.”

“But I know it will be spectacular because Momma assisted in the execution of your and Claire’s ideas, and Dad helped with the architectural design.”

Setting me on my feet, Nic shakes hands with Collins who has caught up to us.

“We are very fortunate to have two parents who enjoy that type of detailed work, because it isn’t for me,” he explains with a laugh.

“It’s phenomenal. I just can’t get over how pretty it is!”

Nic beams with pride. “Thank you. My girl deserved a forever home to raise our babies in, and giving her this is really a gift for myself just to see her happiness.”

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