Page 20 of Fighting

Before I can force my gaze away, her expression turns to a glare. It’s more than that, really. The woman straight-up incinerates me with her eyes.

“So,” she says, adjusting her sweater. “It looks like we should make sure that the usual groups plan to set up their booths, which is just a simple email. Can you handle that?”

Does she really think I can’t complete such a simple task? I have built a portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but when I’m in Peacock Springs, I’m just Stef’s dumb older brother. As if the kids here were so smart. They called me Jeremy Lin. First of all, resembling a pro basketball player is not an insult. And second, they couldn’t even tease me in a way that made sense. That guy is Taiwanese. I’m Filipino. Not the same place.

With a chuckle, I settle on the couch. “I can try, but you’ll have to help me find the website.”

“Only know how to navigate to sports and things in incognito mode?” She smirks.

“I knew you were still thinking about my sexual preferences.”

A flush creeps from her chest up her neck and into her cheeks.

“I see what you’re playing at, coming here in this sweet, flirty little dress.” I skim a finger lightly over one thin strap, and her breath hitches.

“We can go as slow as you want. Tease me all you like, but you already know…” I angle in and bring my mouth to her ear. “I like when you tease me. And I’m patient. You’ll be back, and until then, I’ll be here. Sending emails.” It takes everything in me not to kiss her on the cheek and instead simply lift the binder from her lap.

With that, I turn away with a silent prayer that I’ve left her wanting more. If only a tiny bit.

eight

Nessa

If he thinksI can’t tell what flirtatious game he’s playing, he’s mistaken. Time to level up.

I pull my shoulders back and, being sure my chest brushes his, slide off the couch. As I strut to the door, I peer over my shoulder and give him a tiny wave. “Thanks for dinner, Mateo.” I slip one foot into a boot, then the other. “I look forward to seeing those very professional emails from you.”

I step out into the chilly evening, leaving my coat unbuttoned. The rush of cold air is exactly what I need after that moment.

As I start for home, I whip out my phone.

Sister Chat [Nessa, Shae, Tal]

Nessa:

Tal, should we change this chat name? Sibling Chat already exists, but Shua is part of that group.

Tal changed the chat name to Josh-Free Zone

Shae:

He’s going to shit a brick if he sees that.

Shae changed the chat name to Shua-Free Zone

Tal changed the chat name to Josh-Free Zone

Shae changed the chat name to Shua-Free Zone

Tal changed the chat name to Josh-Free Zone

Nessa Changed the chat name to 18+ Sibs

Nessa:

You two can fight over his name another time. I need your help with Mom.

Tal:

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