Page 4 of Forever Your Touch

“Who the hell are you?”

The anger in Ray’s tone sent shivers of alarm racing up her spine, and she sprinted to see what was going on. She stumbled, barely stopping herself from falling. Stupid klutzy legs. The sound of a chuckle pulled her attention back to the situation at hand. A guy stood in the doorway, a mischievous smile gracing his lips. He was tall, well over six feet, so he towered over Ray. Black hair glinted blue in the sunlight, and his coal black gaze swept past Ray and landed directly on her.

She knew exactly who this was. She’d seen him in enough photos on her brother’s Facebook page. Mason Kincaid. Of course Keith would send him here. He needed eyes on her. As much as she loved her brother’s overprotective streak, she wished he’d lay off. There was no need for Mason to come check on her.

“I’m Jo’s FIBB.”

“Her what?” Ray frowned.

“Fill-in big brother,” Mason explained. “Hey, Josephine.”

No one called her that. Not even her mother. She hated it.

Jo came farther in the room, mindful of her feet. It would be just her luck to fall face first and embarrass herself. “What are you doing here, Mason?”

Ray’s head snapped back toward her. “You know this guy?”

“He’s Keith’s best friend.”

“Fucking Keith,” Ray muttered.

“Watch it.” Mason’s playful smile disappeared. “I’d be real careful what you say about Keith.”

Ray glared, but Jo cut him off before he said something stupid. “Again, what are you doing here, Mason?”

His smile reappeared, and it sent a little wave of butterflies through her stomach. “Promised your brother I’d come check on you.”

“As you can see, I’m fine.”

“That you are.” There was definite appreciation in those eyes when he looked her over from head to toe. Did he not see her boyfriend standing right in front of him?

“Well, you can go report back to my brother now.”

“Oh, I will.” He flashed her another smile.

“You can go now.”

He laughed, and the sound did something to her. Those butterflies took flight. “Nope, darlin’. I’m your FIBB, which means I’m Keith while he’s not here. You’re stuck with me.”

“I don’t want to be stuck with you.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Devilry played in those black eyes. “I’m a keeper. You’ll never know what you did without me before the week is out.”

Ray growled. “Listen here…”

Mason ignored him. “Keith said you had to get your books today. I’m headed to the bookstore now. Why don’t you let me give you a lift?”

That would solve her problem of a ride and maybe give her a chance to warn him to butt out. Her brother probably told him his opinion of Ray, and Mason would be just as overbearing as Keith because of it.

“She’s not going…”

“Fine, you can give me a lift.”

Ray’s glare was hot enough to singe the hair from her head, but she paid it no mind.

“Just let me grab my bag.”

Ray followed her out of the room. “What the hell, Jo?”

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