Page 113 of Mr. Infuriating

I snorted out a laugh. “How can you say that? She and I barely even talked while you’ve been here.”

“You talked enough. I don’t know. You two just seem to click, like you’re on the same wavelength. The way Mav and Olivia are. And don’t get me started about the way you each look at the other when you think no one’s paying attention.”

“I mean, I can’t deny we have chemistry, but—”

“You’re allowed to be happy, Gabe. It’s okay to fall in love again. Why not do it with someone who’s beautiful and has a nice ass?”

I raised my left eyebrow at him. “First off, you talk about her ass again at your own peril.”

My brother just shrugged unaffected, and I continued. “I know I’m allowed to fall in love again, and maybe someday I’llmeet someone. But it’s not Gretchen. She needs someone who’s going to build a treehouse for her son.”

Beau gave me a wicked grin as he opened the driver’s door.

“Good thing you already have one built in your backyard.”

I shook my head.

“She’s young. She wants more kids.”

My brother looked at me like I was an idiot as he got behind the wheel.

“So, marry her and knock her up.”

He said it like it was so obvious and easy.

If only…

“I’m too old for that shit.”

His key was in the ignition, but he didn’t turn the engine over.

“That’s too bad, because she deserves someone amazing. I just hope you pull your head out of your ass and realize that could be you before someone else snatches her up.”

Seconds later his V8 roared to life, and he closed the car door, then cranked down the window.

“What time tomorrow?”

“I dunno. Probably around nine, but I’ll have to double check with her to make sure that’s not too early to get here.”

He broke out into a smug grin.

“Or you could just spend the night.”

I rolled my eyes and made a shooing motion with my hand.

“Get out of here. And tell Derrick I said hi.”

“Will do.” With a mock salute, he backed out of the driveway.

I watched him drive away, unsure of what my next move was.

****

Gretchen

Watching Gabe work had gotten me all hot and bothered. There was nothing sexier than a man in work boots who knew what the hell he was doing. Especially when I had first-hand knowledge of how that translated into the bedroom.

My resolve when I was around the man was virtually nonexistent.

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