Page 6 of Up to No Good
I gave myself permission to enjoy one quick peek at his butt as he turned to walk to his room. The towel he was wearing did nothing to hide the firm globes underneath, and its low position on his hips allowed an optimum view of the two dimples at the base of his spine.
I gave myself a mental shake. What the hell was I doing ogling my brother’s best friend? And Miles Butler, nonetheless. It didn’t matter how captivating his smile was or how delicious he looked all freshly showered, he was still the same guy who used to torment me, and it would do me good to remember that.
Shaking my head, I walked into his kitchen and opened the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water and taking a large gulp. Leaning my back against the counter, I took a look around. The kitchen was modern and sleek with stainless steel appliances, black marble countertops, and light gray cabinets. His living room had the same feel, with a black leather, wraparound couch, stainless steel and glass coffee table, and big screen TV mounted on the wall.
The whole thing screamed strong, virile, masculine. And that was what surprised me. A man who looked like Miles surely wouldn’t have any trouble getting a girl, but I didn’t see any traces at all of a special lady in his life. Perhaps he was a player, preferring to play the field and not get tied down. I nodded my head. Yeah, that sounded more like the Miles I remembered. Although...was it?
Searching my memories, I honestly couldn’t remember a time when I’d seen him with a girl or had even heard him talking about a girl he’d liked. Not that I’d ever spent that much time around him, but sometimes, I’d overhear him and my brother talking in Jayce’s bedroom and not one of those conversations had ever been about a girl he was dating. At the time, I hadn’t thought anything about it, but looking back now, it seemed strange. Especially knowing how girl-crazy Jayce had been in high school.
“So, what do you like on your pizza?” I jumped at Miles’ sudden reappearance, and he gave me a curious look.
“Sorry. I didn’t hear you come back. Um, I’m not picky. Whatever you like will be fine. Just please, no anchovies. Or onions. Oh, and no black olives.” I shuddered at the thought.
Miles chuckled. “Good thing you’re not picky.”
I breathed out a laugh. “Yeah, I guess I’m a bit pickier than I realized when it comes to pizza.”
“How about a meat lovers’? Thick crust?” I nodded in agreement then waited quietly as he called in our order. When he was finished, we moved into the living room and sat down on the couch.
“This is a great place. How long have you lived here?”
“Thanks. I’ve been here a few years. It’s nice, but...” His words trailed off as he looked around the room.
“But?” I pressed, surprised that I actually wanted to hear what he had to say.
Miles shrugged. “It’s fine for now, but I’ve always dreamed of building my own home someday. You know, like an actual house with a deck out back that overlooks a big yard.”
“Wait, you know how to build houses?”
His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Well, yeah. It’s sort of my job.”
“What is it you do exactly?” I asked.
“I own my own construction company.Miles High Construction. We specialize in commercial buildings, but I could build a house easy enough.” There was a hint of pride in his voice as he went on to tell me more about his company and what type of work they specialized in.
“Wow. I had no idea, but I have to admit, I’m impressed.” Miles smiled as if what I thought actually mattered to him.
“You’re the impressive one. Jayce told me you just graduated with your Doctor of Chiropractic degree. That must feel incredible.”
“It’s definitely a relief to be finished with school. Eight years is a long time, but fortunately, I started taking college classes while I was still in high school or I’d still have a few years ahead of me.”
“You always were smart. I remember you having a book in your hands every time I’d come over to your house.” A knock at the door startled me and I pulled back, surprised to find that, at some point, we’d both moved on the couch, angling our bodies toward each other as we talked.
Miles sighed, as if bothered by the interruption. “That must be our pizza. I’ll be right back; I just need to grab my wallet.”
“Okay. I’m going to get more to drink. Would you like anything?” I asked as I stood up. He stood up too, our height difference glaringly obvious at this close range.
“I’ll take a Coke. Thanks.” He squeezed my arm gently, and I caught a whiff of something woodsy as he brushed past me to get to the door. I inhaled deeply as the scent lingered and then rolled my eyes at how ridiculous I was being.What the hell is wrong with me?
I grabbed our drinks out of the fridge then searched his cabinets until I found plates and napkins. Carrying everything with me, I walked back into the living room. Miles had set the pizza box on the coffee table, and as he opened the box, the room filled with the delicious aroma of oregano, garlic, and sauce. My stomach let out a loud grumble, and I looked at Miles in horror, but he just laughed.
“Come on, it sounds like we better hurry up and feed you.”
I felt my face heat up. “Sorry. I guess my stomach isn’t too happy that I haven’t eaten anything today.”
His forehead scrunched. “Why haven’t you eaten?”
I set the plates and drinks down, hiding my face as I said, “I just wasn’t hungry.” It wasn’t an outright lie since my stomach had been too tied up in knots about this evening to even think about food, but I certainly wasn’t going to admit that to him.
