Page 107 of Fluke

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“Yes, I’d love to try it,” Pippa says.

“I’ll be right back.” Bobby exits the room,leaving us alone.

Finally.

“Can I tell you a secret?” I ask. “I don’t have a fucking clue what we’re making, and nothing you guys talk about makes any sense to me.”

She grins. “I watch a lot of cooking television. When I moved out of my parents’ house, I got tired quickly of eating ramen and microwavable macaroni and cheese. So I taught myself how to cook.”

“That’s one of my favorite qualities about you.”

“What is?”

I smirk. “You’re a quick learner.”

Her eyes find mine, and the fire inside them is exactly what I hoped to see.

“I’m in a very adept mood today,” she says, smirking back at me. “Is there anything you think you could teach me when we finish here?”

Fucking hell.

Before I can answer her, my phone chirps.Family group text.

And then it chirps again.

And again.

I snicker, drawing it out of my pocket.

“What’s that little smile about?” Pippa asks. “You’ve already washed your hands. You’re not supposed to touch your phone.”

“Trust me.This will be worth it.”

I shove my tongue in my cheek and unlock the screen.

Boom.

Paige: OMG JESS.

Moss: This. Is. Gold.

Maddox:

My fingers slideover the keys.

Me: Did something happen?

Paige: I just had to come to Nate’s office because tears were streaming down my face. Your brother is going to you.

Me: Oh, no. Banks is YOUR brother. I’ve never claimed him.

Maddox: I can’t breathe I’m laughing so hard.

Moss: I’m borderline pissed I didn’t think of this. This is genius-level shit.

“Okay.”Pippa drops the fork and comes around the island. “What’s happening? Tell me.”

“Banks has had aninterestingmorning.”

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