Page 5 of Hale Yes
We duck into a corner and trade shirts and shoes before he removes his watch and buckles it onto my wrist. His eyes hold a healthy measure of gratitude and a hint of warning. “Thanks for not fucking me over, man. And please don’t scuff my shoes.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “You got it, bro. And I’ll bring your clothes back to you tomorrow.”
When we return to our group, Phoenix is cackling. “Gotcha all set up at the Hampton Inn, Rem.”
Remington sets his hands on his hips, the pink of his cheeks showing his indignation. “You expect me to fly this woman to the Hamptons tonight?”
We all burst out laughing. Well, all of us except my older brother, who has his trademark scowl imprinted on his face. “Bro, the Hampton Inn is right down the street,” I explain.
His face is a mask of confusion before it hits him and his nose wrinkles. “Like that hotel chain? Did you at least book me the penthouse?”
Cue more hilarity while Remi glares. He’s such a snob. “Yeah, definitely the penthouse,” Phoenix wheezes between guffaws.
Our brother looks marginally relieved. He’s going to be in for a shock when he gets there because the Hampton has four floors at the most, and I’m relatively sure there are no suites.
“I don’t know why you didn’t just book me next door at The Guild,” he complains.
Dutton shakes his head, mirth dancing in his sky-blue eyes. “Because you’re supposed to be acting like a regular guy, and rooms at The Guild start at fifteen hundred per night. The average Joe Blow would not be able to afford that.”
“Huh, guess that makes sense.” Remi adjusts the cuffs on his sleeves. He’s an inch taller than me and Phoenix, but I’m the broadest of our group of brothers. My shirt fits him pretty well, though I had to leave his unbuttoned because it’sperfectly tailored to fit his slimmer frame. Luckily, I have on an undershirt beneath so I don’t look like a porn star.
“You look good, man,” Dutton praises. Remington looks unsure but nods. “And try not to look so uptight. Maybe smile a little.”
Remington bares his straight, white teeth in something resembling an angry panther, and we all chuckle.
“Yeah, that oughta do it,” Phoenix snarks, mussing Rem’s perfect black hair a bit with his fingers. “Oh, and don’t tell her your real name.”
“What the hell am I supposed to call myself?” he huffs in indignation.
Dutton’s lips curl up at the corners. “How about Joe Blow?”
Remi’s lips flatten. “Anything else?”
I scratch my chin, feeling the hint of stubble appearing there. “Joe Blow wouldn’t have a private driver, so you can’t use Antonio. You either need to walk to the hotel or take a rideshare.”
“Fine,” he sighs, glancing out the window again, his eyes softening just a bit when he catches sight of the redhead. “You guys can get Antonio to take you home.”
“We’ll see you in about five minutes when you strike out,” Phoenix taunts.
“I’ll see youtomorrow,” Remington shoots back. Then he flashes the hint of a real smile and pulls Phoenix into a brotherly hug. “Love you, man. I’ll come early to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.”
Phoenix laughs and returns the embrace. “Thanks, and good luck, Rem.”
Our older brother walks backward, shooting finger guns and a playful wink at us. “That’s Joe to you.”
As Remington trots down the stairs, we congregate at the window. “Uh-oh. Another man is trying to step in,” I note, seeinga blond guy standing beside the redhead’s table. My eyes track Remi skirting the dance floor wearing my shirt and shoes.
“He’s toast,” Dutton predicts. “She’s totally going to dance with the blond dude.”
I tap the divot above my top lip. “I don’t think so. Look at her body language. She’s leaning away from him.”
My cousin cackles with glee. “Awww, shit. Remi is approaching. A thousand bucks says they’re going to rumble.”
Phoenix and I cut our eyes at one another. This is going to be the easiest fucking bet ever. Remington Hale does notrumble.
“You’re on,” I say before Phoenix does.
Two seconds later, Remi taps the guy on the shoulder, and when he turns around, my brother jerks his head to the side and says something. Even from here, we can see a frown crinkle the blond man’s forehead.
