Page 43 of Brides and Brothers
“Hey, at least I can take credit for their good-smelling clothes.”
“I didn’t notice Benson’s smell. Next time, I’ll lean close and let you know what I think.”
Camille eyebrows lurched upward. “Next time?”
“You mean you’re never going to have me over to your house ever again? Come on. It’s pretty likely I’ll see your brothers-in-law again.”
“Tonight?” Camille asked hopefully. “Because Aiden is working on a big project, and he said I should make plans without him. What about some basketball in the barn? I promise I won’t invite any boys.”
“I don’t know. Derek will freak out if I ditch him again. If you’re lonely, I bet Macey and Raina would come over. But they wouldn’t agree unless you promised youwouldinvite the boys.”
“Well, call me if you change your mind.”
That night Camille didn’t know what to do with herself. She was starting to feel like the needy wife. She had to keep herself from making excuses to go check on Aiden. Earlier he’d acted a little stressed, and she wanted to let him have his space. After finishing working on her class, she found herself folding clothes while watching football with Benson and Easton. It wasn’t exactly an ideal Friday night.
“Hey, you guys don’t have to hang around here on my account,” Camille joked. Neither laughed. Daegan and Cade joined them a few minutes later. By the time Camille had folded another load, Flynn sauntered in.
Camille gasped. “Flynn!” He had shaved his beard!
And he was one handsome man. His strong jaw was angular and boxy, his smile wide. Camille’s shriek caused the others to turn and stare. Their surprise mirrored hers. Flynn had not only shaved his face but trimmed his hair. It was chin-length now and was contained with a little gel. His black button-up dress shirt and matching black slacks added to his newly refined look. He held up two neckties. “I’ve got a date with Sage tonight. What do you think, Camille? Silver or dark purple?”
Camille’s swallow lodged in her throat. Flynn was very, very handsome. Sage had no idea what was coming. “Uh, silver?”
Flynn tossed the purple tie onto the couch and started tying the silver one around his neck. “Sage is going to watch me perform. Any ideas of a place to go afterward?”
“It’ll be late, right? What about hot chocolate?” Camille suggested. “The weather is perfect for it.”
Flynn rubbed his hands together. “Sounds great. Wish me luck.”
After Flynn left, Benson pointed the remote at the TV and turned it off. He sat up from his reclined position and stared at Camille intently. “I haven’t seen Flynn clean-shaven since he was too young to grow hair.”
Camille shrugged. “He must really like Sage. Hard to believe he’s only met her once.”
Benson kept staring. “What would you change about me?”
She choked. “Uh...”
“No fair,” Easton interjected. “I don’t want Flynn, my younger brother, getting married before me. I want to solicit advice first. It isfree, isn’t it?”
Daegan started thumping his chest. “If anyone is going to take advantage of Camille’s womanly expertise, I vote the time is spent on setting Cade and me up with Raina and Macey.”
Cade threw a wad of paper at Daegan’s head. “Speak for yourself. I can get my own date.”
“You can?” Daegan asked, disbelief written all over his face.
“As soon as Camille gives me her number and tells me what to say.”
Someone laughed behind her, and Camille turned to see Aiden shaking his head from the doorway. “My family room has been turned into a business for Camille’s matchmaking services. Camille, when you’re done here, come distract me from my work.”
Camille had waited all day to spend time with Aiden, but she didn’t want to miss this opportunity to bond with her new family. She shooed him from the room and turned back to her brothers-in-law. “Daegan, Cade, don’t worry. A double date with Macey and Raina will be easy to set up. I’ll ask permission to give you their numbers, and you can make the arrangements. You’ll score more points that way than if I arrange it.”
“Women like that, huh? I heard they prefer to be the ones asking guys out these days.” Cade’s sincere question surprised her.
“I’m no relationship expert, but I do know a thing or two about women, and the old-fashioned rules still stand.” Camille held out her fingers and checked them off as she talked. “They like to be asked out on formal dates. They like the guy to pay. They like to be complimented. They like to have the doors opened for them. They like to be listened to. Wow, I suddenly realize how high-maintenance women are. But take my word for it: somewhere along the way, dating took a wrong turn toward ‘hanging out.’ The easiest way to get a girl is to ask her out, with no games. Otherwise both parties sit around wondering if the other person is even interested.” She looked at Daegan. “And, uh, no dating cards.”
Benson scratched his head. “When you say they like to be listened to, what do you mean by that? I like to be listened to. Am I supposed to stare at them and nod?”
Camille shook her head. “Your job is to ask the right questions. Get her talking. Feel free to share about yourself, but don’t make it all about you. Figure out what’s important to her and what she likes to do.”
