Page 100 of Smooth Moves
“You’re prettier than I am,” he pointed out.
“Well, yes. I’m a girl. I wouldn’t call you pretty.”
“Stick with magnificent. That works.”
Again with the humor. Before she could say something about his habit of twisting praise, he asked about dinner. She let him change the conversation, resolving to get back to it later.
“Yes, yes. Stop whining. I’ll cook you some steaks tonight.”
“Finally. I thought I’d have to get ugly and start begging.” He winked.
A tall, beautiful redhead brushed by him and gave him a second glance. One he ignored, fortunately for him.
“See,” Jordan said loudly enough to be heard by the woman who didn’t move far enough away. “Women think you’re available. But I bet if they knew we were together and how skilled I am with a pistol, they’d all leave you alone. No matter how magnificent you might be.”
The redheadmoved.
“You are so badass.” Cash’s smile blinded her. “How about we drop the food and go home so I can show you how much I appreciate a badass? Rafi’s at Daniel’s today, right?”
She let him have one kiss then pushed him away. “Stop.” She laughed. “Yes, he’s out. You want to leave? Fine. But we’re buying all this before we go. No way am I coming back to grocery shop again with you.”
“Aw, honey. You’re no fun.”
They purchased the groceries and headed back.
A question had been nagging her. “You never did tell me about your plans for your mom’s house.”
He tapped the steering wheel, and she wondered what he had to be nervous about. Because that tapping was one of his tells.
“Cash? Are you okay?”
“I need you to hear me out on something. It’s important.”
“Okay.”
He put on his emotionless mask, the one that normally meant something had upset him.
She put a hand on his thigh, and he tensed. “You can talk to me.”
He glanced at her before focusing once more on the road. “It’s… Wait. Did you talk to Rafi yet?”
“Rafi? I saw him this morning, when I made us all breakfast. You were there.” She frowned. “What am I missing?”
“Nothing. Never mind.”
“You told me last night went fine. That I had nothing to worry about with my brother.”
“Well, he’s a teenager. And he’s a boy. Of course you have stuff to worry about. Just not super bad stuff. I don’t think he’s murdered anyone. Yet.”
“Cash.”
“Jordan, Rafi is a nice kid. You’re a terrific big sister, and he knows it.” A significant pause. “You’re putting your life on hold for him. He told me about your college plans.”
She groaned. “I’m not waiting to go because of him. Well, not exactly. I just want to take my time before I go back to school. I want to pick a major I can live with.”
“Good.” He coughed, sounding nervous. “So, well, uh, you need money for college. For books. I hear they’re expensive.”
“Yeah, they are.” She studied him. “What the hell is wrong with you? Are you okay?”
