Page 124 of Smooth Moves
Rafi nodded.
“What’s the deal with you moving back home?”
“After she and I talked, we went to see my mom and dad.” He told Cash all about the talk he’d had with Jordan and his folks. “It turned out okay. They do love me, but I’m still not going to that military camp.”
“Your sister is so badass.” Cash loved her more with every story. She stood up for those she loved, never backing down. To have someone like that in his corner… To know that a woman of value could feel like that for a guy like him? It meant everything.
“Yeah. She, um, she’s not happy with you.” Rafi groaned. “I know, I should have kept my big mouth shut. But I overheard her talking to Mom.”
“And?”
“She was talking to Mom about you. And she’s into you, man. Or at least, she was.” Rafi winced. “I think you hurt her feelings.”
“Not more talk about trust. Jesus. I wanted to keep her safe.” He frowned. “And, okay, I should have told her about you and Juan. I was wrong.” Man, had that hurt to say.
“Maybe you could apologize? I’m moving back home, so it’s just you and Jordan in your new big house. I’m pretty sure she still thinks you’re hot shit, even if you are a Marine.”
“Funny.”
“I know. But seriously. She was asking Mom a lot of questions. And some of that was about living with someone who doesn’t value you and if, like, a guy really respects you as a woman if he walks all over you. It didn’t sound too good.”
“Shit.”
“I think you need to make a big apology. Trust me, my sister loves hearing the words ‘I’m sorry.’”
“I was thinking I’d make a big production out of a date. I’ll grovel and beg her to take me back. I look pretty pathetic. I think I can work with that.”
“You do look weak.” Rafi looked him over. “Pretty lame.”
“Smartass.”
The kid smirked. “Hold on.” He left and came back with a piece of paper. “See if you can do this again.”
Cash glanced at the paper and stared in awe. “What the hell?”
“I drew that of you guys after that night I saw you hugging. Remember? You asked if I wanted tea.”
Cash stared. The picture appeared almost lifelike, done in pencil. A rendition of him holding Jordan in his arms and looking down at her like he loved her. “You’re fucking incredible.”
“Ah, that’s just a rough draft.” The boy blushed. “I can do better.”
“No. I like this. You gonna let me have it?”
“Sure. But I really can do better. That lovesick look on your face was pretty unforgettable though.” Rafi watched him with deep-brown eyes just like his sister’s. “You have a crush on Jordan, don’t you?”
“Nope. I love her. That’s much different than a crush.” Each time he admitted his feelings out loud, they became more real, the ache in his heart heavier.
“Oh man. I knew it. But at least if you come to family dinners, they’ll be more fun than dealing with Troy.”
“Mr. Teeth?”
Rafi chuckled. “That’s him.”
“So help me out with Jordan. You know what she likes. I was thinking flowers and chocolates. You know, girlie stuff. But I’ll romance it up. And, no, you don’t need all the details.”
“No, I really don’t. Though looking at you, if you can manage to kiss her without falling down, it’ll be a miracle.”
“You know, even with one arm, I’m pretty sure I can kick your ass.”
