Page 38 of Smooth Moves
Jordan moved a chair from the dining table closer to the couch and sat. “No, it’s not the safe sex talk, you moron.” She nodded for Rafael to sit on the ottoman by the coffee table.
Cash was surprised when the kid obeyed.
“So if it’s not a safe sex talk, why are you here?”
The wordsexmade him think of Jordan, so Cash ignored her, needing to focus on the boy. “Look. I’m just here to help. I remember what it was like to be an obnoxious teenager always getting into trouble. Fact is you’re gonna do what you’re gonna do. It’s the truth, Jordan,” he said to forestall her. “But, kid, I can tell you that blowing off school won’t help. You just have to get through the next two years, right?”
Rafael shrugged.
“I take that as a yes. So why is it so hard to shut the fuck up and do your work without aggravating the world?”
Jordan groaned. “Language.”
“Please,” her brother scoffed. “I’m grown, Jordan. Afuckhere and there isn’t going to corrupt me.” Rafael was full of that famous Fleming sarcasm.
Cash nodded. Looking directly at her, he raised his eyebrows. “Jordan, why don’t I take Rafi out to grab some ice cream?”
“Oh, I can do that,” she said, getting the hint. “You guys stay here.” She hurried to grab her keys.
Rafael agreed to some private time, surprising him. “Yeah, Jordan. Pick up some Rocky Road while I talk to your boyfriend.”
“I told you before. He’s not my boyfriend.” Jordan glared at Cash.
“What the hell didIdo?”
“He’s someone who knows what it’s like to be you,” she said to her brother.
“I highly doubt that.” Rafael glanced at Cash’s body, specifically at his arms.
“Hey, I grew into these. At your age, I was a smartass with tiny fists. A lot like you and your sister.”
That got a grin out of the kid and a scowl from Jordan.
“Hey Jordan. I’m a fan of Rocky Road too.” He hurried to hand her a twenty before she left, then sat back on the couch, hoping she was on board with his little plan. “Would you mind grabbing us dessert while we have a man-to-man talk? He’ll pretend he’s listened to get you off his ass. Then we’ll eat, and I’ll go home.” He turned to Rafael. “If you go to bed early, I promise not to bone your sister with you right next door.”
Rafael nodded. “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”
“Oh!” Jordan literally stomped her foot. “You arenotmy boyfriend. He’s not,” she said to her brother. “He’s a huge asshole!”
“Jordan, language,” Rafael said with a wicked grin.
“I’ll be back in fifteen minutes,” she snarled.
Cash coughed to muffle his amusement, and they both watched her slam out the door.
Rafael dropped his smile, looked Cash in the eye, and said, “Now tell me the truth. What are you trying to do with my sister? And why do you think talking to me like you care is going to get you there?”
