Page 51 of Smooth Moves
“It was good.”
“Yes, it wasnice.”
He groaned. “Nice. That’s the kiss of death. Literally.”
She chuckled. “Look, you’re sexy, and you know it. But you’re not exactly throwing me to the ground to get it on.”
He perked up. “You want that? I’m your man.”
“No, and stop. You felt no spark. It is what it is.” She shrugged. “But we’re still friends.”
“Of course.” He sounded surprised to think they’d be otherwise. And that’s why she loved the guy. “But so you know, I’d throw you down and do you anytime, anywhere. All you have to do is say the word.”
“Aw, you’re so sweet.” She patted him on the cheek. “So…nice.”
“Jordan.” He gave her a sad face.
She laughed at him. “Yep. So cute. Okay, muscle man. Go home and think about why your brother and Simon are good for each other. And only part of that equation is that they can’t keep their hands off each other.”
He frowned. “You know, I could have done without hearing that.”
“Yeah, but you know you like Simon wanting your brother. A relationship should be all in, right? Love and respect. And great sex.”
He grimaced. “Please, Jordan. I just ate. I really don’t want to think of my brother and some guy.”
“Not just some guy—Simon.” She gave him a considering look. “You know, he’s really hot. Your brother has good taste.”
“Okay, you’re done. Go home.” Hector watched her get in the car, but before he shut the door, he smirked at her. “Or are you going somewhere else? Maybe to Cash’s house to tuck him in for the night? You know, he was frothing at the mouth earlier, knowing we were going out.”
“He’s just protective of me because I work for him.”
“Yeah? Because he’s not making sure Heidi’s okay all the time. And what about me? I work for him. I don’t see him having a hissy because I went out last week with the guys. And he doesn’t care if I flirt with other people.”
“I don’t flirt.”
“No, you don’t. With anyone. Do you even have a life?”
“I have a teenage boy living with me. What does that tell you?”
He winced. “Ah. Right. How’s your brother doing?” Bingo. Subject changed.
She’d talked to Hector a little bit about her brother’s struggles. But Cash had been the person she’d immediately wanted to help her with Rafi. Because he’d work on her brother until the kid came around. Or tried to knife him. Either way, Cash’s persistence and ability to get the job done were skills she respected.
Realizing Hector was waiting for her to answer, she said, “Rafi’s okay. He just needs time and some space. I remember being fifteen, and it wasn’t all that fun for me.”
“Yeah. Everyone putting pressure on you to grow up then yelling at you for being too grown and not listening to the adults talking.” Hector snorted. “And then there are the smells, the acne, the never-ending hunger because you can’t stop growing.”
“Puberty is not for the weak,” she agreed. “So, that kiss we just shared. What’s it worth? And don’t lie to me. I know the people I work with.” No doubt bets had been placed on the night’s outcome.
He grinned. “Funny Rob and Smith each owe me ten bucks.”
“Gimme a piece of that action, and I’ll swear you gave me tongue.”
He laughed. “Sure. Just don’t tell Cash, or he’ll eviscerate me.”
“He will not.”
“Jordan, open your eyes. He’s possessive. He growls around you like a freakin’ dog.” She did her best not to laugh. “He looks at your ass when you’re not looking.” Pause. “Same as you look at his when you think no one is watching.”Oh, hell.
