Page 73 of Smooth Moves
He wanted to kiss her, so he did. He pulled away, pleased to see her eyes cloudy with lust. “So tell me. What has your panties in a knot? Because you haven’t been yourself since the Fourth. Did you miss me? Is that it? Well, it’s all better now, Sugar Lips. I’m here.”
She laughed, as he’d hoped she might, and relaxed. “You’re still such an ass. Your consistency helps.”
He smiled. “And I still have a big dick. You’re welcome.”
She laughed again then sighed. “I made a mess over July Fourth.” She ran through the day then mentioned Rafi not acting right.
“A mess,” he agreed. “Makes me glad my mom and dad are dead.”
She blinked. “I, ah, I’m sorry?”
“Nah. I told you they weren’t good at being parents. You have it bad, but different bad. Your mom and dad actually love you guys, they’re just not so good at handling your problems.”
She nodded. “I can’t believe they can’t see how bad military school would be for Rafi.”
He played devil’s advocate. “But would it be so bad?”
She stared at him with wide eyes. “How can you say that?”
“The military helped me. It helped you. All that structure and discipline.”
He could see her anger and braced himself, knowing she’d feel better after she let it out.
“Are you insane? First of all, youchosethe military. You didn’t have anyone choosing it for you. And you joined the Marine Corps—the actual military, not a military school run by wannabe assholes who couldn’t hack it in the real world.”
“Ouch. You know this for a fact?”
“I did the math.” Which wasn’t exactly gleaning facts from research, but he let it slide. “I googled the school. The people there take troubled youths and mold them. But molding means they can do whatever the hell they want to these kids. Sounds more like brainwashing and abuse than discipline.”
“So Rafi stays with you.”
She nodded. “My parents are fine to let him stay with me, but it’s all on me. It sucks, I have to tell you. When he’s happy and the old Rafi, it’s not a problem, well, except that he never stops eating.”
Cash’s appetite had always been enormous, so he didn’t comment.
“But when he’s sarcastic and annoying—”
“Like looking into a mirror for you, huh?”
She shot him the finger, which made him laugh. “It’s tough to remember he needs my help and not a foot up his ass.”
“Which is why you’re such a great sister. You’re helping him.”
“Maybe.” She released a huge sigh. “And maybe their idea of having him get in line or deal with the consequences is right. Maybe this military academy would be a good thing and I’m full of worry. I mean, I didn’t actually see any accusations of abuse or wrongdoing online about the place. I just don’t have a good feeling.”
“Hmm. Why not check it out? I could go with you for moral support.”
“Thanks, but it’s in Pennsylvania.”
“Hell. On the East Coast? If he goes and ends up having a problem, he’s too far for you or your parents to just drive down there and get him.”
“Duh. I know that.”
“Okay, smartass.” He put her in a headlock, amused with her inability to get free. “So you’re still struggling with the whole Rafi deal. But there’s something else. Tell me what’s really bothering you.”
Her muffled “Besides the fact I have your nasty armpit in my face?” made him grin.
“Hey, I’m wearing the Seahawks. Be nice.” He let go, and she slapped his chest. “Ow.”
