Page 80 of Smooth Moves
“No, but he does make a habit of being loud and growly when he comes over to eat. I’m used to that. Wasn’t sure you were.”
Jordan smiled. “He growls a little. Mostly he’s too busy shoving his face full of food to be bothered.”
Naomi huffed. “I hear that. Reid had to smack him in the head last time to make sure he saved some food for the rest of us. I didn’t mind. But apparently Reid had wanted leftovers to take for lunch the next day.”
“He does like to eat.” They both turned to see the guys crouched, petting a cat.
“Oh, that’s Rex. He kind of owns the place. I just live here.”
Jordan went to pet the cat as well, a sucker for furry animals. Reid left them to it, and Jordan took the opportunity to elbow Cash in the gut.
He grunted and gave her a dirty look. “What’s that for?”
“Relax. And don’t rub in the fact we’re dating, okay?”
He stood suddenly, looming over her. “You’re embarrassed to be dating me?”
She stood as well, conscious that he continued to loom. “No, nimrod. I’m fine with us dating and everyone knowing it. You don’t have to beat them over the head with it is all.”
He nodded. “Okay. So, ah, did you tell your brother about us?”
“Not exactly. I’m more concerned with where he’s been going lately than sharing my love life with him.”
“Is he having more problems at school?”
“I don’t know. I left a few messages for the school, but no one’s gotten back to me. And I hate to keep bringing it up with him because he shuts down and accuses me of not trusting him.”
“You don’t trust him. With good reason.”
“I know.” She sighed. “I wish I was better with him. But, hey, at least he’s lost a lot of that attitude he was getting up to with me. Now he’s nice all the time, just quiet. When he’s home, I mean.” Something was off with the kid; she could feel it.
“Okay, enough of that.”
“Of what?”
Cash grabbed her hand and gently tugged her toward the kitchen. “No more obsessing over responsibilities. Tonight, be with me and have fun. And apologize.”
“Apologize?” She frowned at him.
“For not makingmeone of those apple things before bringing one to Naomi. Come on, Jordan. You’re better than that.”
She tried not to smile. “Am I though?”
“Sure. You’re a genius with a stove, and you know I love your food. But the plain fact of the matter is you’re not cooking for me nearly enough.”
“Is that right?” She let him lead her into the kitchen, where Naomi and Reid stood watching them.
“Yep. Tell her, Reid.”
“That she should cook for you and only you?” Reid leaned against the counter while Naomi finished with the salad. “That your appetite is exceeded only by your ego and fat head?”
“Yeah, that.”
Jordan shook her head, more than amused. “I already knew all that.”
“Yeah? Well, did you know we once had a pie-eating contest in the Corps, and Cash lost to me?” Reid puffed up. “That’s right, Naomi. Your man stuffed more blueberry pie down his—”
“Pie hole,” Cash interrupted.
