Page 109 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

Before she could answer, there was a knock on the door.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Caleb

I snarled. “Who is it?”

“Yo mama.”

Red’s eyes widened in horror as she started wiping her lipstick from my mouth. Although from the look of her still-red lips, the lipstick hadn’t faded from hers.

I needed to calm the hell down.

Deep, calming breaths. I stepped away from her. Away from her luscious body and the tempting-as-sin scent of her skin.

I had to think of something else. Didn’t want big brother to see I had a raging hard-on when I opened that door. Think!

There are billions of people starving on earth.

People barfing.

Smell of the locker room just after a game.

Gross!

I was feeling better—not entirely calm, but it was a start.

I blew out a breath. “It’s all right. It’s just Ben,” I reassured her. “You still have your lipstick on, by the way. How is that even possible?”

“Kar used this magic, chocolate-flavored Harry Potter lipstick she got. Caleb, hold still!” she hissed, rubbing my bottom lip hard enough to hurt.

“Ow. Red.”

“All right. There. It’s gone. How’s my hair?”

“Gorgeous.”

She glared at me. “Caleb. Be serious.”

“I am serious.” I grinned, grabbing her hips and pulling her toward me.

The knock sounded again. Red’s eyes were filled with panic. I kissed her on the mouth before yanking the door open.

Ben stood at the door, his hand raised to knock again. His eyes shifted from my face to Red’s. Then he smiled charmingly. I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Don’t stare at her,” I barked.

He ignored me.

“I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier. You must be Veronica. I’m Ben, Caleb’s older brother.”

“Yes. Older. He’s old,” I inserted.

She ignored me too.

“Nice to meet you, Ben. Thanks for helping me find Caleb.”

“Pleasure is all mine.”

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