Ainsley looked back at me every so often. A small smile would spread on her face, her cheeks would turn a light shade of red, and her eyes would flash with something I had never seen before. Not directed at me anyway.

I liked her. I really liked her. I found that ever since I first met her, there was a part of me that wanted to take things slow. So I appreciated the fact that it took a bit for us to actually have sex. It wasn’t something I was used to. Most of the women I had been with would give it up right away and I found that it no longer did anything for me.

My phone took that moment to buzz. I fished it out of my pocket, saw that it was Sammy, and unlocked the screen.

Sam: You down for drinks tonight?

Me: Can’t. On a date.

Sam: With Mouse?

I frowned.

Me: I thought she was Quiet Girl.

Sam: Mouse sounds better. Enjoy, brother.

I could almost see his eye roll from here.

Ainsley glanced at me over her shoulder, her brows furrowing in the middle.

I went up to her and kissed her cheek. “I have to make a call,” I told her, keeping my mouth against her skin. “Take all the time you need. I’ll just be over here.”

She nodded, turned her head, and placed a soft peck on my lips.

That single movement, although small, did something funny to me. It made me realize that I would do anything for this woman. Even if it meant putting my relationship with my own brother on the line.

***






(Ainsley)

Isensed that somethingwas wrong with Cyrus, but I couldn’t place what it was. He was only a few feet away, but I could almost see the stiffness in his muscles. Did someone call him and piss him off?

My thoughts went to his brother. Maybe Sammy didn’t approve of whatever it was that Cyrus and me were doing. Not that it was any of his business of course but I also didn’t want to come between them at all.

Cyrus went on like he didn’t care what his brother thought, but I knew he did. How could he not? They were close and had already been through so much. Maybe I could try and reach out to Sammy, write him a letter and see what the hell his problem was.

Cyrus had his cell up to his ear, a deep scowl on his face. Whoever he was talking to had changed his mood completely. Just when I thought the night was ruined, Cyrus caught my gaze and winked.

My stomach fluttered.

He came toward me, pulling the phone from his ear. “My brother says hi.”

I raised an eyebrow.