Page 46 of Highball and Chain

Enzo

I’d survivedthree decades on the planet with precious little female drama—that is until Gabe and Maggie decided to have a destination wedding... Since then, I’d taken a ride on the fucking Estrogen Express to Nucking Futsville.

My only hope of getting back on stable land? My brothers. God, help me.

Gabe and Leo sat on the patio with their heads together, speaking in Italian. I set a bottle of my father’s Macallan, Single Malt Whiskey on the table, along with three lowball tumblers.

Leo eyed the Lalique crystal decanter. “Bringing out the big guns?”

“Is this business or female trouble?” Gabe filled the glasses.

“Both.” I took a sip and let the undertones of dried fruit and toffee soothe me. “Shanna was fired from her job. I’d like to find a place for her in the company.”

Gabe nodded. “Done. If she’s interested.”

“I’ll talk to her.” After her parting shot about distancing herself from the mafia, I doubted she’d accept the offer, but I had to try.

Leo knocked back half his whiskey. “What’s really bothering you?”

I debated swearing them to secrecy like we’d done when we were kids, but they were tight with Shanna’s two best friends. I doubted either of them could keep quiet.

“She’s into you. You’re obviously into her. What’s the problem?” Gabe folded his arms.

I drew a breath and said the verbal equivalent of tying my own noose. “I can’t close the deal.”

My brothers were born less than a year apart, and at times like this, they could have been twins. Both knuckleheads stared at me with their mouths hanging open.

Leo ran his hand over his jaw. “Ever think part of your problem is that you’re referring to sex in business terms?”

“Better yet, have you considered having an actual relationship instead of a series of one-nighters?” Gabe deadpanned.

I gritted my teeth and forced myself to remain in my chair. This is a bad idea.

Leo motioned to my lower body. “Is everything functional?”

“Forget it.” I stood and turned to go inside.

Shanna chose that moment to walk outside, wearing skin-tight jeans and a tank top that hugged her teacup-sized breasts.

She spared us a glance and sighed. “You guys looked deep in conversation. Don’t let me interrupt. I just came out to tell you Dahlia and Jessie are here. We’re ready to go when you are.”

I sat because standing was no longer an option. “I’ll be right in.”

Shanna gave me an odd look, turned on her heel, and walked back into the house.

Gabe nudged Leo. “His equipment appears to be working.”

“Vaffanculo.” The command to fuck off came out in a hiss.

Leo smirked and replied in Italian. “Between Nico and her family’s bullshit, a lot has happened. Give her time.”

“He’s right. Shanna’s tough, but she’s a lot like Maggie. She knows what she wants, but overthinks it,” Gabe said.

I ran my hands over my head. “It’s not just the sex. She is hot one minute, cold the next.”

My brothers nodded in unison.

Leo sighed and glanced out over the water. “Patience is key. Follow her lead. She’ll let you know what she wants. The hard part is shutting up and listening to her.”

---