Page 12 of Stepbrothers

Awkward.

“I’m just passing by on my way to the office,” he said.

“Isn’t Grind ‘n’ Go rather out of your way?”

“I wanted to see you.”

“You did?”

“Sure, I wanted to see where you worked.” He paused and set his attention on her. “Who you worked with, make sure they treat you right.”

“Huh. Derek wouldn’t know how to treat a puppy right, let alone an employee.”

“I’ve just borne witness to that.” Parker’s jaw tightened. “And it’s not okay, not by a long shot.”

With a flush rising on her chest, she turned and made Parker’s drink. How mortifying for her new brother to see her being reprimanded by a dickhead like Derek. Talk about Parker getting an insight into her miserable work life.

“Here.” She handed him his drink and leaned forward. “On the house.”

“I don’t want to get you into more trouble.”

“You won’t.” She rolled her eyes.

“Let’s not risk it.” He smiled, just a little, and pushed a fiver over the counter. He walked away but didn’t sit at a table; instead, he stood casually between two windows, shoulder bunched against the wall, one ankle crossed over the other. His attention was still on her as he sipped his drink.

The next girl in the queue was watching him, too.

“What can I get for you?” Clarice asked her.

No answer.

“Miss, what can I get you?”

“Oh, er.” She shook her head as though discarding a daydream. “Two mochas…please.”

“Name?”

“Penny.”

Clarice took her payment then spun around to make the mochas. While the milk heated, she checked out Parker again. No wonder Penny’s attention had lingered. The guy had presence. He filled more than the physical space. With his brooding good looks, he seemed to be scoping out the place with a mixture of irritation and curiosity.

“Hey, pea brain, I’m not paying you to waste the goddamn milk,” Derek shouted.

“Shit.” Clarice turned back to the coffeemaker. The stupid milk had frothed over. “Shit. Shit. Shit.”

Hurriedly, she made the mochas and handed them to the customer. “Sorry about the wait.”

“No problem.” Penny, holding her two to-gos, gave Parker a last glance, then she sauntered out with her hips swaying.

A twinge of irritation niggled Clarice. Not that Parker was hers, but she didn’t want other women openly ogling him or wriggling their ass in his direction.

Parker didn’t even glance at Penny.

“I’ll take a cappuccino and a gluten-free brownie, beautiful.”

“Oh, hi, Tom. How are you today?”

“I’d be better if I didn’t have to sit in front of a screen for the next eight hours, but hey ho.”

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