“Relax, she’s nineteen. And, yes, I told Laney she’s only allowed to serve food and sodas. We’re covered.”
“Sweet.” He frowns into her as she heads in our direction.
“This is great!” She beams, flaunting a bill in her hand before burying it in her pocket. “Some guy just gave me a twenty for wiggling my hips at him.”
“No.” I shake my head. “No private dancing.” Shit. Forget Cole, I’ll have my own balls on a spit by the end of the night if she accidentally turns this into some kind of a stripping gig. The only one she’s allowed to strip for is me. I give a dull smile because I know the only way I’ll let that happen is in my fantasies, and I happen to have a couple lining up in the queue.
She wrinkles her nose and looks cute as hell in the process. “Okay, but the tips would be outrageous if I did.”
“You know what else would be outrageous? Your brother’s temper. Speaking of brothers—Baya, this is my big bro Holt—Holt, Baya.”
“Nice to meet you.” She gives an impish grin, and my dick whimpers like a sad puppy to come out and play.
“Baya,” Holt eases her name out like a song. “You should see me mix a dirty martini.” He leans in like he’s diving for a kiss, and I slice my hand through the narrow gap between them.
“And, much like your big brother, mine is mostly full of himself.”
She gives a quiet laugh. Her eyes sparkle like cut emeralds, and my heart races like it expects something from the exchange.
“On second thought”—I revert my attention back to Holt before I lose it looking at her—“he’s more like an annoying little brother.”
“Hey.” Holt taps his chest. “I’m older by fifteen minutes, and, much like tonight, your boyfriend here was late on arrival.”
Her cheeks darken a shade at the thought of being called my anything. She probably considers it an insult, and who could blame her? It would be.
“So you’re twins?” She tilts into me, and the tiny dimple in her cheek inverts.
“Fraternal,” I say. “Or as I like to refer to him, the ultimate tagalong.”
“Technically”—Holt wags a finger—“I came first, so you would be the tagalong.”
“Iexistedfirst, instinctually I know this.” I toss the dishtowel over my shoulder. “I’m also the smarter one, so don’t believe half the bull he slings your way.”
“Got it. Well, you look almost identical.” She offers him a sly smile, and for a second I think she’s flirting with him. “I’d better go.” Her eyes linger over his before making her way back to the floor.
“Dude.” I smack him in the arm until he comes to. “Don’t even think of laying your paws on her.”
“Sounds like someone’s desperate to get laid.” He folds his arms across his chest. “Wouldn’t it be funny if this is the one that finally turns you down?”
I look over at her smiling at the customers, laughing while she takes their order.
“I don’t have to worry about her turning me down. We won’t be heading on that path.” At least not anytime soon.
I don’t deserve someone like Baya.
Steph can attest to that.
