“Yeah, well, she’s gonna give me a baby brother soon.”
Gavin smiled, trying not to flinch at the ticklish feel of tiny fingers over his scar. So strange to see a little kid in his room. “Del’s pregnant?”
“I don’t think so. But Dad said he’s doing his best to get the job done.”
“I’ll bet,” Theo murmured.
Gavin shot him a grin. With a woman as fine as Del, Gavin didn’t think Mike was suffering too much hardship. “Well, he’s trying, I’m sure. But you know, sometimes guys like your dad get too old and weak. Maybe he needs help getting the baby. He might not know what to do, since it’s been so long since you were born. Tell him I’d be happy to help Del out with the problem.” And Mike would suffer a fit of apoplexy. Serve him right.
“Wow, Gavin. That would be awesome. I’ll tell Dad. I want a baby brother, like Theo. But smaller.”
“Theo used to be really small.” Gavin scooted over and patted his bed. Colin joined him. Then Jekyll did too.
“Jekyll, don’t—” Gavinoomphedas the dog knocked him back, slobbering a huge tongue over his face while Colin and Theo laughed.
“Can we go for a walk? Or go in the park? Bryan is doing air guns today. Can we do that?” Colin revved himself so that he talked faster, if that were possible. “Can we? Can we, Gavin? And is there more Lucky Charms for me? Theo only gave me one bowl, but I can eat the whole box. Wanna see?”
“Gotta go, Gav. You’re the best. Bye.” Theo darted away.
“Coward,” Gavin called out. He heard the front door slam. Then just a panting, overgrown puppy dog and a hopeful little boy with Mike’s dark-blue eyes stared up at him. “So this means I’m taking care of you today.”
“Yeah. But I don’t know why Gramma isn’t. She and Grandpa are home. But Theo asked if he could watch me for money. And they paid him.” Colin leaned in and whispered, “I don’t think he’s working at a job. He and his friend are going to get beer and girls. I heard them talking about it when Theo drove me here.” He screwed up his face. “Girls? Blech.”
Gavin remembered Ava telling him that Theo would be out of town this weekend. Port Angeles to party. Right.
“What a punk.” Gavin had apparently been sacrificed for beer money and Theo’s good time. “Well, there’s nothing saying we can’t get him back for the trick he pulled. Let me get a shower, and we’ll pull some nasty pranks on my family. You game?”
Colin beamed. “I sure am. I’m really good at tricks. I can even cry whenever I want. Watch.” To Gavin’s astonishment, the kid sobbed as if he’d lost his favorite toy.
“Nice one.” Gavin grinned. “Now give me a ‘Yes, sir!’ with a salute. Like this.” He showed the boy, who caught on fast. Jekyll wagged his tail and barked. “Jekyll, off the bed.”
The dog immediately leaped down.
“Wow. That’s pretty good.” Colin seemed impressed. “So how are we going to trick your family? Aunt Linda and Uncle Van too? Can we do my uncles and aunts when we’re done with them?” So bloodthirsty. Gavin liked him.
“Oh, all of them, kid. They deserve no mercy.” He snorted. “And your dad thinks I’m messed up. I’m clearheaded enough to win the prank wars.”
Colin’s eyes grew wide. “What are those?”
Gavin smiled. “Tell you what. Go watch some cartoons, eat the rest of Theo’s Lucky Charms if you want, and relax. When I finish my shower, I’ll tell you all about the prank wars. Then we’ll make plans to sabotage the whole family. One sibling and one cousin at a time.” He rubbed his hands together with glee. “Won’t that be fun?”
“You are awesome, Gavin! Better than Theo even.” Colin raced away and shrieked like a demon while the dog barked and knocked things over. Uh-oh. That sounded like a lamp crashing to the floor. Ah well.
“I really am awesome,” Gavin said to the now-empty room, thoughts of revenge brightening his day.
With no plans to see Zoe until later tonight, he had time to kill. And a reputation to uphold.
No time like the present.
* * *
Standing in her driveway, Zoe held the phone away from her ear as Cleo yelled her excitement. She brought the phone back close. “Yes, a third date, the third night in a row. What? Oh, Gavin suggested this one. More gardening at that friend of his sister’s. But he wants to learn some ways to—” She paused. “Wait. Piper called you? My aunt?”
Piper and Cleo knew and liked each other. But Zoe hadn’t realized they were on regular speaking terms.
“So Piper said he has an amazing body, huh? She would know. She all but felt him up in my house.” On the couch.Zoe’scouch, touchingZoe’sman. It disturbed Zoe to feel so possessive, and especially about her aunt. But Piper still had her looks, and Gavin had not been immune.
I amnotjealous of my aunt. What is wrong with me?
