She laughed. “Please. I’m not you, Jeff. I always make a man work for it.”
“Very funny.”
“What are you going to do while I’m out with my stalker?”
“One, you have to stop calling him that. His name is Damon.”
“I remember.”
“Thank God for that. And two, I plan on catching up on The Great British Baking Show and maybe eating some leftover pumpkin pie.”
“I can’t believe your dad let you take the leftovers. He’s kind of rabid about pie.”
“I know. That’s why Mom made two.” He plopped back on the couch and put his big feet up on his coffee table. “Dudette, you need to hear me when I say, do not become Carla. Husband number four was looking a little rough last night. I fear there’s trouble on the love front.”
“Seriously? They’ve only been married two years.” She paused. “Then again, isn’t that her relationship expiration date?”
He sighed. “I kind of like this one too.”
“Sean?”
“Shamus. He’s got a hot accent. Irish, I think. Plus he’s a nice guy. Carla has a tough time with nice.”
“At least they don’t have kids. Divorce is hell on families.” She’d been fortunate, not like many of the kids she coached.
“I know. But she’s made it clear she doesn’t want them. Not like me. I’m going to have a bunch.”
“Why? You have animals all the time. Pets, kids. Same difference.”
“Says the teacher.” He huffed. “Don’t even try it. You’re just like me. You want kids too.”
“I do. But I’ll skip the teenage years.” Tutoring and coaching high schoolers was both rewarding and challenging. Especially with sarcastic young women who could wound with a word.
“I hear ya.”
“But you’re right, Jeff. I do want kids. Eventually. But hell, I’m nearly thirty. Maybe it’s just not in the cards for me. My brothers are all single.”
“Yeah, but they’re idiots. You’re the smart one.”
“That’s true.”
“Well, Will’s not really an idiot. And Ed’s nice.”
No mention of Steve, which had her grinning with him. Though she loved her brothers, her twin could get under hers and Jeff’s skin like no other.
A knock came at the door.
Jeff bolted to his feet. “He’s here!” He raced to the front door while she turned away from the window.
Nervous and annoyed because of it, she didn’t smile when Damon stepped into the entryway.
He didn’t smile back.
They stood glaring at each other.
Jeff sighed. “Dueling death stares. Nice. Marlie, ease up.”
“Tell him that.” She planted her hands on her hips, amused when Damon’s scowl darkened. A real bad boy? He was making her hot. Then he smiled. Instead of ruining her attraction, that dimple on his cheek deepened it.
