“I won’t.” She bites her bottom lip, hesitating. “I’m scared something will go wrong.”
I put my hand on hers. “That’s normal. If you ever have any questions, let me know. I’m always here for you.”
Her shoulders relax, and she gives me a small, grateful smile. “Thanks so much.”
Ava, along with the sweet butts, bring out the side dishes—corn on the cob, fried rice, mac and cheese, and salad—and centers them on the table. I see Mercedez, but I avoid making eye contact. I just need to get through today. Ava wouldn’t take no for an answer when she invited me, and when I said I couldn’t make it, she made sure the barbecue didn’t happen until I was available. I couldn’t say no to that. If I had, she would’ve become even more suspicious about why I’ve been keeping my distance.
“Lunch is ready,” Reaper declares, and the men take a seat around the wooden table next to their partners.
The meat is put in the middle, and we all fill our plates.
“So... Milly, how’s McDaddy doing?” Sophie purrs his name in a teasing, seductive tone.
I choke on my saliva, and everyone glances my way as Ivy pats my back. I see Mercedez place her hand on Twitch’s arm. My stomach twists, and my nostrils flare as I glare at her hand. He doesn’t ask her to move it. My fists clench under the table. If they’re close again, I guess I can freely date too.
“He ummm... asked me out on a date,” I say, and then take a long swig from my wine to avoid looking at anyone.
“What?” Twitch asks, his voice rougher than usual. His eyes widen as he realizes his outburst.
McDaddy asking me out was unexpected and random. He enjoys spending time with me, but I’m torn about what to do. I hadn’t decided until I saw Mercedez’s hand on Twitch’s arm. I’m not ready to get involved with someone else, but I’m overrun and burning with jealousy. The bitterness is rotting me from the inside out.
“Woohoo!” Sophie cheers. “I need a picture of this guy ASAP.”
Viper raises a brow. “Really? Do you now?” he asks her.
Sophie replies, “Yes, really. I’m nosy. I’m with you now, so I need to live through all the single women.”
I’ve been single for most of my life. I never dated much. I’m quiet and focused on my career. Working long shifts all the time and doing overtime did little for my social life. Now I’m interested in Twitch, and I have a colleague who wants to go out on a date. Trust this to happen to me all at once.
Viper shakes his head with a smirk on his lips.
“When’s the date?” Ava asks, leaning forward, clearly invested in my story.
Twitch’s eyes are burning holes into my head, but I ignore him. “He suggested tomorrow night at the seafood restaurant by the beach.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mercedez’s beaming smile. “I’m so happy for you,” she says, her voice sickly sweet and dripping with fake enthusiasm.
Ivy claps. “I’m happy for you finally getting out and dating again.”
“Again?” Reaper asks, his sharp eyes narrowing. He doesn’t miss much... apart from me and Twitch.
My breathing quickens. “She just meant because it’s been so long since I have,” I reply to my brother at lightning speed, trying to cover my tracks.
“What did this doctor’s background check say?” Reaper asks, glancing at Twitch.
Twitch’s jaw tightens, and I can see the muscle ticking as he grinds his teeth.
I clasp and unclasp my hands, trying to stay calm.
“Twitch?” Reaper prompts again.
Twitch’s eyes fly to Reaper. “Divorced. No kids. Worked his whole life. Not even a parking ticket. Pretty boring if you ask me.”
I narrow my eyes at him. Well, no one asked for his opinion.
“I like boring,” Reaper adds approvingly.
Of course he does. No risks.
